Eating and drinking is surely one of the Thais' favorite pastimes and Krabi is no different from the rest of the Kingdom in this respect. You will never go hungry in Krabi: food is everywhere you look, from mobile motorcycle and pushcart vendors to streetside stalls and markets, as well as great selection of small eateries, outdoor cafes and fancy restaurants – Krabi has them all!

In Krabi restaurants, Thai food is the main offering on the menu, of course, and you should not miss the opportunity to try some of the many dishes on offer - if you've tried Thai cuisine in a restaurant at home, you'll notice the difference in flavour immediately. The freshness of the herbs and spices and the authentic Thai know-how that goes into each dish means you'll be presented with a taste sensation at every meal while in Krabi, and the many restaurants offer a myriad of choices.

Southern Thai cuisine is slightly different from the Central, North and North-East styles of cooking. There are many more curries, reflecting a Malaysian and Indian influence in the culture. In Krabi restaurants, dishes include the must-try massaman, a fragrant saffron-coloured curry with peanuts and sweet potatoes; the hot and sour kaeng som, fish in a tamarind-laced broth; the lightly-spiced noodle dish, khanom jin; and the Thai-Muslim version of a chicken biryani, khao mok gai.

For those who can't take the heat, there's also a large selection of western and international food in the tourist areas. These restaurants have mostly been opened by expats in Krabi, so the food is usually quite good and authentic. Pizzerias are common and popular, but you'll also find French, German, Swiss, Swedish, Danish, Japanese, Indian and Chinese cuisine, as well as British pub grub.

Another great Krabi taste is, of course, seafood. The Krabi beach areas have several restaurants with the 'catch of the day' displayed on ice outside. You'll find all kinds of fish; juicy crabs and langoustines; shellfish, including giant oysters; as well as squid and lobsters. They can be prepared in various sauces, or just simply grilled and served with a dipping sauce: a feast not to be missed!

Sala Thai : on the beach, with good, fresh seafood, located at the very end of the wooden 'Seafood Soi' at the far corner of Ao Nang beachfront. ***

Laem Sak Seafood : off the beaten track, but worth the detour if you're driving around the area. Considered to be the best in the province. At the end of Route 4039, past Ao Luk. **

Lanta Seafood: excellent choice of fish, direct from the fishermen on the pier. Frequented by locals - always a good sign. On the pier in Saladan Village . **

Chao Koh Restaurant : a popular spot overlooking Ton Sai Bay , with regular BBQ specials. Next to the 'Marlin' statue in Ton Sai Village , Phi Phi Don. **



International restaurants

Red Snapper : excellent French and fusion cuisine. Inside Relax Bay Resort on Long Beach , Koh Lanta. ***

Cafe Europa : friendly, Danish-run place, with good value European food. An expat favourite in Krabi Town . Soi Ruamjit, at the bottom of Maharat Rd. **

Viva Ristorante : authentic Italian in Krabi Town , with possibly the best pizza - if you like your crust thin and crispy. Preuksa Uthit Rd , near the roundabout. ***

Jeanette's : Scandinavian cuisine in a nicely decorated beachfront dining room. Ao Nang Beach Rd. ***

Carnivore : for red-meat lovers, this is a must. Steaks and grilled meats are really top-notch. Klong Haeng Rd , Ao Nang, opposite Thai Village Resort. ***

Sakana Restaurant : reasonably priced Japanese caf? with fresh sushi and sashimi. Ton Sai Village plaza, Phi Phi Don. **



Thai restaurants in Krabi

Ruen Mai : rightly considered to be the best in Krabi, with a beautiful garden setting and consistently excellent food. Maharat Rd , next to the eagle traffic lights. **

Orchid Garden : just outside of Ao Nang, on the road towards Klong Muang, this is a popular lunch spot due its pretty location next to a river. Good selection of spicy salads. **

Sala Bua : upmarket Thai restaurant just out of Ao Nang centre. Nice ambience and food, but portions are small. Soi Klong Haeng 2. ***

Pum Thai Restaurant : this cool DIY restaurant will give you a free cooking lesson with each meal - if you wish - or just sit back and sample anything from their tasty menu. Ton Sai Village plaza, Phi Phi Don. **

Same-Same But Different : with the same owner as Ruen Mai in Krabi Town , this charming beach restaurant cannot fail to please. Far end of Kantiang Bay , past Pimalai Resort, Koh Lanta. **



Budget eating

Although Ao Nang is essentially a tourist-only centre, catering to wallets of those on holiday, it is possible to eat for less than 100 baht. There are numerous small noodle shops and modest restaurants scattered all over the area, and modestly priced Thai meals, such as fragrant fried rice with chicken or pork, or Phad Thai noodles with shrimp are a simple and cheap lunch meal. Thai food is always cheaper. Within Krabi Town , where a mostly Thai clientele is catered for, you will find much better value.