Must-see restaurants in Northeastern Thailand

  • Saigon Kitchen

    Northeastern Thailand

    It's nothing flash, but for some this is Mukdahan's best Vietnamese restaurant, with standout spring rolls (the skin's so thin it's translucent) as well…

  • Darika Bakery

    Nong Khai

    It's hard to categorise this place, run by a sweet old lady who makes standard Thai dishes and also many international favourites such as baked cakes and…

  • Aunt Kaew's Noodles

    Nakhon Phanom

    The auntie who rules this simple, open-fronted noodle house – wildly popular with the locals – knocks up delicious bowls of glass noodles mixed with thick…

  • Night Market

    Ubon Ratchathani

    Though it's smaller than you'd expect, Ubon's city-centre night market makes an excellent dining destination, especially when paired with the weekend…

  • Chiokee

    Ubon Ratchathani

    A steady stream of old-timers linger over congee (rice porridge), tea and newspapers at this classic breakfast spot. Although it’s less popular during the…

  • Roma Sausage

    Khao Yai National Park

    This casual alfresco spot on one of the busiest stretches of Th Thanarat manages to succeed at both Thai (yellow curry with mackerel and crispy tofu lâhp)…

  • Khao Soi

    Nong Khai

    If you're missing the flavours of northern Thailand, this descriptively named hole-in-the-wall will satisfy your cravings. For the uninitiated, khao soi …

  • Kit Teung Bakery & Coffee

    Northeastern Thailand

    This bright, modern place close to the train station (exit the station and take the second left) has some of the best coffee and tea in town, but it…

  • Goodmook*

    Northeastern Thailand

    This delightful place has a cool, retro theme and a mix of Thai and international food (expensive but good), art on the walls, chill music and good coffee…

  • Rabieng Kaew

    Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)

    This rustic spot has both indoor and outdoor seating. The food, all big dishes meant to be shared, is very good and though the menu is large, you might be…

  • Jer Loei

    Chiang Khan

    From the decor to the music, this is a full-on Thai 'indy' place, and the seating is close enough to the river to catch a sunset view. The small menu is…

  • Surin Pochana

    Northeastern Thailand

    A Surin classic, this simple place has served delicious Thai fare, including a good đôm yam and fried frog with basil, since 1943. Walk straight out of…

  • Daeng Namnuang

    Nong Khai

    This massive river restaurant has grown into a Nong Khai institution, and hordes of out-of-towners head home with car boots and carry-on bags stuffed with…

  • Barai Coffee

    Nakhon Ratchasima Province

    Just in front of the historical park entrance, this is a convenient stop for a brewed coffee and a blast of air-conditioning. They also do smoothies,…

  • Dee Dee Pohchanah

    Nong Khai

    How good is Dee Dee? Just look at the dinner-time crowds. But don't be put off by them: despite having a full house every night, this open-air place is a…

  • Wine Wild Why?

    Northeastern Thailand

    Housed in an atmospheric wooden building next to the river, this relaxing spot has bags of character and delicious Thai and Isan food. The wine selection…

  • Saap Lah

    Nong Khai

    For excellent gài yâhng (grilled chicken), sôm·đam (spicy green papaya salad) and other Isan foods, follow your nose to this no-frills, open-fronted…

  • Night Box Market

    Northeastern Thailand

    Much bigger than it appears when seen from the street, this shipping container assemblage draws a youthful crowd with a bigger variety of foods than is…

  • Pugtukhong

    Nakhon Phanom Province

    Khun Maew, who speaks English and is a good source of local info, serves heaping plates of delicious Thai and Isan standards with a river view. Also good…

  • Night Market

    Northeastern Thailand

    A block south of the fountain, Surin's main night market whips up plenty of Thai and Isan dishes. Walk straight out of the train station then take a left…

  • 100 Year Meuang Ya Market

    Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)

    This night market is full of antiques and kitsch, but it's also a serious dining destination with dozens of restaurants (Thai, Isan and more) under a big…

  • Nan Yuan Noodles

    Khon Kaen

    Popular south-Chinese restaurant chain with easy-to-order English photo menu. It does rice, soups and roast duck dishes as well as its signature noodles.

  • Little Home

    Nakhon Phanom

    Modern, big-windowed cafe-cum-restaurant with good coffee and a decent selection of Thai dishes plus a few Western choices (macaroni, spaghetti etc).

  • Yaek Kut Kha Night Market

    Khao Yai National Park

    A bustling night market serving take-home food to the local community. A few street carts in this area are open during the morning hours, too.

  • Gway-tiao Gai Boran

    Ubon Ratchathani

    Yes, the gŏo·ay·đĕe·o (noodle soup) here is delicious, but we also love this place for its old-time feel.

  • Wat Boon Night Bazaar

    Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)

    This is the largest night market inside the old town. All the usual Thai and Isan dishes are available for takeaway.

  • Night Market

    Nakhon Phanom

    Nakhon Phanom's night market is large and diverse (Thai, Isan, Vietnamese, international) but has few places to sit.

  • Centre Point Night Market

    Udon Thani

    About half the food for sale in this night market is Isan fare, including grilled fish and roasted insects.

  • Talat Jae Jae

    Nakhon Ratchasima Province

    This small morning street market is a good place to look for some breakfast.

  • Night Market

    Khon Kaen

    For cheap but delicious eats, the city’s main night market is a good one.

  • Laksana Restaurant

    Buriram Province

    This spot is renowned for a sweet version of the city's famous kăh mŏo nang rong (stewed pork leg) – available in several styles including 'volcano' (poo…

  • Desserts

    Udon Thani

    This is not your ordinary Thai restaurant. Dishes such as kôw klúk gà·þì (rice with shrimp paste) and massaman curry are done with no shortcuts or…

  • 14 Cafe

    Ubon Ratchathani

    Classy through and through, 14 Cafe is a funky garden restaurant that's good for a special night out. The large menu has quite a bit of seafood and…

  • Champasak

    Nakhon Phanom

    Champasak specialises in Mekong river fish. The owner, the daughter of Mekong fisherfolk, knows her fish and takes pride in her selection. The shop has…

  • Good Everything

    Udon Thani

    This white cottage and surrounding garden feels transported from the English countryside. It features fresh and healthy cuisine, such as salmon with…

  • Noi Tam Suea @ Loei

    Loei Province

    This popular restaurant has all the expected Isan foods including þlah pŏw (grilled fish) and duck lâhp, plus several less common options including sôm…

  • Peppers

    Ubon Ratchathani

    Peppers, popular with both fa·ràng (Westerners) and Thai, features a broad international menu with everything from nachos to schnitzel to pizza to đôm yam…

  • Preecha Night Market

    Udon Thani

    The stalls at this night market are mostly cook-to-order shops with low prices. One woman serves the local speciality kôw þee·ak, a soup of thick rice…

  • Pizza Milano

    Northeastern Thailand

    Though named for its delicious pizzas, which attracts the expat crowd, this place also has a full Thai menu. It's a simple but comfortable air-con spot…

  • Nang Rong Night Market

    Buriram Province

    This surprisingly large night market has plenty of Thai street food on offer. It's mostly grab-and-go takeaways, but a couple of stalls have tables and…