East Thailand – Seafood Lover’s Paradise

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 part of its allure, attracting foodies from around the globe. Whether savouring 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.

Rayong: 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 innovation. Restaurants here highlight fresh local produce, with freshly caught fish, prawns, and shellfish taking centre stage.

Chefs transform the day’s catch into delicacies at renowned Fish Bar Restaurant, serving 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: 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 matched by a vibrant culinary scene, with high-end restaurants merging traditional Thai cuisine with international flavours.

Casa Pascal is renowned for its sophisticated European dishes with a subtle nod to Thai flavours. Cafe des Amis is one of the finest French restaurants in Thailand, serving classic French dishes like duck confit and crème brûlée. Another gem is The Glass House Pattaya, set in a beachside pavilion serving traditional Thai dishes. Their grilled tiger prawns with tamarind sauce and lemon grass sorbet are a perfect example of how the restaurant is refining East Thai flavours.

Chanthaburi: A 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, has a growing reputation for its innovative chefs.

As the name implies, Tree House Durian Cafe focuses on tasty and versatile durian fruit. The menu offers unique durian dishes like spicy shrimp salad and smoothies. Platoo Chanthaburi is a chic riverside eatery specialising in mackerel (Pla Tu) and assorted stir-fried seafood and chili pastes.

Trat: Frontier of Farm-to-Table Dining

Trat is the most serene and least commercialised province in East Thailand, known for islands such as Ko Chang and Ko Kut. But beyond its natural beauty, Trat is a leader in sustainable fine dining, with chefs embracing farm-to-table and organic produce.

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 serves 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.

This article was first published on TAT News. About the Author: Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya: (Chat): Frequent foodie and occasional craftsman of travel stories, Khun Chat draws on his nearly four 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 theatres.

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