Pearl Beach restaurants are few and far between but hidden away, there are a couple of options down by the sea and on connecting roads.
At the start of the village, Ban Hea is a simple roadside diner with an extensive Thai menu, nothing fancy but a reliable choice. Continue round the bend and across the road from Baan Ton Rak, there’s a good little raan ahaan dtam sang (stir fry style food cooked to order). Next door, Sanae’s, an old favourite among the Pearl Beach officiandos, has now scaled down considerably.
In Hai Kai Mook Camping, Nid’s Cafe serves the usual one dish over rice or stir fry noodles fare – all very acceptable but with the bonus of being right on the seafront.
As its name implies, Saffron on the Sea also sits by the ocean down the end of the first little side street after Keereeta Resort. Menu wise, it’s modern Thai bistro – grilled seafood, a few classic stir fries and salads, the odd western dish, cocktails and smoothies – all served up on the wooden terrace, with some great tunes in the background.
Turn in by the Honda motorbike centre and about 150 metres down, on the corner of the car wash, you’ll find the tiny vegan and vegetarian cafe Everflow. Despite its less than glamorous location and tiny space, the food is excellent.
Southern End
Towards the southern end, the food court between Koh Chang Resortel and Koh Chang Privilege offers all the usual choices of noodle soup, chicken or red pork on rice and classic one dish over rice dishes like pad kapow muu (minced pork fried with holy basil leaf), delicious with an added fried egg.
Finally, don’t forget the two superstores – Lotus’s and Big C. Both have bakery and dairy sections as well as fresh fruit and veg and even some takeaway options (grilled fish, chicken). Incidentally, next door to Lotus’s, Nid Sun and Sea Cafe in Koh Chang Camp is another nice spot by the sea, serving up the usual one dish Thai fare, all very acceptable.
On the Way to Pearl Beach
In the area between White Sand Beach and Pearl Beach, look out too for the turning down to the stylish Le Jao Jom, which has a lovely seaside location. A very popular spot with the IG crowd, it’s a cafe restaurant with a western and Thai menu alongside its wide range of coffee and teas, smoothies, beer, wine and spirits.
Recommended – Pearl Beach Restaurants
Saffron on the Sea
Per Person: B – BBB
Charming spot by the sea at the end of the first of the two streets opposite Big C . Deservedly popular restaurant with seating on the decking serving up a short menu of classic Thai dishes, a few western choices, seafood, cocktails and a full bar. Understated and relaxed, it has a handful of boutique rooms too.
Le Jao Jom
Per Person: B – BBB
Ultra chic bistro in a unique setting down by the sea. A/c seating inside or on loungers on the lawn. Thai and western food – curries to sandwiches, coffee, excellent smoothies, ice cream, beer, wine and spirits. Loved by the visiting Thais for its IG photo opportunities. Parking.
Everflow
Per Person: BB
Tiny vegetarian and vegan cafe located on the corner of the local car wash! Breakfast bowls (oat or cream), pancakes, tempeh burgers, kidney wasabi burgers, sandwiches, salads, pumpkin curry, juices, shakes, Kombucha, coffee, teas. Open 08.00 to 20.00. Takeaway too. Recommended.
UPDATED December 23
Return to Koh Chang Restaurants