Kai Bae Beach restaurants offer the full range of global cuisines, with everything from Thai to Italian, Mexican, Spanish and Indian, served up in a whole host of different diners spread out along its narrow bustling main street.
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Thai Food – Kai Bae Beach Restaurants
Choices for Thai food range from simple one plate over rice dishes to DIY bbqs, seafood to Issan style somtam with sticky rice and of course, good old noodle soup.
Seafood
For seafood, Kai Bae follows the island style of the small boat out front, fish, prawns, squid, cockles and mussels piled up on the ice, all cooked any which way you like. Each is proficient at what they do, nothing fancy and certainly not high cuisine but more than acceptable for a meal out.
Our favourites are Friend Seafood at the northern end and Baan Kai Bae Seafood near the bridge towards the southern end. You can order off the menu too if seafood is not your thing.
Cheap and Cheerful
In the area around and about the police box at the northern end, you’ll find some good cheap and cheerful Thai diners roadside, nothing fancy but good enough to fallback on – look out for Le Krok on the corner of the bypass road turning and the Issan diner, Bung Kan at the far end of Mai Pen Rai Guesthouse
Continuing up that bypass road, next door to the vegetarian Tofu Kitchen (see below), First Sight specialises in Issan dishes, whilst at the top, just around the bend, the long running Nid’s Kitchen mixes the usual Thai fare with some western dishes.
Moving into the village further, opposite the northern 7-11, Koh Pin Toh, presents its Thai dishes in the traditional Pintoh, those stacked metal/bamboo food containers used for work and school. Here, you can order special sets – finger food, soups, land and sea, rice and noodles.
Krung Ka Ta in the central area, the DIY bbq, has closed down as has, sadly, the excellent Kwetiau Reua Rangsit (Rangsit Boat Noodles) at the start of the lane down down to Coral Resort.
Following a renovation, Le Sabai Sabai has taken over the old Hippo spot next to Wine Gallery (see below) – full menu of Thai staples, western dishes, a reliable banker. Its neighbour, Areeya follows a similar course.
Southern End
By the bridge in the lane running down behind Morgan, there is a standard and very popular Thai food court, with each stall side by side specialising in different Thai dishes. You can choose from just one place or mix and match from each. From our visits, Infinity at the far end is the stand-out, now joined by Ban Hea (formerly on the bend in Pearl Beach).
On the other side of the bridge, Maneenat has chickens roasting out front, giving a heavy hint that its focus is on Issan style (sticky rice, somtam, grilled chicken, laab) but of course, it offers a full menu too, with useful pics on the wall to point at. Opposite and popular since opening in 2023, Happy Restaurant and Enjoy Life mix Thai staples with western dishes, all at a reasonable price.
Head inland at this end by the elephant camp and follow the signs toward Kai Bae Waterfall and you’ll find Seaweed Cafe Bar and Bistro, formerly down on the beach at The White Knot – lots of Issan choices, other Thai food, western snacks and a full bar.
High Dining
Those seeking out a romantic, more upmarket spot should try the in-house restaurants at The Chill (excellent, comfortable, Bangkok style), Awa Resort, The Ocean Terrace at The Retreat and Gaja Chaan at Gajapuri Resort. Prices with drinks will probably come out at 1,000bt a head once tax and service have been added.
Meanwhile, Yaa, the owner of now shut Blue Lagoon Cooking School, has brought her signature style of delicately prepared and artistically presented Thai dishes to Kai Bae in the form of Khao Kham. Dishes at this centrally located bistro include Mantis shrimps with garlic and pepper and Blue Spotted Grouper on Cantaloupe.
Vegetarian
At the northern end, tucked away up the slope near the start of Walking Street, Tofu Kitchen is one of the island’s premier vegetarian restaurants. A tiny kitchen turns out variations on all the classic Thai dishes at very reasonable prices, with a nifty sideline in cocktails.
Poke Bowl, the excellent diner run by a French/Cambodian couple, has moved house from the northern end to the corner of the entrance to Garden Resort, sandwiched between Little Italy and El Barrio.
Western Food – Kai Bae Beach Restaurants
You can eat around the continents in Kai Bae.
Northern End
At the start of the village, in the police box area, Papa’s, the Greek diner, cooks up all the classics including kleftiko (lamb stew). Nearby, Indie Raw, from the team at Indie Beach Bungalows in Hat Sai Noi, brings you an all round summery vibe with their offer of sashmi, sushi, maki and even sake.
Opposite Indie, Burger Station has been a fixture for many a year offering beef, chicken and vegetarian options – tasty and well priced.
Continue on to the main high street, Mordi and Fuggi is also well worth a visit with its two branches almost side by side, one for the classics, one for Italian brunch and gelato. Opposite them, the deservedly popular Wine Gallery offers elaborate and very tasty Mediteanean tapas to complement its wine and spirit selection. It’s all excellent, well presented and yet another great spot to hang out.
Central Section
From the former owner of Filou, Bananas is a middle European fast food hybrid offering dishes such as kebabs, curry sausage, ghoulash soup, pork knuckle, meatloaf and burgers alongside cocktails.
For 24/25 season, Cabana Ocean Bistro is leaving Coral Resort and moving to The White Knot, on the beach at the northern end – it’s a very relaxed Mediterranean style affair of paninis, home made burgers, hand cut fries, music and sunsets.
