Region: Southern Thailand> Province: Chumphon> Location: Chumphon

Chumphon

Chumphon may be a mediocre tourist destination on other fronts, but when it comes to food, they've really got their act together. You don't really need a travel guide to find good eats--just stop at any of the Thai-Chinese style restaurants along Sala Daeng Rd, or anywhere else in town, and you're bound to stumble on a surprisingly tasty meal. The one on the ground floor of the Sri Tai Fa hotel is particularly good. Also, there's a great nightly market along Krom Luang Chumphon Rd. An amazing variety of food is on offer from the numerous stalls stretched out along the roadside, and the seafood places along the same street draw nightly crowds with good, cheap food, staying open until the wee hours.

Green Kitchen - Comes recommended
110/32 Sukamura Rd. (near Paradorn Hotel), Chumphon - Chumphon
Tel: (077) 571 731;

We haven't had a chance to review the food here yet, but we thought we'd point it out just so you know it exists. It's kind of hard to find, on a side street leading to the Paradorn Hotel. Vietnamese cuisine has a heavy focus on noodles, and traditional dishes often include rice papers--wafer-thin rice dough that you wrap around meat, veggies and herbs then dip in peanut sauce. Let us know what you think.
Type of Food: Vietnamese /
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 to 22:00

Khoa San Restaurant and Pub - Favourite hangout with those waiting for the boat
Fame Tour & Service, 188/20-21 Saladang Rd, Chumphon - Chumphon
Tel: (077) 571 077;

Despite the slightly patronizing name, the restaurant here serves good, fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, and western food you won't find elsewhere. It's a favourite hang-out for those waiting for the boat to Ko Tao--with internet available, a bar, and guest rooms upstairs, this is the place to go if you want to forget about being in Chumphon altogether.
Type of Food: International /

Kwangaeng - The real deal
Sala Daeng Rd, Chumphon - Chumphon

This place (it has no English sign) is the real deal--it doesn't cater to travellers at all, and it's very popular with locals who keep the staff jumping, especially during lunch. They offer a variety of 25 THB curries--select what you want from one of the aluminum pots and take a seat--they'll bring it to your table with some rice. More adventurous eaters can select the frog curry, but prepared to eat around the bones. There will be a plate of aromatic herbs on the table for you to sample between bites--some of which do a good job of cooling down your mouth after it's been set ablaze by the authentically-spicy food.
Type of Food: Thai /

Papa 2000 - Popular with locals, but overpriced
188/181 Krom Luang Chumphon - Chumphon
Tel: (01) 569 6161;

This is a popular place with locals on an evening out. It's the place to be, but the food is disappointing and the drinks are overpriced. You'll probably have a better time, and sample more interesting eats, at one of the seafood restaurants along the same street. You'll save money that way, too.
Type of Food: Thai /