Discover the Must-try Dishes that Draw Visitors to Pattaya
Pattaya, a vibrant coastal resort city nestled along the Gulf of Thailand, has a rich history that traces its roots back to a humble fishing village. Originally known as “Thap Phraya,” the area was a quiet settlement where local fishermen cast their nets in the fertile waters. The transformation of this quaint village into the bustling tourist destination we know today is a fascinating story.
We’ll explore the history of Pattaya’s seafood and list the top five seafood restaurants in Pattaya serving the must-try dishes of the region. We’ll also introduce you to MASON Pattaya, a luxurious Na Jomtien resort with a restaurant on the beach close to central Pattaya. The spacious pool villa verandas of MASON Pattaya or our Zila Street Bistro & Bar are the perfect place to relax and gaze at the ocean after a fresh seafood dinner in Pattaya. But first, let’s explore the history of Pattaya and its seafood.
Pattaya’s Growth into a Popular Resort Community
Pattaya’s metamorphosis began in the 1960s when the United States stationed troops in the nearby military base during the war in Vietnam. The soldiers, seeking rest and recreation away from the war, discovered Pattaya’s pristine beaches and idyllic surroundings.
As tourism boomed, Pattaya evolved rapidly, transforming from a modest fishing village into a dynamic cityscape. The construction of hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues ensued, catering to the growing number of tourists flocking to its shores.
Pattaya’s attraction is defined by its stunning beaches and the unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern cosmopolitan amenities. Visitors can explore the many sights, relax on kilometers of beaches, or immerse themselves in the vibrant street markets and bustling nightlife.
Sample the Delicious Bounty from the Gulf of Thailand
One aspect that continues to draw visitors to Pattaya is its delectable seafood cuisine. The fishing industry is still a major contributor to the local economy, and you can see the squid fishing boats out on the Gulf of Thailand at night with their telltale green lights.
5 Popular Seafood Restaurants in Pattaya
The most renowned and popular seafood restaurants in the area are always bustling in the evening as people come to enjoy the sunset while dining on a myriad of fresh seafood. They include:
King Seafood
Located on a pier off Pattaya’s famous Walking Street, King Seafood offers the perfect views and ambiance to enjoy an alfresco seafood meal. With a view of the sun setting over Pattaya Bay and a wide array of dishes, including several crab dishes that they’re known for, an evening at King Seafood is always a memorable occasion.
Moom Aroi Seafood Restaurant
Lovers of squid dishes often make Moom Aroi Seafood Restaurant their destination when visiting Pattaya. They specialize in Thai squid dishes like spicy and sweet basil squid and steamed squid in lime sauce. The Na Kluea branch of the restaurant is located in North Pattaya, right on the beach. The restaurant is the place to choose when you’re with a large group of hungry people.
With its coastal location, Pattaya boasts a bounty of must-try fresh seafood dishes, expertly prepared in a variety of ways. Some favorite dishes include the world-famous Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour shrimp soup, Pla Pao, grilled fish marinated in herbs and served with a tangy dipping sauce, and succulent crab curry, steamed crab simmered in a rich and spicy curry sauce. The abundance of seafood restaurants serving these dishes along the beach promenade allows visitors to savor the ocean’s bounty while enjoying panoramic sunset views.
Lung Sawai Seafood
Lung Sawai Seafood, on the beach in southern Jomtien, is a great place to take visitors who want to try some of the seafood barbecue recipes of Thai cuisine—the open-air setting beside the sea and the aromas of grilling seafood whet your appetite. The creative chefs deliver new and exciting twists to Thai-style seafood barbecue dishes.
Marine Seafood
An evening at Marine Seafood is a time-honored tradition among many of the city’s long-time residents. This large cavernous restaurant off Pattaya’s Walking Street has an equally extensive menu of classic Thai seafood dishes. Barbecued, braised, steamed or fried seafood, it’s the ideal place to sit down to enjoy a bountiful dinner of all the must-try seafood dishes of Pattaya.
The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse has two locations, one in North Pattaya and the other in Na Jomtien Beach, near MASON Pattaya. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic seafood dinner while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand. The Glasshouse offers a chic and pleasant atmosphere as well as some of the best seafood in Pattaya. It also serves an extensive list of drinks, including cocktails and several varieties of wine. The dishes are creative with a salmon salad, shrimp cakes, and steamed crab scullery being standouts. They also have some unique desserts, including banana frosting and crispy roti with white chocolate.
Discover the Comfort and Elegance of MASON Pattaya
MASON Pattaya is a luxurious refuge close to Pattaya’s restaurants and nightlife but still provides a quiet oceanside oasis of spacious elegance.
Our spacious, oceanside pool villas will become a favorite getaway destination. Book your next vacation at MASON Pattaya and enjoy all the food and excitement Pattaya has to offer.
With its coastal location, Pattaya boasts a bounty of must-try fresh seafood dishes, expertly prepared in a variety of ways. Some favorite dishes include the world-famous Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour shrimp soup, Pla Pao, grilled fish marinated in herbs and served with a tangy dipping sauce, and succulent crab curry, steamed crab simmered in a rich and spicy curry sauce. The abundance of seafood restaurants serving these dishes along the beach promenade allows visitors to savor the ocean’s bounty while enjoying panoramic sunset views.
