1. What are the best local dishes to try in Nong Khai?
1. Kaeng Hed Maprao: A spicy coconut milk curry made with chicken or fish and served with rice.
2. Nam Tok Nuea: A spicy beef salad made with thinly sliced grilled beef, lime juice, and fresh herbs.
3. Pla Raad Prik: Fried fish topped with a spicy chili sauce and served with vegetables.
4. Laab Moo: A minced pork salad seasoned with lime juice, chili, and roasted rice powder.
5. Som Tam: A popular spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, long beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp.
6. Khao Piak Sen: Chewy rice noodles in a flavorful broth topped with meat or tofu and fresh herbs.
7. Khai Jeaw: Thai-style omelette often stuffed with ground pork or shrimp and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
8. Moo Tod: Deep-fried marinated pork served as an appetizer or side dish.
9. Tom Yum Goong: A famous spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and other aromatic ingredients.
10. Khao Phat Namii (Mee Krob): Crispy fried noodles stir-fried with vegetables, meat or seafood.
2. Are there any popular restaurants or street food stalls in Nong Khai that you would recommend?
Yes, there are many popular restaurants and street food stalls in Nong Khai that are worth trying. Some recommendations include:
1. Than Thip Garden View Restaurant – known for its stunning riverfront views and delicious Thai dishes.
2. Tamarin Cafe & Bakery – a cozy cafe serving up tasty pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
3. Tonje’s Burmese Cuisine – offering authentic Burmese dishes like tea leaf salad and curry noodles.
4. Nong Khai Train Market – a bustling night market selling a variety of street food such as grilled meats, seafood, and noodles.
5. Secret Noodle Bar – a hidden gem serving up delicious noodle dishes with unique flavors.
6. Bueng Kan Nam Chiao (floating restaurant) – experience dining on a floating platform surrounded by nature while enjoying fresh seafood and local specialties.
7. Smiling Moon (Roti Street stall) – try the famous crispy roti served with various toppings such as chocolate, condensed milk or bananas.
8. Jiew Yim Claypot Rice & Soup restaurant – try their signature claypot rice dishes cooked with an assortment of meats and vegetables.
9. Pa Nin Coffee Roaster & Cafe – popular among locals for their freshly brewed coffee using beans sourced from northern Thailand.
10. P’Yagi’s Kitchen (food truck) – serves delicious fusion street food such as hot dogs topped with Thai-style sauces and veggies.
3. How is the seafood in Nong Khai?
The seafood in Nong Khai is generally quite good, especially at restaurants near the Mekong River. Popular dishes include spicy stir-fried prawns, garlic and pepper fish, and tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup). The seafood is usually fresh and affordable compared to larger cities in Thailand.
4. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options in Nong Khai?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan dining options in Nong Khai. Here are a few recommended restaurants:1. Vegetarian Living Kitchen: This restaurant serves only vegetarian and vegan food made with fresh, organic ingredients. They have a variety of dishes including Thai, Indian, and Western cuisine.
2. Villa Duang Champa: This restaurant offers a mix of Thai and European dishes, with many vegetarian and vegan options available.
3. Papana Restaurant: A popular local restaurant that serves authentic Isaan (northeastern Thai) dishes, with some vegetarian and vegan choices on the menu.
4. Spoons Vegetarian Cafe: A cozy cafe that serves delicious vegetarian and vegan meals using locally sourced ingredients.
5. The Life Cafe: This cafe offers healthy vegetarian and vegan food with gluten-free options as well.
In addition to these restaurants, many street food stalls offer vegetable-based dishes such as papaya salad (som tam) or stir-fried vegetables (pad pak), which can be made without meat or fish sauce upon request.
5. Where is the best place to have breakfast in Nong Khai?
Some popular breakfast options in Nong Khai include:1. The White Villa Restaurant
2. Good Corner Cafe & Bistro
3. Adam’s Apple Cafe
4. Baba’s Kitchen
5. Sabaijai Cafe & Homestay
6. Is there a specific dish or cuisine that Nong Khai is known for?
Nong Khai is known for its delicious and unique Isaan cuisine, which features spicy and flavorful dishes made with local herbs and spices. Some popular dishes include som tam (green papaya salad), larb (minced meat salad), and a variety of grilled meats and sticky rice. The most famous dish from Nong Khai is probably “pla duk pa lo” (fermented fish soup), which involves cooking catfish in a broth made with fermented fish paste and other seasonings.
7. What are some must-try dishes for first-time visitors to Nong Khai?
1. Som Tam (green papaya salad): A spicy, tangy salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts.
2. Larb Moo (minced pork salad): Ground pork mixed with herbs, spices, and toasted rice powder for a delicious and flavorful dish.
