The Old Pattaya was a Magical Place 
In my Twenties it was a Holiday Destination that offered few choices but many memories

It was really still just a little fishing village on the coast down from Bangkok.

When I was a lot younger, Pattaya wasn't a destination; it was an escape. It was the prize at the end of a long week in Bangkok. We didn't have much, but we had friends with cars—the 'rich' friends who would pile six or seven of us into a dusty sedan for the drive south. Those drives were fueled by laughter and the kind of singing that only happens when you’re young and the weekend is wide open. 

By the time we reached the coast, the air would change. The heavy city heat gave way to a salt-tinged breeze. There were no high-rises to block the view, no neon to drown out the stars. It was just us, a few thatched-roof huts, and the rhythmic, gentle sweep of the surf against the sand. We would sit on low wooden stools, our feet nearly in the water, and eat until we couldn't move.

The menu was simple because the sea provided it. We’d start with prawns and squid so fresh they still tasted of the Gulf of Thailand, charred over charcoal. Then came the marinated pork skewers—sweet, smoky, and perfect for sharing. And, of course, the staples: a mountain of green papaya salad, the sharp lime and chili waking us up, served with baskets of warm sticky rice.

If we were lucky, a whole BBQ chicken would arrive, its skin golden and aromatic. We ate with our hands, talked over the sound of the waves, and felt like we owned the world. That version of Pattaya is gone now, tucked away in our memories, but those flavors? They can never be forgotten. In fact, they are not. We continue enjoying these foods to this day, as each of the dishes I have mentioned are scattered throughout many of my classes.

Today's Pattaya is a Very Different Place

Off we went to the market around sundown.

The quiet nights of listening to the surf have definitely been replaced by the roar of the city. Pattaya is now home to an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 bars, ranging from breezy beachfront lounges to the high-energy "beer bars" that define Walking Street.

According to my Thai travel guide, where there were once a few wooden huts, there are now over 30 major street food markets—from the massive, tourist-friendly Jomtien Night Market to the local "hidden gem" stalls tucked into the sois (side streets) of Naklua.

So, we decided on the Jomtien Night Market and off we went to the market when the sun was just starting to set that night. Our mission? To find great new recipes for our new Pattaya Street Food class to be held this fall.

The Jomtien Market was a Spectacular Explosion
 Of Light & Colour

Here are some of the dishes that interested us

Through all this growth of Pattaya, the heart of the city remains its food. The "New" Pattaya menu is an explosion of variety. While the classics remain, the streets are now dominated by Moo Krob (crispy pork belly) hanging in glass cases, Pla Pao (huge, salt-crusted grilled fish) smoking over salt-fire pits, and Leng Saap (mountainous piles of spicy pork rib soup).

And even HOT DOGS!!! But this is a touristy market, remember, even for Thais.

Below are some of the dishes that interested us during very brief visit to this culinary Thai heaven in Pattaya. These may, or may not, end up on our menu this coming Fall. Please let us knjow if these dishes look great to you. We hope to pay this city some more visits in future years!

Crispy Pork Crunchy

This is a very delicious spiocy pork belly with crispy fat along the edges. There are lots of Thai chillies and basil to complete a great taste experience.

Emerald Prawn Kings

An ununsual noodle fish, with fat noodles, fresh prawns and chicken. Sweet chills and dried chillies help to heat up the dish. Fresh Gai Lang helps to add further colour and flavour to this great dish.

Jungle Beef PotPourri 

This dish is definitely one of our favourites. The ingredients are wonderful and include baby peppercors, galangal, basil, red and yellow chillies — and most important of all top grade, tender beef, marinated and cooked gently.

Thai Seafood Curry 

Squid, Tiger Prawns, yellow and red peppers and lots of basil, with eggs, are the main ingredients for this special seafood curry dish. 

Upcoming Classes in Our Spring Schedule

We have been very fortunate for this Spring's public bookings. Nearly every class is fully booked, almost to the end of April. Only one class is the exception — Samui Island Festival, a great class with lots of wonderful items. You can check out the full menu for this class by simply clicking on the photo below. 

Sunday, March 22 at 2:30 p.m. Samui Island Festival

Shown is my famous Samui Seafood Soup, inspired by the beautiful Thai island of Samui, this delicious soup is a combination of many spices, flavours and fresh seafood.