10 recommended affordable and halal culinary spots in Thailand

Thailand is known as one of the most capable countries in Southeast Asia in the field of tourism. Not only for nature, tourists from various parts of the world, including Indonesia, also visit the Land of the White Elephant for culinary tourism.Although dominated by a Buddhist population, halal cuisine is abundant in Thailand, especially in the southern regions such as Pattani or Yala. However, you don't need to worry. Here is a recommendation of 10 halal culinary spots in Thailand, specifically in Bangkok:

1. Muslim food Pratunam market

Looking for halal food in the Bangkok city area? Then you must go to Pratunam Market. In this market, several stalls serve affordable halal food, whether it's typical Thai dishes like pad thai or Malay comfort food such as fried rice, egg rice, and so on. Not only that, several hotels are also located right in the market area, so you can stay, buy food, and souvenirs all in one place.

2. Ramkhamhaeng night market

One of the reasons why Bangkok, Thailand is a favorite tourist destination for Indonesians is that even though it's abroad, the cost of traveling to Bangkok is relatively affordable. Furthermore, the vibe of this city is also similar to Indonesia, despite some differences. One similarity between Bangkok and Indonesia is the Ramkhamhaeng night market.

Ramkhamhaeng Night Market is a night market in the Ramkhamhaeng University area. Here, you can find various affordable halal street food, such as satay, crepes, and many others. But remember, prepare enough cash before shopping at this market, as the stalls you visit may not accept cashless payments.

3. Usman Thai halal food

Serving authentic Thai cuisine, Usman Thai Halal Food is one of the most famous halal eateries in Thailand. Located near the Marriott Marquis Bangkok Hotel, this restaurant is easily accessible for tourists visiting Thailand. This restaurant also offers convenience for its customers by accepting non-cash payments, such as credit cards or debit cards. So, don't forget to bring your Honest credit card so you can eat at this restaurant quickly.

4. Nuatair Xian Tiaw

If you are looking for processed Thai noodles, then the halal restaurant you must visit is Nuatair Xian Tiaw. With a price range of 50 Baht to around 150 Baht, you can get delicious and tender processed noodles and Australian imported beef. Nuatair Xian Tiaw is one of several other branches of the Nuatair restaurant. No need to worry! According to the restaurant's official website, all Nuatair restaurants have received halal certification.

5. Ami Malaya Indonesian halal food

Looking for comfort food? Don't worry! Visit Ami Malaya Indonesian Halal Food on Phetchaburi Road. Not only is it halal, but at this restaurant, you will also find various Indonesian specialties with prices ranging from 100 Baht to 200 Baht. Everything from Special Fried Rice, Pempek Palembang to Ayam Geprek is available. Perfect for those looking for food that suits the Indonesian palate.

6. Phrigkiao

Phrigkiao is the perfect place to eat when you are hungry after a day of shopping at Siam Square. Only 300 meters from this famous mall, you can already enjoy various Thai specialties, such as the delicious and halal Tom Yum Goong.

Forgot to bring cash when eating at this restaurant? Don't stress! Phrigkiao and many other halal restaurants in Thailand accept non-cash payments, including payments using a Mastercard-emblazoned credit card like Honest. The Honest credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees (other credit cards usually have an exchange rate fee of 2.5%-3.5% of the total transaction), so you only need to pay your meal price while at Phrigkiao. Just tap your Honest credit card on the EDC machine for a few seconds, and the entire payment will be complete.

7. Halal Boat Noodle (Abang Misai)

One of Thailand's signature dishes is Boat Noodle. Unfortunately, this particular noodle contains pork. But, you don't need to worry. You can enjoy the halal version of this Thai specialty at Halal Boat Noodle (Abang Misai) in Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Bangkok. Not only is the taste delicious, but the portion is also satisfying and the price is affordable—for less than 100 Baht or Rp52,000, you can enjoy a large bowl of Thai Boat Noodle a la Abang Misai.

8. Mama Made Roti

The 8th recommendation for a halal eating spot in Thailand, specifically in Bangkok, is Mama Made Roti. Slightly different from the other eateries above, which are primarily excellent in Thai and Malay foods, Mama Made Roti offers a lot of halal South Asian specialties, such as Massaman Curry, Parathra, and many others.

9. Sophia restaurant

Sophia Restaurant is one of the most famous eateries in Thailand. Close to the 5-star Al Meroz Hotel, this restaurant serves typical Thai food, Malay cuisine, and various cuisines from other countries, such as sushi, Hawaiian pizza, and much more. Its spacious and clean location makes Sophia Restaurant suitable for you and your family to dine during your vacation in Thailand.

10. Yana restaurant

One of Thailand's culinary spots that offers halal food is Yana Restaurant at MBK Center. So after shopping, you can immediately enjoy halal food at this restaurant. The menu varies from Thai specialties, such as Tom Yum Goong and Hot Pot, to international food like Spaghetti.

Besides the 10 spots above, finding halal cuisine in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, is actually relatively easy. The trick is to look for the nearest mosque location, such as Harun Mosque, Jawa Mosque, or Assalafiyah Mosque. Usually, around the mosque area, there will be many residents selling halal food. However, dining spots around the mosque area may not accept non-cash payments, so even though you are advised to bring your Honest credit card, a certain amount of cash is still needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there halal food in Thailand?

Some halal foods in Thailand that can be tried, for example, are curry, tom yum, som tam, panang curry, and khaeng kiao wan.

2. How much do food and drinks cost in Thailand?

The price of food and drinks in Thailand depends on the location and the type of food chosen. In local restaurants, the price ranges from 20-100 Baht or Rp9,000-Rp50,000. While in more luxurious restaurants, it can reach 200-1,000 Baht or more.

3. How can foreign tourists pay for food in Thailand?

For foreign tourists, payment for food in Thailand can be made using cash or cashless methods. Currently, many street food vendors are starting to implement cashless payments.