Roadside leading up to the main bridge, new in 2024, West Coast, has quickly built a good reputation for its burgers (Elephant Island, the speciality) and also the tenderloin beef. A few doors down , meanwhile, Morgan, the sports bar, remains an ever reliable choice for either western or Thai food when watching the game or having a drink.
Southern End
A Koh Chang favourite, El Barrio is a friendly relaxed spot turning out authentic Mexican dishes and cocktails to a great soundtrack. Across the road, the tiny India Chef is regularly held as one of the island’s best Indian offerings, with its dahls, in particular, delicious.
Run by the ex Buddha View crew, Fin serves up specialities like tuna steak salsa verde and Belgian beef stew alongside its pub style menu. Ta Tum next door specialises in steaks as well as other western and Thai food.
Opposite Fin, from the same owners as Toscana in Klong Prao, Little Italy gives you another excellent pasta and pizza option – try the gelatos too.
Coffee Shops
On the little back road leading past Awa’s hillside rooms, Fig Cafe at Koh Chang Residence is a very sweet spot – great coffee, a few vegetarian dishes on offer too.
Also inland at the far southern end – head up by the elephant camp and then follow the signs – The Mount sits on top of the hill, with amazing 360° views of the village and out to sea. It serves the usual array of coffee and smoothies as well as some one dish snacks. The last section of the track up is steep and tricky so maybe park your motorbike lower down and walk that bit.
Down at Mam Kai Bae, Sea Almond is charming cafe in a great location right on the beach, with tables in the garden, inside or even some seating up on the roof – coffee, smoothies and food.
Finally, the ever so aptly name View Cafe is perfectly situated to take in the magnificent vista of the offshore islands at Kai Bae Viewpoint – on the hill as you leave town.
Recommended – Kai Bae Beach Restaurants
North to South
Tofu Kitchen
Per Person: BB
Northern end at the start of the bypass road, vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving breakfasts, lunch and dinner – mushroom avocado toast, cashew pesto penne, gyoza, tempeh skewers, Thai soups, stir fries and curries, sandwiches. Lots of shakes and cocktails too. Tiny place with only one cook so be prepared to take your time.
Indie Raw
Per Person: B – BBB
Also at the nothern end just before the Walking Street turning, summery vibe spot in pastels and pinks from the same crew as Indie Beach. Sashimi (salmon, tuna, scallop), sushi, maki rolls, unagi bowls, scallop rolls, vegetarian options alonsgide shakes, smoothies and sake. Closed Wednesdays.
Friend Seafood
Per Person: BB
By the road, long established seafood restaurant with the daily choice displayed out front. King prawns, scallops, cockles and snapper, cooked to order or on the bbq, served with full flavoured Thai dressings and spicy dips.
Wine Gallery
Per Person: BB – BBB
Spanish tapas including datiles con bacon, montaditos, championes rellenos, albondigas, croquetas as well as paninis, cheese and meat platters. Vast wine selection, coffee, good ambience. A deservedly popular hang out and one of the best Kai Bae Beach restaurants for western food.
Khao Kham
Per Person: BB – BBB
A modern exterior houses a charming wooden interior at this bistro courtesy of Blue Lagoon Cooking School. Thai classics deconstructed and reassembled to give delicate, original and beautifully presented dishes. Small menu but with daily specials such as Koi (spicy raw salad with rice powder and grounded sesame ), crunchy fish salad with Thai herbs or Blue Spotted Grouper ceviche. Recommended.
Fig Cafe
Per Person: B – BB
At the end of the side street opposite Awa, great little corner cafe in Koh Chang Residence. On a par with the best Bangkok coffee houses, weighed beans for the normal menu but specialising in Momo drip (hot and cold) and teas such as Matcha. Egg tarts, croissants and other home baked items plus some vegetarian dishes including mushroom pie. Seating inside and out in the bamboo fenced garden.
Cabana Ocean Bistro
Per Person: BB
Moving to The White Knot for 24/25 season, hipster restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean and Thai food. Dishes include chicken salad, panini, larb moo tawt, homemade cheeseburger and hand-cut fries. Great cocktails, beers, wines and shakes too with loungers, shaded decking and seating, use of the swimming pool. Look out for the community markets and the sunset beats.
Morgan
Per Person: BB
By the bridge at the top of the food court, English run two storey diner with full western and Thai menu, breakfasts, all the classics. Bar, cocktails, pool table upstairs, all the sports on the screens including Premier League.
El Barrio
Per Person: BB – BBB
This Mexican restaurant continues to pack them in, serving all the normal favourites from Burritos to enchilladas to taquitos, with lots of tasty and spicy sauces, such as salsa ranchera and mola. Cocktails, friendly couple, good vibe, popular.
Poke Bowl
Per Person: BB – BBB
Vegan and seafood bistro offering signature bowls – rice berry, quinoa, sushi rice with salmon, prawn and tofu in different styles. Pitas and wraps, veggie burgers, burritos, sweet dishes and Thai dishes such as Khao Soi, Pad Thai and the classic curries ‘veganized’. Recommended.
Seaweed Cafe Bar & Bistro
Per Person: BB – BBB
Once on the beach at White Knot (see Cabana‘s new home above), Seaweed moved inland near Kai Bae Waterfall. Thai menu specialising in Issan, other choices too and western snacks. Cocktails, shakes, beers and a self-made mini-lake for swimming or you can muck around in the river.
UPDATED July 24
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