10 restaurants in Krabi That Locals Actually Love

I stumbled upon Mama's Kitchen while wandering through Ao Nang, lured in by the aroma of simmering spices. This tiny restaurant, run by a sweet old lady named Mama, felt like stepping into a warm embrace. The first dish I tried was her green curry, which was a vibrant green and packed with fresh ingredients. The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced—smoky, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet. Mama always greets you with a smile and a warm 'sawasdee,' making it feel like home.

On a particularly hot day, I was craving something different, and that’s when I discovered Kohinoor, an Indian restaurant tucked away in Krabi Town. The vibrant colors of the dishes caught my eye, and the aroma was intoxicating. I ordered the butter chicken and garlic naan, and I was blown away by the rich flavors. The owner, a friendly Indian chef, shared stories of his culinary journey, and I felt like I was dining in his home rather than a restaurant.

I was wandering around the night market when the smell of freshly made roti caught my attention. I followed my nose to Roti Chai, where the owner was flipping dough like a pro. I ordered a banana roti, and as it arrived, crispy and golden, I couldn’t help but smile. The sweet, gooey banana inside paired perfectly with the flaky pastry, and I knew I had found a piece of heaven.

One evening, I decided to treat myself to a seafood dinner and found myself at Seafood by the Sea, a charming restaurant overlooking the water. The catch of the day was freshly grilled fish, and I could see the fishermen bringing in their haul right before my eyes. I ordered the grilled prawns, and as I took my first bite, the flavors of the sea exploded in my mouth. The view was just the cherry on top.

Hidden behind lush foliage, Baan Thalay feels like a secret garden. I discovered it during a bike ride and was drawn in by the tranquil atmosphere. The menu features traditional Thai dishes made with ingredients from their own garden. I ordered the pad thai, and it was the best I’ve ever had—fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. Dining here felt like a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Krabi.

Late one night, I found myself craving a bowl of noodles, and that’s when I discovered Street Noodles. The vendor is known for his late-night hours and his deliciously rich broth. I ordered a bowl of boat noodles, and the flavors were so comforting that I felt like I was being wrapped in a warm blanket. The owner, a grumpy but lovable old man, laughed when I slurped my noodles too loudly.

One rainy afternoon, I stumbled into Café 8, a cozy little spot that serves some of the best coffee in Krabi. The barista, a young artist, took the time to explain the different brewing methods and suggested I try their signature cold brew. As I sipped my coffee, I admired the local artwork displayed on the walls. The café doubles as an art gallery, making it a perfect spot for both coffee lovers and art enthusiasts.

I was on a quest for the best som tum (papaya salad) in Krabi, and I found it at a small roadside stall called Som Tum. The owner, a feisty woman named Lek, made her salad to order, pounding the ingredients together with a vigor that was contagious. I watched in awe as she mixed the papaya with lime, chili, and fish sauce, and when I took my first bite, it was a flavor explosion—spicy, sour, and oh-so-fresh.

One night, I dined at The Boat, a floating restaurant that offers stunning views of the sunset over the water. I ordered a seafood platter that included everything from calamari to grilled fish, and the freshness was unmatched. The gentle sway of the boat added to the experience, making it feel like a mini-adventure. The staff were incredibly friendly, making sure my glass was never empty.

I discovered Thai BBQ during a spontaneous night out with friends. The concept is simple: you grill your own meat and veggies right at the table. The first time I tried it, I was a little intimidated, but the friendly staff guided me through the process. I picked fresh seafood, marinated pork, and an array of vegetables. As I grilled, we laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed the delicious food together.