WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN TRANG

99.9% of foreign visitors to these parts either land in Phuket, Samui, Surat Thani or Krabi and head straight off to an island for some R&R. What people fail to realise is that Southern Thailand has some of the best food in the whole country, and the people away from the tourist trails are the friendliest you'll find. Walk any street in Trang and you'll guaranteed be greeted with smiles from strangers and even a few hello's. On top of that, the food scene is rich with both contemporary and traditional restaurants waiting for you to order. The other winning combo is that they add less sugar overall than their Northern diabetics. Heat and balance is on offer here and we're totally down with it.

Dim Sum is a famous breakfast in Trang, and the city is littered with multiple places. Pork is also king here, so you'll be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn't offer its version of the local speciality: Moo Yang.

The coffee scene is in its infancy but we found a few to quench the caffeine withdrawals.

This guide especially could not have been made without the countless amazing contributions and tips from some of the restaurants featured beneath. Big shoutouts to Mook at Lion's Tale and the family at  EggE Egg Egg for trip-changingly epic tips!

Be sure to go to both those places on your city tour of Trang!

A hidden tea omakase in a random backalley? Yes sir!

The owner of this veritable diamond is a bonafide legend in the best terms of the word. Open when he feels like it, closed without notice, suddenly disappears for vacations, doesn't bother to pull the shutters up but leaves a window open as sign that you can approach and order, limits customers to one order per day- this glorified shed serves some of the best tasting fruit tea we have ever tried in Thailand, and we generally despise fruit tea. The excitement of heading there and not knowing if you'll even get served is part of the thrill. If he happens to be closed, then just suck it up buttercup and head to the fantastic bookstore twenty meters down the road. Info further down.

EGG E EGG EGG

Only open for brunch from 10am - 1pm, this family run restaurant in a labyrinth-like location is top of the list for a fresh, tasty lunch. They are known for their oysters and the crab omelette rice bowls. A must-do on your Trang itinerary.

339 HUAN KHAO SOI

The vast majority of popular Khao Soi places in Chiang Mai fail to serve up a bowl as great as this. The owner is from the North, but takes the best parts of the dish and tailors it to the souths longing for a bit more heat. None of the thick, heavy, sweet coconut cream curry here; a thinner, super flavoursome spicy broth with all the usual suspects served in Air Conditioned glory.

CHEW DAM

Soul satisfying Hokkien Mee noodles wrapped in the most deeply addictive broth, sprinkled with dark, crunchy fried shallots, peppered with pork slices and greens, and accompanied by the usual slew of condiments to elevate the dish to how you like it (splash of vinegar, hit of chili powder, tons of green pickled chili slices).

This food makes you crave home and adventure in the same bite.

p.s. The pro move here is to either go off-hours or just before closing, otherwise you'll have to wait upwards of an hour for your food.

JEEB KHAO DIM SUM

Come here early in the morning if you're looking for OLD SKOOL style Trang dim sum. It's an experience.

KHRUA THONG NA THAM

20 minutes outside of Trang lies the best place for all your southern comforts. Just remember to arrange transport back as the Grab app does not work that far. All your usual dishes are standout and the service is delightful.

PHAN MA BA

Two doors down from the tea conjurer is this beautiful Murakami-loving bookstore. Take refuge from the raging sun and peruse some books or grab a coffee in the garden cafe.

p.s. If you're hungry, they serve one of the best Phad Ka Prow in town! No kidding, seriously, the best damn pork Phad Ka Prow ever. On earth maybe. Ok maybe not, but maybe.

Latte-art lovers should stop by this cafe in Trang, the location near the train station also makes it a super convenient stop in or out of town.

Your spot in Trang for cocktails and a taste of the finer things in life. A mix of local dishes, pasta and western comforts prepared with love and attention. The co-owner Mook was instrumental in helping set up this city guide.

CHEN JIA DIM SUM

This female owned and run dim sum cafe serves up versions that most people will be familiar with. The air conditioned clean locale makes it a favourite for local families and the dim sum is great. Make sure you order the prawn dumplings in lime and chili (pictured above).

HAWKEN COFFEE BREWERS

The cafe that local baristas go to on their day off. Run by a charming couple, the refurbished old shop interiors are conducive to sipping an ice americano and cooling off from the heat.

JEI KEE ROAST PORK

The pork is only ready after 10am, so time your visit. Our suggestion is to get the rice with chicken combo and ask for some pork to be added. Skin crispier than glass, and succulent -slightly sweet- chicken makes for the perfect pre-lunch. Make sure you coat it in the dark brown umami-bomb sauce they provide.

p.s. There are two places almost next to each other with indentical awnings, the one to the left is where you get the pork rice.

Whenever an 80 year old woman is frying bananas, you know they're going to be the best in town. These are more savoury than sweet due to the type of banana they use, but the locals flock here so be expected to wait in line.

KIM RESTAURANT

Trang locals flock to Kim for the taste of old skool Chinese-Thai food. As suspected, they're known for their pork, but their seafood dishes are also great. The location works for anyone staying near the train station.

LA'ONG COFFEE

Hidden in the back of a gas station, this little pearl gets the prize for most retro/beautiful interiors. The coffee is great and you have the added luxury of the Khao Soi spot round the back.

Talk about killing two birds with one stonefruit.

NAPO GRILLED CHICKEN

Muslim grilled chicken with yellow rice and thick (sweet) sauce? This roadside stall is achingly friendly and super tasty. Just be sure to ask for the sauce on the side because it packs a saccharine punch and is best enjoyed in moderation. The small white chilis are an amazing palette burner/cleanser.

p.s. Thanks to the owner of What Da Ale for the tip !

BANG RAK BEEF NOODLE

Be prepared for a few curious stares if you make it to this heatbox of a food stall. Their beef noodle soup is the best in town, a touch sweet but throw some vinegar and chilli in there and you're golden. The Thai's have a different appreciation of texture and gristle than most Westerners, so if you are of weak disposition you may find yourself plucking a few bits out of your soup.

SAND WHITINGS

Seafood directly from the fishermen is what this restaurant proudly proclaim, and after having a meal there who are we to disagree. Special mention to the yellow-ish crab curry with thin noodles on the side. One of the nicer venues in Trang, but the price is also nice.

NONG TIK ICE CREAM SHOP

The towns favourite coconut ice-cream shop. Google map link will take you to the bigger stall across the road, but just ask for ice-cream and you will be escorted opposite to a small stall to fill your fantasies.

Old skool soul playlists and the interiors of a vintage record hunters dream, this is one of Trangs classic stops for an afternoon sip.

WHAT DA ALE

Due to the stranglehold Singha and Chang have on the local market, craft beer is an underground phenomenon in Thailand. All the cool kids in Trang head to What Da Ale bar, a hip little place with the requisite Nirvana and Zeppelin posters on the wall, couches and a stage for jamming.

If you're into Indie bars, this is your option.

Adventurous eaters should visit this simple shop specialising in silky smooth steamed egg, reminiscent of chawanmushi. Their fish cakes and a bowl of rice are the perfect accompaniment. The owners don't speak english, so show them this sign if you want to order:

ALBARB COFFEE SHOP

Despite the interior being hotter than a barbeque on Venus, this muslim shack makes excellent chicken Murtabak. Their roti are good too, but a bit more on the thin-crispy side than the traditional Malay/Indian style with thicker chewier texture.

KOYING

The official gossip club of Trang, these lovely (lively) ladies prepare all your old classics with a deft touch. You come here for a steaming plate of Phad Se Ew or style fried rice (chinese style), and leave with a full belly and a few laughs echoing behind.