Krabi Dining & Restaurants

Thai food is internationally famous. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively bland, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.

With their Buddhist background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts of meat were shredded and laced with herbs and spices. Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir frying and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese. Chillies were introduced to Thai cooking during the late 1600s by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a taste for them while serving in South America.

Thais were very adapt at 'Siamese-ising' foreign cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ghee used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk substituted for other daily products. Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer and less spices were used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn intensely, but briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting dinners to enjoy complementary combinations of different tastes.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.

Restaurants in Muang District

Restaurants and food shops can be found in quantities in the town of Krabi and along the beaches frequented by tourists like Au Nang, Rai Le and Tham Phra Nang. Great food is served at May & or from stalls from night market at Chao Fa Ferry Pier. Coco's serves decent Thai food in a bosky setting. Night life moves around the resorts of Railay during the week as each bungalow operation takes it in turns to have a beach party. Don't miss the special atmosphere of a party at Railay Bay or Tonsai Village where the sand of the beach is covered in people drinking and dancing until the sun comes up. One of the newest bars on East Railay also hosts one of the best parties, Viewpoint Bar, though not on the beach, is a large open bar with big balconies where everyone can easily watch the mesmerizing fire-spinners or wince at the preformers who use large pins and broken glass in an act that no-one should try at home. The music here is also excellent and suits the moods of the seasoned revellers that wait for the sun to rise before heading home. If it is live music that's your thing Ya Ya's bar, also on East Railay, has live bands during the high season, and is a good place to meet people.

The below restaurants are frequently visited places by the visitors to Krabi.

Chao Sua 325/1 Maharat Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi * Thai food Tel :: 0 7563 1774 Nong Chok 47 Khongkha Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi * Thai food Tel :: 0 7561 1369 Ruean Mai Uttarakit Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi * Thai food Tel :: 0 7563 1797 Bai Toei KhongKha Road, KRABI

Chuan Chim Seafood 55/5 Hat Noppharat Thara, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi Tel :: 0 7563 7355Hok Ki Lao Hok Ki Lao 91/1 Hemthanon Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi Open 6 a.m.-1 p.m. * Chinese food Tel :: 0 1978 7899 Ruean Phae 256/1 Uttarakit Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi * Thai food Tel :: 0 7561 1956

Restaurants in Klong Thom District

Source: Courtesy of Tourism authority of Thailand