Region: Northeast Thailand> Province: Nakhon Ratchasima> Location: Phimai

Phimai

In terms of food, there is something for everyone in Phimai. For a small town, there are seemingly endless dining options that cater to both local and western palates.

For a light breakfast before heading into the ruins or for some serious air-con afterwards, check out Barai across from the Prasat entrance. In addition to freshly brewed espresso and teas, the glossy café also serves up a limited number of tasty sandwiches and snacks dished up alongside the latest fashion magazines. On a cool day, head outside to their patio. For another breakfast option, stop next to the 7-eleven, where a friendly woman makes delicious whole wheat waffles, beignets, and fried bananas. To satisfy your sweet tooth, head around the corner to Rakan Bakery. Offerings include cinnamon rolls and cute chocolate mice.

For traditional Thai fare, Inter Food is highly recommended by locals and along with the standards, serves some specialties like spicy chicken's toe salad. For an even more authentic experience, patronise the night market stalls that get going at about 16:00 on either side of the event ground by the digital clock tower. Locals shop for produce and fresh meats while snacking on such Isan specialties as deep-fried insects and grilled meat kabobs.

Take the main road toward the river and more culinary treats await. Jintana -- a pork barbeque joint flanked on either side by your staple som tam and noodle stands -- surprisingly has a few vegetarian offerings. A bit further down the road, Sunny's is a cheerful place for a good steak.

For an extensive western menu, head over the bridge to Cat and Fiddle. In addition to serving probably the best coffee in Phimai, this open-air spot dishes up a dizzying array of nostalgic-for-home choices that range from mac and cheese to fish and chips to burgers. There's a pizza shop across the street in case all your cravings aren't satisfied here. And finally, if you find yourself in the area, the restaurant at Phimai Inn dishes up tasty eats on a scenic veranda by the pool.

As fas as drinking is concerned, a few bars stick out above the others -- most notably, Rabien Mai, across from Phimai Paradise Apartment for it's verdant deck, patio seating, and well-stocked bar. Raka, across from the clock tower, is another good option with live music some nights.

Barai: Anatajinda Rd, Phimai. Mon-Sun, 8:00-20:00
Cat and Fiddle: 539/2 Moo 14, Tom Boon Nai, Phimai. Follow Anatajinda Rd. over the bridge where it changes to Tom Boon Nai. Tue-Sun 9:00-22:00.
Inter Food: Tha Songkhran Rd, Phimai.
Jintana: Anatajinda Rd. between Wonprang and Suriya Assadong Rds, Phimai.
Phimai Inn: 33/1 Bypass Rd, Phimai.
Rabien Mai: Samairuchi Rd, Phimai.
Raka: Cnr of Anatajinda and Tha Songkhran, Phimai.
Rakan Bakery: Across from the night food stalls, Tha Songkhran Rd, Phimai.
Sunny's: Cnr of Anatajinda and Suriya Assadong Rds, Phimai.