Midsize Woman

Located in Southern Thailand, just about two hours from the Satun or Padang Besar border, Hat Yai has quickly become a favorite weekend getaway for many Malaysians and for good reason. What was once considered a stopover town is now a rising destination for foodies, slow travelers, and anyone looking for something a little more local and laid-back.

I first came here during Songkran, planning to stay maybe a week. That turned into a full month of slow living, and I ended up coming back again for another two months. Why?

1. Hat Yai fits my slow travel lifestyle perfectly.
2. The food is good.

Seriously, Hat Yai’s food scene is something else. It blends bold Southern Thai spices with Malay and Thai-Muslim flavors, so you get this amazing mix you won’t find in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Think crispy fried chicken, spicy rice salads, Muslim-style biryani, and sweet street snacks all in one city.

Here’s a food guide to help you eat your way through Hat Yai, from must-try local dishes to the best markets and stalls to find them.

Halal & Muslim-Friendly Must-Try Foods in Hat Yai

Hat Yai has a large Muslim community and is just a short hop from the Malaysian border so it’s no surprise you’ll find plenty of Halal food, including dishes that blend Thai, Malay, and Southern Muslim flavors.

1. Hat Yai Fried Chicken (Gai Tod Hat Yai)

This is Hat Yai’s signature street food, don’t leave without trying it.
Unlike American-style fried chicken, the Thai version is marinated in coriander, garlic, pepper, and soy sauce, then coated with rice flour and fried until it’s crispy but not greasy. The magic comes in the crispy shallots sprinkled on top, giving it that sweet-savory crunch.

• Best eaten with: Sticky rice + sweet chili dipping sauce.
• You can find it anywhere, but my favorite is here.

2. Khao Mok Gai (Southern Thai Chicken Biryani)

This is the Southern Thai-Muslim take on biryani, mildly spiced turmeric rice, one large tender chicken leg, and a bright greenish dipping sauce (tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy). It’s a no-fuss, comforting dish, often eaten for lunch.

• Flavor profile: Aromatic, not spicy, great for sensitive palates.
• Where to try it: Bangjen fried chicken halal

3. Patongo (Thai Fried Dough with Kaya or Condensed Milk)

A beloved Thai breakfast staple, especially in Hat Yai. These golden-brown strips of deep-fried dough are light, crispy, and just slightly chewy, kind of like a cross between Chinese youtiao and Malay cakoi. You’ll often find them sold from morning street carts, freshly fried right in front of you.

In Hat Yai, what makes Patongo extra special is how it’s served often with:

• Pandan Kaya (sweet, fragrant custard-like jam)
• Taro jam
• Condensed milk or soy milk for dipping

Perfect for eating on the go, or as a slow breakfast with a cup of Thai tea. Try this place for best Patongo in Hat Yai, but go early, the stall closed before 10 a.m.

4. Khanom Jeen Nam Ya (Fermented Rice Noodles with Curry)

A popular Thai breakfast or lunch dish. Soft fermented rice noodles topped with fish-based curry or coconut curry, served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and boiled egg on the side. You mix everything together before eating.

Where to try it:

• Small stall inside Santisuk Market
• Morning vendors near Hat Yai Nai Temple

5. Khao Yam (Southern Thai Rice Herb Salad)

If you’re familiar with Nasi Kerabu from Kelantan, Malaysia, then Khao Yam will feel right at home. It’s a colorful, fresh rice salad made with blue butterfly pea flower rice, mixed herbs like kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, shredded coconut, and sometimes dried shrimp, all tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing.

• It’s light, zesty, and packed with herbal flavors, making it a perfect refreshing dish after heavier meals.
• Try at Greenway Night Market or Asean Night Bazaar.

6. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

A Thai classic. Strips of crunchy green papaya pounded with lime juice, chili, garlic, fish sauce, palm sugar, and tomatoes. It’s spicy, sour, slightly sweet, and super addictive. Many stalls also offer variants with salted egg, peanuts, or fermented crab.

Where to try it:

• Kim Yong Market (morning)
• Floating Market (weekend)
• Next to most fried chicken stalls

Tip: Ask for “mai phet” if you don’t want it super spicy.

7. Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua) – Halal version available

Thick and rich noodle soup made with beef (or chicken), dark soy broth, herbs, bean sprouts, and sometimes fried garlic or crispy toppings. You can usually find halal versions that avoid pork.

Non-Halal Dishes in Hat Yai (If You Eat Pork)

If you’re not following halal, Hat Yai also offers pork-heavy street food that’s rich, spicy, and comforting. Here’s a roundup of the best ones:

1. Crispy Pork Krapow (Pad Krapow Moo Grob)

This is comfort food at its best. Crispy pork belly, stir-fried with holy basil, garlic, chili, and soy sauce. Served over hot jasmine rice and topped with a fried egg. Crunchy, spicy, rich, you’ll probably crave it again the next day.

