Phetchaburi takes its food seriously: in 2021 it became Thailand’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The secret is its sugar palms, whose sap is boiled into fragrant palm sugar that sweetens everything from custards to curries. Phetchaburi is famous across Thailand for its desserts, and also for a royal-influenced summer dish, a distinctive take on fish cakes with rice noodles and fresh seafood from the coast at Cha-am and Ban Laem. This guide covers what to eat, where to find it and how to plan your meals around the province’s festivals. For sights and routes, see our things to do in Phetchaburi guide.
- Must-try: Khanom mo kaeng (palm-sugar custard) and khao chae in the hot season
- Best for eating: Phetchaburi old town, dessert shops on the main roads and seafood in Cha-am
- Price level: Budget to mid-range
- Michelin: Phetchaburi is not covered by the MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection; follow local favourites
Dishes to try in Phetchaburi
1. Khanom mo kaeng
Phetchaburi’s signature dessert: a baked custard of egg, coconut milk and palm sugar, often with mung bean, taro or lotus seed, topped with crisp fried shallots. Dessert shops sell it in trays to take home.
2. Palm sugar (nam tan tanot)
Thick, caramel-like palm sugar from local sugar palms. Buy it as a souvenir and taste it in sweets such as khanom tan (palm fruit cake) and sweet coconut desserts.
3. Khao chae
Rice in chilled jasmine-scented water served with small, intricately prepared side dishes such as stuffed shallots, sweet shredded pork and shrimp paste balls. Of Mon origin and popular in the royal court, it is mainly a hot-season dish from around March to May.
4. Khanom jeen thod man
Rice noodles topped with sliced fried fish cake and a sweet, rich curry sauce, a breakfast favourite unique to Phetchaburi.
5. Kaeng khua hua tan
A coconut curry made with young sugar-palm shoots or palm fruit, often cooked with shrimp or fish. Sweet, creamy and very local.
6. Golden egg-yolk sweets
Thong yip, thong yot and foi thong, the golden egg-yolk desserts introduced to Thailand in the Ayutthaya era, are made beautifully in Phetchaburi and sold in sweet shops across town.
7. Seafood from Cha-am and Ban Laem
The coast supplies crab, squid, mussels and fish. Seafood restaurants line Cha-am Beach, and Ban Laem is known for dried and salted seafood.
8. Phetchaburi rose apples and fruit
The province is known for its crisp rose apples and sweet palm fruit; look for them at roadside stalls in season.
Markets and food streets
- Old town markets: Morning markets in central Phetchaburi sell khanom jeen thod man, Thai desserts and local produce. Map
- Dessert shops near Khao Wang: A string of sweet shops near Phra Nakhon Khiri sells khanom mo kaeng and palm sugar treats. Map
- Cha-am night market and beachfront: Evening stalls and seafood restaurants by the beach. Map
Long-running names to know
- Mae Kim Lang: One of the best-known names for khanom mo kaeng, with shops in Phetchaburi selling desserts to take home. Map
Many of Phetchaburi’s best desserts come from small family producers rather than famous restaurants, so browse several shops and buy what looks freshest. Opening hours change, so check before you go.
Food at Phetchaburi’s festivals
The Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival in February fills the area around Khao Wang with stalls selling local desserts, palm sugar sweets and street food, along with cultural shows and fireworks. In the hot season around Songkran, khao chae appears on menus across the province, a refreshing way to eat during the April heat. Plan your trip with our Phetchaburi travel guide, and read the Songkran etiquette guide before joining the water fights.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Phetchaburi a UNESCO City of Gastronomy?
It was recognised in 2021 for its food heritage, especially palm sugar production, traditional desserts and dishes that blend local ingredients with royal and Mon culinary influences.
When can I eat khao chae?
Mostly in the hot season, from around March to May, though some shops serve it longer.
What should I buy as a food souvenir?
Khanom mo kaeng, palm sugar, golden egg-yolk sweets and dried seafood from the coast.
Are there Michelin restaurants in Phetchaburi?
No. The MICHELIN Guide selection does not cover Phetchaburi, but its food culture is recognised by UNESCO.
More food and travel guides
Cover photo: Mo Geng.JPG · User:Mattes · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
