Explore vibrant street food and indulge in traditional Thai food in Hua Hin. Hua Hin culinary scene awaits!

Embarking on an adventurous journey to the captivating town of Hua Hin would be incomplete without indulging in its delectable culinary delights. This Thai gem boasts a wide array of tantalizing dishes, including the renowned blue crabs, succulent tiger prawns, century-old dumplings, and mouthwatering grilled pork skewers. From humble local food stalls to exquisite restaurants, Hua Hin offers a gastronomic adventure that perfectly complements its breathtaking 200 km coastline, mesmerizing beaches, and rich historical attractions. In this article, we will take you on a delightful tour, showcasing some of the must-try food in Hua Hin that will undoubtedly enhance your experience in this area.

Som tam pu ma (Spicy blue crab papaya Salad)

Som tam pu ma, a fusion of Isan’s zesty som tam (papaya salad) and Hua Hin’s succulent blue crab, creates a harmonious culinary masterpiece. This iconic appetizer showcases the best of both worlds and is ideally accompanied by fragrant steamed jasmine rice. The dish tantalizes the taste buds with its invigorating combination of spicy and sour flavors, while the addition of crunchy chunks of blue crab adds a delightful texture to each bite. Som tam pu ma is a must-try food in Hua Hin that embodies the vibrant and diverse flavors of local cuisine.

Kan chiang pu nueng (Steamed crab wing)

The steamed crab is a renowned delicacy that consistently tops the lists of local residents and tourists in Hua Hin. Widely featured as a popular starter in hotels, restaurants, and resorts throughout the area, this dish offers a hassle-free option for crab enthusiasts. The crab meat is served ready to eat, eliminating the need for additional preparation. To enhance the flavors, a generous dip into the spicy seafood sauce is recommended, further elevating the taste sensation of this delectable dish. The steamed crab is a must-try food in Hua Hin that showcases the rich and satisfying flavors of local cuisine.

Tom yum goong (Spicy shrimp soup)

Indulging in a bowl of spicy shrimp soup promises an exhilarating explosion of flavors. This delectable dish harmoniously combines the classic elements of lemongrass, chilies, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, and tangy components like lime juice and fish sauce. The resulting blend creates a symphony of tastes that includes hot, spicy, salty, and sweet notes. This unique delicacy is a versatile addition to any meal, complementing a wide variety of dishes.

Hoi Thod (Crispy Thai Oyster Omelet)

While Hoi Thod can be found in numerous cities across Thailand, it is in Hua Hin where this crispy pancake truly reaches its pinnacle of satisfaction. The secret lies in the freshness and substantial size of its star component – the oysters. In the cooking process, a wok is used to combine raw eggs and plump oysters, followed by the addition of a diluted tapioca starch solution and a savory oyster sauce. The final creation is typically served on a scorching hotplate, ensuring a delightful sizzle and maintaining the pancake’s crispy texture.

Hor mok talay (steamed seafood custard)

Hor mok talay is a beloved seafood dish hailing from the central region of Thailand. While traditionally prepared with freshwater fish, many Hua Hin restaurants opt for the use of seabass. This delectable dish features a delightful medley of mussels, squid, and shrimp, all marinated in a luscious blend of coconut cream and red curry. To infuse the flavors further, the mixture is carefully wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, allowing the ingredients to meld together. The result is a sumptuous and fragrant seafood delicacy that captures the essence of local food.

Plaa sai tod kratiem (Garlic fried sand whiting)

Garlic fried sand whiting is also a must-try food in Hua Hin commonly found on the menus of Thai-style seafood restaurants in the area. It serves as a delightful appetizer or a flavorful addition to an à la carte meal when paired with steamed rice. These small and silvery saltwater fish are abundantly available in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

To prepare this dish, the whole fish is marinated in a flavorful batter infused with garlic and peppercorns. It is then deep-fried to a beautiful golden hue, resulting in a crispy exterior. When indulging in this dish, it’s important to be mindful of the bones as you savor each bite.

Pad Thai (Stir-fried noodles)

Pad Thai, an iconic Thai dish, is obviously a must-try food in Hua Hin that can be found in many places, including street markets, food stalls, and restaurants. Small, thin noodles are stir-fried with crunchy bean sprouts, spring onions, and egg in a searing hot wok. It is typically served with raw bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and fresh lime slices.

Pak boong fai daeng (Stir-fried morning glory)

This super easy favorite dish revolves around a leafy plant with hollow green stems and delicate thin leaves as its star ingredient. In a wok, this herbaceous delight is accompanied by cloves of garlic and bird’s eye chilies, together with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and fermented bean. With just a few effortless stirs, the dish is ready to be savored!

Gaeng keow wan gai (Green chicken curry)

Green chicken curry, known as gaeng keow wan gai, is a flavorful Thai dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of fragrant Jasmine rice. The creamy base of the curry is created by combining green curry paste and coconut milk. Tender chicken, cherry-sized eggplants, bamboo shoots, sprigs of coriander, and generous handfuls of sweet basil are added to enhance the dish’s texture and depth of flavor. Gaeng keow wan gai is considered one of the milder curries in Thailand, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer less spicy food.

Hoi wan pad cha (Stir-fried Babylon snails in roasted chili oil)

Hoi wan pad cha is a delectable dish worth seeking out if you’re in Hua Hin and lucky enough to find fresh Babylon snails. This culinary gem showcases the snails being expertly stir-fried in a wok, accompanied by a tantalizing blend of flavors. Garlic, wild ginger, fresh peppercorns, bird’s eye chilies, sweet basil, and a touch of roasted chili oil all come together to create a symphony of tastes that elevate the dish to new heights. The result is a perfect balance of spice and aroma that brings out the unique essence of the snails. For those who prefer a milder heat, the chefs in Hua Hin are usually happy to adjust the level of chili to suit your taste.

Whether you’re a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or simply eager to explore Thai cuisine, Hua Hin’s culinary offerings are sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and the unique blend of local and international influences that make food in Hua Hin a true gastronomic adventure.