3. Tom Yum Soup: A hot and sour soup made with fragrant herbs, mushrooms, vegetables, and your choice of meat or seafood.
4. Khao Neow Mamuang (mango sticky rice): A popular Thai dessert made with sweet sticky rice topped with fresh mango slices and coconut cream.
5. Laap Pla Duk (catfish salad): Another type of larb salad made with catfish that is grilled and then mixed with herbs, spices, and lime juice.
6. Gai Yang (grilled chicken): This northern-style grilled chicken is marinated in a variety of spices and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
7. Kai Jeaw Moo Sab (Thai omelette): A simple but tasty dish made with beaten eggs cooked in a wok along with minced pork and served with rice.
8. Pad Thai: Thailand’s famous stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, tofu, shrimp or chicken, vegetables, and garnished with crushed peanuts.
9. Khao Soi (coconut curry noodles): An authentic Northern Thai dish consisting of egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth topped with crispy egg noodles for added texture.
10. Mekong River Fish: Being situated right on the Mekong River means Nong Khai has an abundance of fresh fish dishes to try such as deep-fried catfish or steamed fish seasoned with lemongrass and other aromatic herbs.
8. How is the coffee culture in Nong Khai? Any notable cafes to visit?
The coffee culture in Nong Khai is quite popular among locals and visitors alike. There are several cafes that offer a variety of locally-sourced and international coffee blends, as well as delicious snacks and treats.
Some notable cafes to visit in Nong Khai include:
1. Nostalgia Coffee: This cozy cafe has a retro vibe and serves excellent coffee made from locally grown beans.
2. Salt and Sweet Coffee: This trendy cafe offers a unique blend of Asian-inspired coffees, with flavors such as Thai tea latte and green tea latte.
3. Kori Cafe: This charming little cafe has a garden setting and serves fantastic espressos, cappuccinos, and iced coffees.
4. Smoothies by Taf Coffee Roasters: If you’re looking for an artisanal coffee experience, this cafe is the place to be. They roast their own beans on-site, offering a wide range of single-origin coffees.
5. Spoon by Freegirl Coffee: This bustling cafe has modern decor and serves some of the best specialty coffee in town.
Overall, Nong Khai has a vibrant coffee scene with many unique and charming cafes waiting to be discovered.
9. Is it safe to eat street food in Nong Khai?
Street food in Nong Khai is generally safe to eat if it is prepared and cooked properly. It is important to choose stalls that have a high turnover of food, as this indicates that the ingredients are fresh and the food is popular among locals. Avoid eating at stalls that appear dirty or have a lot of flies around them. It is also a good idea to watch how your food is being prepared and make sure it is cooked thoroughly before consuming. If you have any concerns, you can also ask for recommendations from locals on where they like to eat street food.
10. Are there any authentic Thai restaurants that offer cooking classes in Nong Khai?
Yes, there are a few authentic Thai restaurants in Nong Khai that offer cooking classes. Some options include:
1. Kitchen Ono: This restaurant offers cooking classes on selected days of the week, where participants can learn to prepare traditional Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup.
2. Mum Muang Cooking School: This school offers hands-on cooking classes with experienced instructors who teach students how to make a variety of local dishes using fresh ingredients.
3. Bak Mai Thai Cooking Class: Located in a traditional Thai house, this cooking class teaches students how to cook classic Thai recipes from scratch using traditional tools and techniques.
4. The Little Box Cafe & Cooking School: In addition to offering a wide range of delicious meals, this restaurant also offers cooking classes for those interested in learning authentic Thai recipes.
5. Sabai Sabai Cooking School: This is another popular option for cooking classes in Nong Khai, where you can learn how to make some of Thailand’s most famous dishes like Papaya Salad and Massaman Curry.
It is recommended to contact the restaurant directly for more information on class schedules and prices.
11. What are some good places for a romantic dinner in Nong Khai?
1. Riverside Bar and Restaurant2. Sweet Home Thai Bistro
3. Eternity Bar and Grill
4. Glass House Cafe
5. Ban Chiang Terrace Restaurant
6. Sabaijai@Baanthakham Restaurant
7. The Gallery Restaurant at Mut Mee Guesthouse
8. The Nongview Resort & Spa
9. Krua Rim Tang restaurant
10. Mae Fa Luang Restaurant
12. How is the nightlife scene and dining options for evening entertainment in Nong Khai?
The nightlife scene in Nong Khai is generally quiet and low-key, with a few bars and pubs scattered throughout the city. There are also some live music venues and karaoke bars that are popular among locals.In terms of dining options, there are a variety of restaurants offering Thai, Lao, and Western cuisine. Street food stalls can also be found throughout the city, offering tasty and affordable dishes. Some popular spots for evening entertainment include the Night Market, located along the Mekong River, and The Stray Cafe, which often has live music performances.
