FOOD GUIDE TO HUA HIN
OH I DO LOVE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE
Hua Hin is perhaps an odd location for The Mouth to write a guide about, but circumstances had us planting our feet firmly in the sand for over a month. A quite substantial time for someone to amass at least a few tried and tested places to throw your money at.
Seafood is an obvious concern when vacationing by the beach, and Hua Hin has options in spades. However, the quality of the seafood in the main strip is questionable, and if you want to do what the locals do, be prepared to drive south to Pran Buri to taste the best.
Another burgeouning factor in Hua Hin's landscape is the appearance of numerous coffee shops specialising in rather decent brews. As The Mouth does not imbibe in evil spirits, there are sadly no bar recommendations for those who enjoy sailing on insane seas. Find your own.
By now we shouldn't need to remind you, that everything in life is personal taste so don't get your knickers in a twist. At the time of writing those mentioned below offered sustenance and pleasure in equal measure, and catered to our palates. If you veer into territories of other flavour profiles, then you will not find riches in this mess of a report.
FAH MUEY
Everyone comes to Hua Hin wanting some fresh seafood, and Fah Muey is the spot you want to hit. Next door to the (also good) Chaolay, Fah Muey just aches of more charm, authenticity, local vibes and really, reaaaaally good food. The old ladies will charm you and the dishes will slap you round the face with chili and fresh as can be fish. Hunt it down, just follow the locals.
p.s. Thanks to Gallery Drip for the recommendation!
NONG MAY'S
Blissfully spicy fresh fish curries, friendly service, a true local gem!
RONIN CAPSULE
Like walking into a living rainbow, this amazing coffee shop and art studio just vibes with us. The owners are an artistic family collective who play guitars, paint, assemble lego on the counter and create the most welcoming atmosphere. The coffee is excellent too.
They are open only a few weeks a year, so check their
instagram for details.
RATAMA DUCK PALO
The locals choice for duck soup, and who can blame them. One of the few places that doesn't serve overtly sweet broth, their duck is beautifully cooked and you have the choice between three styles of noodles. A true local gem.
NAI HOI
It's a question of how local you want to go if you hit this spot. Famous for their fried fish with skin on, this humble shack sells out often before midday, battling the throngs of locals craving a bite. We ordered both the fish with skin and without, and made the mistake of eating full plates of both. The oil-overload was a bit too much, but if you stick to one plate or share, you'll be happy you visited.
Grandma has been cooking fish for over 40 years and it shows in how crispy the batter is, yet the fish inside is perfectly moist.
TUM SAI SEAFOOD
Where the locals go to eat seafood. Everything is fresh as a peach and flavourful. It's a 20 minute drive from Hua Hin, but worth the adventure.
GALLERY DRIP
The coffee scene is alive and well in Hua Hin, and of the two we chose to include in this guide, this was our favourite. The couple who run it are superbly friendly and a great resource if you are curious about where to eat. Their coffee is great and the shop is right infront of our favourite Phad Kha Prow joint.
p.s. Note the shop is rumoured to move across the road in February 2024.
ลุงบังหัวปลาหม้อไฟ
Mainly frequented by Bangkok weekenders, this local spot has been churning out good dishes for decades.
MHAN
Fiery plates of Phad Kha Prow with Australian beef, a perfectly cooked egg, and no mercy with the level of chilli's, this was our absolute go-to in Hua Hin.
KRUA HUAI SAI
If you're wondering where all the locals are, they're here. A huge monster of a restaurant belting out hundreds of plates of excellent seafood every minute.
CHAINAT KITCHEN
Located on a dark road near the airport, and popular with ex-pats with local wives, the restaurant kills two birds with one stone by having a "Foreigner" menu, along with a Thai one. No marriages will be ruined over arguments on dishes here.
Our recommendation is to choose from the Thai menu. Not the thai dishes in the English menu, but ask for the actual Thai menu and point at one of the photos.
ร้านอาหาร น้องเจเจ
Hidden to the extent that even some locals don't know where this is, there are not many better seafood places within the "downtown" confines where you can avoid annoying tourists and eat food not dumbed down for a western palette.
EIGHTEEN BELOW
When the heat overcomes you, find salvation in this small ice-cream shop.
SRNA
Our second choice for coffee in Hua Hin, though this is strictly a take-away only place and if you get caught having a coffee on the benches in the waiting area, be prepared for an endless throng of selfie takers.
TAM SOM
The Isaan food cravings are satisfied at Tam Som, which is quite a drive out of normal areas for tourists, but well worth it.
Special mention to the Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) and of course the Som Tum.
OGEN
Ogen does middle eastern food, and it does it well. Prices are a tad on the handsome side, but the portions are generous and service is friendly.
KHO MARK
Should you be worried about travelling the next day and avoiding a bad stomach, then Kho Mark serves up decent versions of all the regular seafood dishes in a very clean and safe environment. The food here is safe, has no bells & whistles, but sometimes you just want something you can trust.
Their Tom Yum Goong is quite good.
S & S RESTAURANT
In the middle of tourist hell, and definitely not a secret anymore, this Indian restaurant does the best food in town. Special mention goes to their Chana Dal, and if you can get the chef to tart up your chicken curry "South Indian" style, you'll be in for a treat.
ALL CONTENT ON THIS WEBSITE IS ORIGINAL AND CREATED BY THE MOUTH'S WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.