East Thailand, a unique culinary destination, offers a rich blend of local ingredients, seafood, and innovative cuisine that will captivate the spirit of fine dining and leave you intrigued and excited for what’s to come.
Seafood Extravaganza: Rayong’s Ocean-Inspired Dishes
Rayong, nestled along the Gulf of Thailand, has long been known for its seafood. The province has several high-end restaurants that blend traditional Thai techniques with modern culinary innovations. Restaurants here highlight fresh local produce, with freshly caught fish, prawns, and shellfish taking center stage.
For example, chefs transform the day’s catch into delicacies at the renowned Fish Bar Restaurant, dishing out fresh seafood grilled to order. Another standout, Luscious Garden Cafe, offers a fusion of local seafood with Mediterranean flair, attracting diners who crave something both familiar and unique. The setting at these restaurants, with views of the sea and lush gardens, elevates the overall dining experience.
Chon Buri’s Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Chon Buri, home to the vibrant city of Pattaya, is a melting pot of tradition and modernity in its culinary scene. The city’s lively nightlife and beach culture are equally matched by a vibrant culinary scene, with high-end restaurants seamlessly merging traditional Thai cuisine with international flavors, leaving you energized and eager to explore.
Casa Pascal is one of the most notable dining spots, known for its sophisticated European dishes with a subtle nod to Thai flavors. Cafe des Amis is likely one of the finest French restaurants in Thailand. Here, diners have classic French dishes like duck confit and crème brûlée, like in a Paris bistro. Another jewel is The Glass House Pattaya, set in a beachside pavilion where traditional Thai dishes are exciting diners. Their grilled tiger prawns with tamarind sauce and lemon grass sorbet are a perfect example of how the restaurant is refining East Thai flavors into an elegant dish.
Chanthaburi: The Secret Gem for Culinary Adventures
While less well-known than its neighboring provinces, Chanthaburi is becoming a hot spot for food lovers seeking more than traditional Thai food. The province, famous for its durians and gemstones, also boasts a growing reputation for its innovative chefs.
As the name implies,Tree House Durian Cafe focuses on tasty durian, a versatile fruit in many ways. The menu includes unique durian dishes like spicy salad with shrimp and smoothies. Another restaurant, Platoo Chanthaburi, is a chic riverside eatery specializing in mackerel (Pla Tu) and assorted stir-fried seafood and chili pastes.
Trat: The Frontier of Sustainability and Farm-to-Table Dining
That is the most serene and least commercialized province in East Thailand, known for its pristine islands such as Ko Chang and Ko Kut. But beyond its natural beauty, Trat is becoming a leader in sustainable fine dining, with chefs strongly emphasizing farm-to-table and organic produce.
Trat has plenty of fine dining selection by people who source local ingredients with a passion. Every process in getting food to the dining table is carefully controlled and monitored. Indeed, there is a continuous movement and friendly competition among restaurants here to see who can deliver the freshest and tastiest dishes.
Al dente is the premier Italian eatery with daily special menus and a vast wine list. Kiku Sushi Cafe whips up mouthwatering fresh sushi platters and premium shabu-shabu sets. You can’t go wrong with the charming decor and hospitable service at Trat Marche or the Ocean Terrace, Restaurant & Bar for elevated fusion Thai cuisine.
East Thailand as a Culinary Destination
East Thailand offers a diverse and exciting fine dining scene that fuses the region’s rich culinary heritage with modern techniques and international influences. From luxurious seaside restaurants in Rayong to sustainable dining experiences in Trat, the area offers something for every discerning palate. As this part of Thailand continues to grow in popularity, its fine dining offerings are becoming a crucial part of its allure, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe. Whether savoring fresh seafood by the beach or indulging in fusion cuisine at a cliffside resort, East Thailand promises a gastronomic journey as diverse and dynamic as the region.
About the Author
“Frequent foodie and occasional craftsman of travel stories, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya (Chat) draws on his nearly 4 decades of promoting Thailand’s tourism industry to highlight everything from world-class attractions to hidden gems. When not writing stuff, he makes it a mission to catch rom-coms and DC superheroes whenever they show up in theaters.”
