Not so very long ago, the idea of being a vegan or vegetarian was only associated with the most extreme animal lovers or healthy eaters. It was something that seemed incredibly difficult to practice even if you wanted to – where would you buy ingredients? How on earth do you milk an almond? And would it mean the end of dining out forever?
Thankfully not, as times have changed. Now the benefits of following a vegan, vegetarian, or even just a healthy diet is far easier to practice and has spread to Pattaya and its surrounding areas.
Residents and visitors here are now much more aware of the world and what disastrous impact humans have had upon it. It can be seen in the concerted efforts over the last few years to stop using so much plastic. We now know that methane gas and the resulting carbon dioxide produced by livestock are among the world’s most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore cutting down on the amount of meat we eat means we’re helping to save this damaged planet.
There are selfish reasons why we should look to a more healthy diet and the ecological benefits. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables rather than fried, processed meat-based junk food is better for our health and wellbeing.
So where in Pattaya can we adopt the practice of Healthy Dining? Well, apart from the apparent buying of fresh local produce to prepare and cook at home, there are plenty of places where we can dine out and still keep to our healthy diet regime. All Thai restaurants, for example, offer curries and traditional dishes with seafood or vegetarian/tofu options. Suppose healthy eating for you means becoming a pescatarian, eating a vegetarian diet, and eating fish and other seafood. There is plenty of prawn, squid, sea bass, and other fish available in that case.
Centara Avenue
Central Pattaya
This well-appointed studio condo for rent is ideally located in the centre of Pattaya.
With plenty of Indian restaurants in Pattaya, you can find many vegetarian, tofu, chickpea, and lentil offerings to avoid the meat dishes. There are even excellent 100% Pure Vegetarian Indian restaurants such as Govindam at 330/1 Pattaya Klang road and Jai Jinendra also on Pattaya Klang by Moo 10.
Five Star J Vegetarian Restaurant is a cosy little restaurant at 313/37 Pattaya Tai (by the corner of 3rd road) which has long been a favourite of vegetarians serving as it does over 200 dishes from all over the world. Also Yes Vegan, as the name suggests, was the first restaurant in Pattaya to serve 100% vegan foods with a menu chosen from both Thai and International cuisine, located on Thappraya Soi 12 (known by locals as Pattaya Park Road).
If you are new to Pattaya, the shopping malls are excellent places to check out for many dining outlets. As a rule, junk food: burgers, fried chicken, etc. can usually be found on the lower levels but go up a few floors, and you will see a vast array of international restaurants which will include those offering Sushi and Sashimi in Japanese restaurants such as Fuji and tasty hummus and vegetarian options from Turkish restaurants such as A La Turca Pattaya.
Or you can go into Pratumnak to visit Falafel&Hummus which only recently opened on Soi 6 and can offer healthy dining options at very reasonable prices. Or into central Pattaya for Elgreco’s Greek and Mediterranean traditional homemade recipes on Soi Bongkoch. Crab Pot is another recently opened restaurant in the popular Cosy Beach area at Soi Kasetin 9 and prides itself on its extensive seafood menu.
Tudor Court
Pratamnak
Spacious 3 bedrooms unit for sale in a sought-after residence of Pratamnak.
There are also two charming, romantic restaurants where dining healthily can be an absolute treat due to the ambience and the decorative servings of all the dishes. Both Cabbages and Condoms on Pratumnak soi 4 and MAYs Pattaya on Thepprasit road have plenty of healthy dining options for you to enjoy in lovely surroundings.
So- why not try a day a week where you’re vegan? Or embrace Veganuary (where every day for January you eat a vegan diet)? Or make a 2021 resolution to eat more healthily. Don’t look at it as a laborious process, with these handy restaurant selections Pattaya has a wealth of tasty options for you.