13. Are there any unique dining experiences, like floating restaurants, in Nong Khai?
One unique dining experience in Nong Khai is the “Tha Sadet Floating Restaurant”, situated on the banks of Mekong River. The restaurant offers traditional Thai cuisine and diners can enjoy their meal while drifting along the river. Another option is “Bamboo Island” floating restaurant, which also offers views of the Mekong River and serves up a variety of Thai dishes including seafood. Additionally, there are several restaurants located on kelong-style platforms over the water at Sala Kaew Ku Park, offering a peaceful and picturesque dining experience.
14. What are some of the best markets to find local food and produce in Nong Khai?
1. Thai-Lao Market (Pak Khlong Talat)
2. Nong Khai Fresh Market
3. Nong Khai Walking Street Night Market
4. Dong Ma Market
5. Had Kham Luang Tai Market
6. Ban Sangthoeng Morning Market
7. Muang Phon Market
8. Tha Bo Riverside Market
9. Wan Man Rd Market (Cha Bieng)
10. Wat Suthatsanaram Floating Market
15. Is there a specific drink or cocktail that is popular among locals in Nong Khai?
There is a popular local drink in Nong Khai called “Lao Kao Tumbon”, which is a type of rice whisky mixed with herbs and spices. It is often served at local festivals and celebrations. Another popular drink is “Cha Manao”, which is a refreshing iced tea made with lime juice and sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey. Both of these drinks can be found at local markets, restaurants, and street stalls in Nong Khai.
16. How is the quality of fruits and vegetables at local markets and supermarkets in Nong Khai?
The quality of fruits and vegetables at local markets and supermarkets in Nong Khai is generally good. Local markets tend to have fresher produce that is locally sourced, while supermarkets may have a wider variety of imported fruits and vegetables. However, the quality can vary depending on the specific vendor or supermarket, so it’s always best to check for freshness before purchasing. Additionally, organic produce is becoming more popular in Thailand, so there are also options for higher-quality and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables at health food stores or specialty markets. Overall, customers can expect to find a good selection of fresh and high-quality fruits and vegetables in Nong Khai’s markets and supermarkets.
17. Are there any traditional Thai desserts or sweets that are a must-try in Nong Khai?
Yes, there are several traditional Thai desserts and sweets that are a must-try in Nong Khai. Some popular options include:
1. Khao Lam: This is a sweet and sticky dessert made of glutinous rice cooked in hollow bamboo tubes, mixed with coconut milk and sugar.
2. Woon Ma Prao: This is a sweet and refreshing dessert made from coconut jelly served in coconut shells or cups.
3. Khanom La: These are steamed rice flour cakes filled with coconut cream and palm sugar, wrapped in banana leaves.
4. Khanom Bueang: Also known as Thai crispy crepes, these desserts are made from crispy shells filled with sweet cream or egg yolks.
5. Kanom Pak Mhor: A traditional Thai snack made from cassava flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar topped with shredded coconut.
6. Khao Rome: A sweet and creamy dessert made from sticky rice mixed with black beans, coconut milk, and sugar.
7. Thapthim Krop: A popular Thai dessert made from water chestnuts cooked in syrup and topped with coconut cream sauce.
8. Tako Sai Naam Tan: These are bite-sized cups filled with tapioca pearls and jellies soaked in sweet syrup.
9. Buad Foi Tia Kwan: This is a unique dessert made of strings of noodles coated in sugary syrup and served over ice.
10. Coconut Ice Cream: This dessert can be found all over Thailand, including Nong Khai. It is served in half a coconut shell with various toppings such as peanuts, corn kernels, or fruits on top.
18. Is it easy to find Western-style restaurants or international cuisines in Nong Khai?
Yes, it is easy to find Western-style restaurants and international cuisines in Nong Khai. Many popular tourist areas, such as the town center and the Mekong Riverfront, have a variety of restaurants offering Western dishes or international cuisines such as Italian, French, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese. Additionally, there are several expat communities in Nong Khai who have opened their own restaurants serving Western-style dishes.
19.Is street food cheap compared to restaurant prices in Nonh khao Kham province.
Generally, street food is cheaper compared to restaurant prices in Non Khao Kham province. Street vendors are able to keep their prices lower due to lower overhead costs and less expensive ingredients. However, the exact prices may vary depending on the specific vendor and dish being offered.
20.What should be the budget for an average meal at a typical restaurant in Nonh khao Kham province.
It is difficult to determine an exact budget for an average meal at a typical restaurant in Nonh Khao Kham province as prices may vary depending on the type of restaurant, location, and menu items chosen. However, a rough estimate would be around 150-300 baht ($5-$10) per person for a basic meal with a main dish and side dishes. Higher-end or more specialized restaurants may have higher prices.