Food · Krabi · Thailand
What to eat in Krabi
The dishes, drinks and food experiences that define Krabi, and where locals actually eat them.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au
Quick answer
Start with Gaeng som, Gaeng tai pla and Khua kling. Eat like locals at the riverside stalls: southern curries over rice, grilled squid, roti and fresh juices. Southern Thai food is among the spiciest in the country; ask for 'mai phet' if needed.
Key facts
- Signature dish
- Gaeng som
- Vegetarian-friendly picks
- 3
- Tipping
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
- Food experiences
- 3
10 foods to try
Dish
1.Gaeng som
A fiery, sour turmeric-yellow curry made with fish and vegetables such as green papaya or bamboo shoots, with no coconut milk.
Where: Local curry-and-rice shops in Krabi Town and stalls at the night markets.
Dish
2.Gaeng tai pla
A pungent, very spicy southern curry flavoured with fermented fish innards, with vegetables and pieces of grilled fish.
Where: Southern Thai restaurants and rice-and-curry stalls; ask for a small portion if you are unsure.
Dish
3.Khua kling
Dry-fried minced pork or chicken with a southern curry paste, turmeric and kaffir lime leaves; intensely spicy and fragrant.
Where: Southern Thai restaurants in Krabi Town and Ao Nang.
Dish
4.Khao mok gai
Thai-Muslim chicken biryani cooked with turmeric and spices, served with a sweet-and-sour mint sauce and soup.
Where: Muslim restaurants and morning stalls around Krabi Town; Krabi has a large Muslim community.
Street food · Vegetarian
5.Roti
Stretched dough fried on a griddle, served sweet with banana and condensed milk or savoury with curry for breakfast.
Where: Muslim-run roti carts in Ao Nang in the evenings and breakfast shops in Krabi Town.
Dish
6.Massaman curry
A mild, rich curry of Persian and Indian influence, with coconut milk, cardamom, cinnamon, potatoes and peanuts, usually made with chicken or beef.
Where: Most Thai restaurants in Ao Nang and Railay.
Breakfast
7.Khanom jeen with southern curry
Fresh fermented rice noodles served with a choice of curries and a tray of free fresh herbs, vegetables and pickles to add yourself.
Where: Morning stalls in Krabi Town markets.
Dish
8.Grilled seafood
Whole fish, squid, prawns and crab displayed on ice and grilled to order with seafood dipping sauce.
Where: Beachfront seafood restaurants between Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara, and the Krabi Town night markets.
Dessert · Vegetarian
9.Mango sticky rice
Sweet coconut sticky rice with ripe mango slices and a drizzle of salted coconut cream.
Where: Night-market dessert stalls and beach restaurants.
Drink · Vegetarian
10.Fruit shakes
Blended fresh mango, pineapple, watermelon or coconut, sold from stalls along every beach road.
Where: Stalls in Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town.
Food experiences
Krabi Town night market
Eat like locals at the riverside stalls: southern curries over rice, grilled squid, roti and fresh juices.
Seafood dinner by the sea
Pick your fish from the ice at a seafood restaurant at Noppharat Thara or Lanta Old Town and have it grilled with chilli and lime.
Southern curry breakfast
Start the day with khanom jeen noodles and a choice of curries at a Krabi Town market stall.
Quick bites and street food
- Roti — Muslim-run roti carts in Ao Nang in the evenings and breakfast shops in Krabi Town.
- Khanom jeen with southern curry — Morning stalls in Krabi Town markets.
Vegetarian options
Of the 10 foods in this guide, 3 are usually vegetarian: Roti, Mango sticky rice and Fruit shakes. Check preparation with staff, as stocks and fats vary.
Eating out: tips and etiquette
- Southern Thai food is among the spiciest in the country; ask for 'mai phet' if needed.
- Many restaurants in Muslim areas do not serve pork or alcohol.
- Prices on Railay and Phi Phi are noticeably higher than in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, as supplies arrive by boat.
- Alcohol is not sold on major Buddhist holidays, even in tourist areas.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills, tip boat crews and dive or climbing guides for good service, and give a small tip for massages.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sawasdee krub / ka | Hello |
| Khop khun krub / ka | Thank you |
| Tao rai? | How much? |
| Mai phet | Not spicy |
| Assalamu alaikum | Greeting used in Muslim communities |
Questions travellers ask
+What food is Krabi famous for?
Gaeng som, Gaeng tai pla, Khua kling and Khao mok gai. A fiery, sour turmeric-yellow curry made with fish and vegetables such as green papaya or bamboo shoots, with no coconut milk.
+Is Krabi good for vegetarians?
Several local staples are meat-free, including Roti, Mango sticky rice and Fruit shakes.
+Do you tip in restaurants in Krabi?
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills, tip boat crews and dive or climbing guides for good service, and give a small tip for massages.