Food & Drink

Most resorts have restaurants, with some located right on the beach. The majority of stand alone restaurants are Thai owned and serve mainly Thai food, with a small selection of Farang (Western) food. There are, however, a few Farang owned restaurants that serve Western dishes – beef stew, burgers, fish and chips etc. There are also a couple of very good pizzerias.

Thai meals can be found from 30 baht upwards, but expect to pay around 80-100 baht for a good fill. Farang food is generally more expensive, 150-250 baht, and pizzas are also around 150-250 baht.

In addition to eating in restaurants, there are a number of road side food stalls where you can get Thai pancakes, fried chicken, mango and sticky rice, and much more besides. The prices tend to be cheaper than restaurants and the quality is good. Some are converted Tuk-Tuks, while others are little bamboo constructions on the side of the road.

Beers cost 50-100 baht depending on the brand, but shops sell beer for around 28 baht. The most popular brands are Leo, Chang and Singha. Wine is expensive as it carries a luxury tax. A cheap blend from South Africa costs about 500 baht for a bottle.

Spirits are widely available in bars and supermarkets. Try the local brew Sangsom, which is somewhere between a rum and a brandy, with coke.

Recommended Restaurants and Bars

Mr Greens – located at the north end of Long Beach, it is something of an institution on the island. Expect to find both Thais and Farang eating there. If you don’t like your food spicy, let the staff know. This is the only restaurant that stays open late – til 3am in high season.

Ling Uan – Translates as the Fat Monkey, this is a great place to come for cocktails and some of the best home made pizza on the island

Try – Hot and Spicy Pizza, Mojito

Country Laos – Great Thai food cooked by Sue, the owner and chef. She cooks everything herself, so expect a little wait for the food. But don’t worry, it’s worth it!

Catfish – Situated in Saladan, this lovely sea front restaurant serves good Thai and Farang food with vegetarian options, in a beautiful setting.

Try – Falafel wrap

The Irish Embassy – A great little bar to sit and have a beer and watch sport on TV. They also have a small menu offering Thai and Irish meals.

Try – Irish Stew

Koala Bar – a lovely beach bar which is a great place to watch the sun go down. They also serve great pizza and fajitas, together with some Thai food.

Try – Strawberry margarita

May’s Restaurant – A lovely little restaurant offering great Thai food, burgers and shakes. Has the cheapest beer at only 40 baht for a Leo.

Try – Massaman curry