Isaan Travel and Destination Guide

Restaurants and food culture in Isaan

Isaan food blends Thai flavours with those from neighbouring Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and the region's cuisine is some of the best on offer in the kingdom. The ingredients used in Isaan dishes have a lot in common with Lao cuisine but are generally quite different from the food prepared in central Thailand. Recent developments have resulted in a considerable amount of mutual influence but Isaan food is still widely known for tits distinctive tastes and flavours. Perhaps the  most prolific and popular Isaan dish is Som Tam, the spicy Thai salad prepared with green papaya, lemon, garlic and chillies. While many Thai people prepare this dish with dried shrimp, the original Isaan version is served with crab or river fish. Other signature Isaan dishes include barbecued chicken (Gai Yaang), sticky rice (Khao Niaw) and a wide variety of cold meat, mint and lemon juice salads known as laab. Northeastern dishes tend to be very spicy, but at the same time supremely flavourful.

Local restaurants and street-side stalls offer the best in northeastern Thai cuisine, while for those who like to combine more familiar flavours with local fare, the various towns in Isaan offer a good selection of quality choices.

Cabbages and Condoms in Korat is one of several restaurants C&B around the country that offer a pleasant dining experience with a charitable twist. Not only does the restaurant offer excellent food, but it also promotes sexual health and safety, presenting condom use in a fun and amusing way. All the proceeds from the restaurant are used to fund social development programs. The range and quality of food available at  Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant is excellent, with most of the Thai favourites on the menu, as well as regional Isaan specialities. The food is often prepared for foreign tastes, but if you want Thai spice you can add it yourself from the condiment tray or ask the waiter for "Phet Phet".

Another Korat favourite is Chez Andy's, a sister of the popular Koh Samui eatery. A relaxed ambience, and fresh ingredients including top quality imported  beef, combined with trained, motivated kitchen and service staff make this an excellent choice for both Thai and western food.

Wrong Way Café in Ubon Rchathani boasts a selection of food items that are difficult or often impossible to find in the vicinity. If you are desperate for some blue or feta cheese, caving black olives or gravy you can not only eat them but also buy and take them home. The cafe also serves Australian steaks, Pies, Fish & Chips, Mexican Pizzas from a wood-burning oven. The restaurant is comfortable and reasonably priced.

Pizza Uno brings the taste of 'Old Napoli' to Khon Kaen with a wide selection of Pizzas and Pastas, plus a fine selection of Thai and western dishes. Pizza Uno develops the menu continuously, with additions such as speciality sandwiches and baguettes, fish & chips and hot pizza baguettes.

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