5 Foods You Must Try While in Hua Hin

There's something about the Pad Thai at the Hua Hin Night Market. (Photo: Al Moore)

“It’s in Hua Hin.” We here in Hua Hin have been saying that for years now.

Why? Because it’s true. You name it, “it’s” here. History? Check. Resorts as good as any in Thailand? You bet. World-class golf courses and international water sports competitions? Yes and yes. Amazing beaches? Without a doubt.

But in my humble opinion, I’m not sure anywhere compares to here when it comes to food. Hua Hin is somewhat renowned for its seafood. But you’re not relegated to fish. Oh no, we’ve got options. If you had a year to spend in this lovely region, you could probably go to a different restaurant every day and not hit a bad one.

But for those who don’t have that kind of time, don’t fret — I’ve got you covered. Here are the five foods you absolutely must try before heading home …

1) Pad Thai at Hua Hin Night Market. There are a number of stalls in the market that serve up this traditional Thai dish. You can’t go wrong at any of them. Something about the street-style atmosphere, I think. And the way they cook it up in those big woks. Delicious.

2) Seafood at Sang Thai. This place is along Naresdamri Road, on the stretch between World News Coffee — just outside the entrance to Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa — and the main pier. It’s heaven for anyone who likes big, juicy prawns, spicy squid and sweet blue crab. Sit toward the far end of the restaurant for the best views of the sea.

3) Chicken at Krua Kannikar. Over by the railway station, in Soi 88. If you like chicken, you’ll love it here. All they do is chicken, and they do it right. Their hours are a bit strange — 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. — and it gets crowded during normal lunch hours. So my advice is to go slightly before or just after. If you can stand a little heat, order the kanom jeen nam ya gai (chicken in red curry).

4) Pork leg boiled in Coca-Cola at Mon Mhai. This might sound strange to some, but it’s actually unbelievably good. The coke tenderizes the meat and adds a layer of sweetness to it, too.

5) Mango sticky rice at Pa Jue. This is also near the Hilton, and it’s a Hua Hin institution, having been around for almost half a century now. It’s no wonder: There’s just something about how they make this uniquely Thai masterpiece. Try it. You’ll like it.