Nong Khai’s food blends Isan, Lao and Vietnamese flavours on the banks of the Mekong. This is the hometown of one of Thailand’s best-known Vietnamese pork-roll restaurants, and the riverside is lined with places serving Mekong fish, som tam and grilled meats at sunset. Nong Khai is not covered by the MICHELIN Guide, so follow the locals to markets, breakfast shops and riverside restaurants.
- Must-try: naem nueang, Mekong fish, khao piak sen, khai krata
- Where: Tha Sadet Market, riverside promenade, morning markets
- Take home: Vietnamese sausages and snacks from Tha Sadet
Dishes to try in Nong Khai
1. Naem nueang
Grilled pork sausage wrapped in rice paper with herbs, green banana, starfruit and garlic, dipped in a rich sauce — Nong Khai’s signature dish.
2. Mekong river fish
Whole fish grilled with salt, steamed with lime, or cooked into sour soups; ask what was caught that day.
3. Khao piak sen
Soft rice noodles in clear broth with pork — a breakfast favourite across the region.
4. Khai krata
Eggs fried in a small pan with Chinese sausage and minced pork, served with Vietnamese-style bread — a classic Mekong breakfast.
5. Khanom krok and Vietnamese snacks
Coconut pancakes, spring rolls and other snacks from the town’s Vietnamese-Thai kitchens.
6. Som tam and larb
Isan staples, often eaten with sticky rice on riverside terraces.
7. Gai yang
Isan grilled chicken with sticky rice and jaew.
8. Mok pla
Fish mixed with herbs and chilli, wrapped in banana leaf and steamed or grilled.
9. Lao-style sausages
Herb-packed grilled sausages sold at markets and along the riverside.
10. Iced coffee and bread
A Vietnamese-influenced café culture means strong coffee and fresh bread are easy to find in the mornings.
Markets and food streets
Tha Sadet Market: the riverside Indochina market, good for Vietnamese sausages, dried snacks and souvenirs. Map
Riverside promenade: restaurants and evening stalls with Mekong views. Map
Morning markets: breakfast noodles, khai krata and sticky rice from early morning. Map
Naga fireball season stalls: in Phon Phisai and along the river, temporary food stalls feed the crowds in October. Map
Where to eat
Daeng Naem Nueang: the Nong Khai original of the famous Vietnamese pork-roll restaurant, now with branches in other provinces; expect generous platters of fresh herbs and the signature dipping sauce. Map
Beyond that, choose riverside restaurants that are busy with local families, especially for Mekong fish, and breakfast shops near the market for khao piak and khai krata. Nong Khai is not covered by the MICHELIN Guide. Hours change often — check before you go.
Festival food
During Ok Phansa and the Naga fireball nights (usually October), the riverbanks fill with stalls selling grilled meats, sticky rice and sweets; at Songkran families share meals after temple visits. See festivals and sights in our things to do in Nong Khai guide.
Practical tips
- Carry cash for markets and small restaurants.
- Ask the price of river fish by weight before ordering.
- Riverside restaurants are busiest at sunset — arrive a little earlier for a good table.
- Udon Thani, an hour away, adds MICHELIN Bib Gourmand options if you want more.
FAQ
What food is Nong Khai famous for?
Naem nueang (Vietnamese-style pork rolls) and Mekong river fish.
Where can I buy food souvenirs?
Tha Sadet Market has Vietnamese sausages, snacks and dried goods.
Are there MICHELIN restaurants in Nong Khai?
No, but nearby Udon Thani has several Bib Gourmand restaurants.
What is a typical breakfast?
Khai krata with bread and coffee, or a bowl of khao piak sen.
Keep exploring
Cover photo: Nem Nuong 2018-07-29.jpg · Index Librorum Permissorum · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
