You may not know this, but Khon Kaen is actually a dream destination for food lovers eager to savour authentic Thai cuisine. Expect bold spices, comforting classics and irresistible street eats… it’s the kind of dishes that make you loosen your belt and start planning your next meal before finishing the first!

All-time Thai Classics
Start with perennial local faves like tom yum with river prawn, a hot and sour soup with a punchy mix of herbs, coconut and spice. Pad Thai features stir-fried rice noodles with tangy tamarind and dry shrimp, often served with bean sprouts and peanuts; you also get a tofu version, so vegetarians don’t have to miss out.

Then there are Thai omelettes, whether filled with minced pork or crab meat. Enjoy such dishes at restaurants like The Globe, found at Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, an ideal base for your culinary adventures.

Grilled and Deep-fried Delights
Khon Kaen’s grilled and crispy treats will have you (and your taste buds) hooked! Try some marinated and grilled pork neck served with a spicy dip when dining at an Isaan restaurant here. Of course, you also get juicy chicken satay paired to perfection with a peanut sauce. Meanwhile, crispy shrimp pancakes and deep-fried seabass with mango salad offer the perfect ‘crunchy-meets-fresh’ balance.

Red, Yellow and Green Curries
Think of these Thai curries like a delicious traffic light… but with some spicy “surprises” in store! Green curry is actually the spiciest, thanks to the use of fresh chillies, while yellow curry tends to be the mildest. Red curry sits comfortably in between. In Khon Kaen, restaurants can serve dishes like chicken green curry, roasted duck in red curry and shrimp in creamy yellow curry for a flavourful ride.

Yummy Desserts

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Sampling dessert here isn’t optional, it’s essential “culinary research” for foodies! Mango sticky rice with coconut milk is a must, and some spots even serve it as ice cream for extra indulgence. Banana in sweet coconut milk offers warm comfort, while juicy tropical fruits make a refreshing finish. The great thing is you don’t have to go out to enjoy these sweet treats… just stay at a hotel which has them on the in-room dining menu!