β Updated on 05.11.2025
What Does “Cheap” Actually Mean?
Let’s start by defining what “cheap” really means in Patong. In Thailand, two of the most common dishes are Pad Thai and chicken with rice. Their prices are a good indicator of how budget-friendly a restaurant is:
- If these dishes cost between 60–120 baht, it’s a budget-friendly spot.
- Anything more than that usually means you’re in a tourist-oriented place, or the rent is high and the prices reflect that.
Why overpay? If one restaurant charges 300 baht ($9) for Pad Thai, and another offers it for 100 baht ($3), I’ll go with the second one. It’s the exact same dish — just without the markup for location or flashiness.
Beachside Street Food
Let’s start with the most convenient option — the street food stalls right along Patong Beach. Each morning, locals set up food stands from the backs of their motorbikes. They cook fresh meals all day, then pack everything up in the evening.
I walked along the beachfront, checked the menus, compared prices, and tried a few dishes myself. And I can confidently say: this is the best value for money in Patong. You’re right by the beach, the food is fresh, and the prices are friendly.
Here’s what you can typically find at these beachfront stalls:
- Thai dishes (ΰΈΏ100–150)
- Fresh seafood (~ΰΈΏ200)
- Shawarma (ΰΈΏ180)
- Fresh fruit (~ΰΈΏ50)
- Fruit smoothies (ΰΈΏ60–80)
- Beer and soft drinks (ΰΈΏ20–120)
Personally, I love classic Thai street food like Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, chicken with rice, and papaya salad. These are some of the most popular local dishes — and I eat them all the time.
88 Asura Bar — More Than Just Drinks
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Despite the name, 88 Asura Bar is more than just a bar. Right next to it, you’ll find a cluster of food stalls popular with locals for lunch and dinner.
I ranked this spot second on my list because it’s located just off the main beach road — you’ll likely pass by it while exploring. It’s not flashy, but definitely worth a visit.
Here, I had the tastiest and biggest Pad Thai of my life for just 100 baht. My friends also loved the Tom Yum soup — rich, spicy, and full of flavor.
If you’re hunting for cheap restaurants in Patong, this is a solid pick that combines quality, price, and location.
β Good and Affordable Hotels in Patong:
- Centro One Patong – Close to Bangla Road but quiet; breakfast included
- iCheck Inn – Solid budget option
- The Natural Resort – One of the cheapest around
- Patong Beach Side Hotel – Rooms with a balcony
- Buasri Boutique – Great design, low price, but a bit farther from the beach
- Meow+ Cat Cafe & Hotel – A hotel attached to a cat café
- Best Western – Rooftop pool with a view
- Vintage Park Resort – Large, spacious property
Tops Food Hall (Central Patong)
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In simple terms — this is a food court.
I ranked Tops Food Hall third, mainly because the food isn’t quite as delicious as at 88 Asura Bar, but it’s still good — and super convenient. It’s located inside Central Patong, so chances are you’ll find yourself nearby anyway.
The prices here are a bit higher than at street stalls, but the quality is solid. Today I had a generous plate of pork with rice for 120 baht. You’ll find a variety of vendors in the same space offering everything from Thai favorites to fusion dishes.
A quick note about Thai food courts:
You’ll need to get a card at the counter and load it with cash. Then, you pay for your meals using that card. It’s easy and becomes second nature after your first try. This system helps centralize payments and keep things running smoothly.
If you’re looking for nice restaurants in Patong but don’t want to commit to full-service dining, Tops is a great middle-ground.
Food Bazaar (Jungceylon)
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Food Bazaar is another food court, located just across the street from Tops Food Hall — inside Jungceylon Mall, one of Patong’s main shopping centers. Chances are you’ll be walking around here at some point, which is why I placed it fourth on my list.
When it comes to prices and food selection, Food Bazaar is pretty similar to the food court in Central Patong. The main difference is the location — but the concept is the same: a range of stalls offering quick, affordable meals.
Phuketurk
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Now we’re moving further inland — this spot is on the third road back from the beach. I haven’t personally eaten at Phuketurk, but I passed by today, snapped a few photos of the menu, and noticed it was pretty busy.
From what I’ve seen and read, the reviews are positive and it looks like a solid place to eat. Definitely worth a try if you’re exploring the area.
I didn’t stop because I was heading somewhere else — which I’ll tell you about next.
Steak Tonight — A Hidden Gem in Local Patong
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If you make it out to Steak Tonight, you’ll find yourself in the real, non-touristy side of Patong. Things here aren’t as polished as the beachside streets — no inflated prices, no tourist traps, and mostly locals all around. Personally, I love neighborhoods like this — they give you a better feel for everyday Thai life.
And now to the main point: Steak Tonight is one of the best places I’ve ever eaten. Not just in Thailand — anywhere.
My friend and I tried a few different steaks, a burger, grilled cheese toast, and mozzarella sticks. Every single thing was delicious.
A few things to know:
- Be prepared to wait — it’s a small place and often busy
- Limited seating, so it might be full during peak hours
- Opens at 5:00 PM and stays open until 2:00 AM (last order at 12:30 AM)
- It’s a bit far from the beach
Still, I highly recommend it. If you’re craving something different from Thai food and want to try a top restaurant in Patong that’s off the beaten path, this is the spot.