2. Tom Yum Noodles with Pork (Kuay Teow Tom Yum Moo)

A street-food favorite, a bowl of noodles in spicy, sour tom yum broth, loaded with minced pork, fish balls, peanuts, lime, and chili flakes. You can order it dry (haeng) or with soup (nam).

3. Singaporean-style Stir-fried Noodles with Pork

A local shop near Kim Yong Market serves Singaporean-style noodles, slightly sweet soy sauce, pork slices, wok-fried with eggs and greens. Think of it as Thai-Chinese comfort food with wok hei.

4. I’m Burger Hatyai

Right in the city center near Kim Yong Market, I’m Burger Hatyai is a local favorite for juicy, flavorful burgers that aren’t halal but are packed with bold Thai-style flavors. They use pork and beef patties seasoned with herbs and spices, topped with fresh veggies and spicy sauces that give it a unique Hat Yai twist.

• Perfect for those craving Western-style comfort food with a local flair.
• Great spot for casual lunch or dinner

Foodie Tips for Eating in Hat Yai

1. Go Early for the Best Picks
   Many popular stalls open early and sell out fast, especially fried chicken, Patongo, and noodle soups. Aim to arrive before 10 AM for the freshest food.
2. Don’t Be Shy to Ask
   English isn’t common at smaller stalls. Use simple Thai phrases or gestures. Say “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet nit noi” (a little spicy) to adjust heat levels.
3. Mix & Match
   Food stalls usually specialize, so try fried chicken from one place, noodles from another. Eating from multiple vendors is common and part of the fun.
4. Look for Busy Stalls
   Follow the locals! Busy stalls mean fresh ingredients and good food.
5. Cash is King
   Most vendors accept cash only. Bring small bills and coins, and have enough cash on hand.
6. Try Both Halal and Non-Halal
   Hat Yai’s food scene blends Southern Thai, Malay Muslim, and Thai-Chinese flavors. Explore both if your diet allows for a fuller experience.
7. Mind the Heat
   Southern Thai food is spicy! Start mild and increase spice gradually. Sweet Thai iced tea or coconut water helps cool your mouth.
8. Visit Night Markets for Variety
   Markets like Greenway and Floating Market open later with tons of street food options, great for dinner or late-night snacks.
9. Respect Local Customs
   Eating on the go is normal, but keep your area clean and dispose of trash properly. Most stalls provide takeaway bags.
10. Don’t Forget Dessert!
    Try local sweets like mango sticky rice, Lod Chong, or deep-fried bananas to balance spicy dishes.

Drinks & Desserts to Try in Hat Yai

After all that amazing street food, don’t forget to treat yourself to some sweet delights. Here are some popular local desserts and drinks to round out your food adventure:

• Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang): Sweet ripe mango paired with creamy coconut sticky rice, a classic Thai dessert you can find almost everywhere.
• Lod Chong: Green pandan-flavored rice noodles in sweet coconut milk served over ice — super refreshing in the tropical heat.
• Deep-Fried Bananas (Kluay Tod): Crispy, golden, and naturally sweet perfect street snack dessert.
• Thai Iced Tea: Strong, sweet, and creamy, the ultimate drink to cool down your palate.

Dessert at Big C: Sweet Treats You Can’t Miss

If you’re near Big C Hat Yai, pop into the dessert stalls or cafes inside for a quick sweet fix. Some must-try treats include:

• Banoffee: Creamy banana and caramel goodness on a biscuit base.
• Mangofie: A tropical twist with fresh mango instead of banana.
• Apple Pie: Warm and flaky with cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
• Éclairs: Light, airy choux pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate.

These treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo after a full day of tasting Hat Yai’s savory flavors.

Final Thoughts

Hat Yai is one of those hidden gems in Southern Thailand where the food scene truly shines. It’s a melting pot of Southern Thai, Malay Muslim, and Thai-Chinese flavors, creating dishes you won’t easily find anywhere else. Whether you’re here for the crispy fried chicken, the fragrant biryani, or the unexpected treats like Patongo with kaya, this city’s food culture invites you to slow down, savor, and explore.

What makes Hat Yai special isn’t just the food itself, it’s the vibe. The friendly vendors, bustling markets, and the easy pace of life all come together to create a truly immersive culinary experience. Plus, it’s become a favorite weekend getaway for Malaysians, so you get a delicious blend of cultures and tastes.

If you’re into food, adventure, or just looking for a new place to unwind and eat well, put Hat Yai on your list. Take your time, try everything, and don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten path. Your taste buds will thank you.