The Northern Isan city of Udon Thani is brimming with nature, culture, and chic locations. This travel destination also offers wallet-friendly food with uncompromising tastiness.
But where are these delicious spots in Udon Thani? Today, we’ll take you through a gastronomic journey that will keep your piggy bank intact. Each place is guaranteed with a Bib Gourmand from MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023.
Arunee Namnueng (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023)
This legendary Vietnamese restaurant has been operating for more than three decades. Regulars love the simple and friendly vibe. As the name suggests, Nam Nueng (meatball wraps) is a dish you can’t miss. It’s served with a sweet and sour sauce to add more flavour. Don’t forget to order another fan favourite – Vietnam Pizza. The rice cracker’s crunchy texture contrasts well with the golden fluffy omelette. You should also try the fried spring rolls, fried rice croquettes, stuffed crispy omelette, rice noodles, and rice-skin dumplings.
Address: 36/8 Panprao Road, Makkaeng, Mueang Udon Thani, Udon Thani. Tel. +66 4224 4588.
Lab Nua (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023)
Lab Nua is a local go-to place for different Isan-style spicy salads. People flock to this simple eatery during mealtimes. Its prices are affordable, complete with fabulous flavours and friendly service. The aromatic and freshly ground roasted rice featured in several meat salads is homemade, as is the fermented fish. The fish’s balanced taste can be found in well-known salad dishes including Dong Dang salad (Spicy papaya salad with Dong Dang rice noodles), Tam Hoi (Spicy cockle salad), and Tam Sua (Papaya salad with mixed ingredients and a different type of rice noodle). Don’t miss the signature fried fermented fish with its unique aroma. It’s served with sides for even more deliciousness. Tam Tad (Spicy salad with sides in a tray) comes with local delicacies, such as shrimp, river tamarind seeds, and bamboo shoots, as well as some hog plum to create a contrast. You will definitely be impressed with the spiced-up tastiness.
Address: 24 Phachauthit Road, Mak Khaeng, Mueang Udon Thani, Udon Thani. Tel. +66 8 5111 0009.
Krua Khun Nid (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023)
Krua Khun Nid has been a local favourite for more than 40 years. It serves classic dishes, such as fried pickled fish, crispy deep-fried tilapia with garlic, knifefish cake in banana leaves, and Sai Tak (thick soup consisting of shrimp, cockles, and fish, with a unique fragrance from bitter gourd). Seasonal menus including earthstar mushroom soup with ant eggs or grisette soup are usually available only in June. If you want to put your cooking skills to the test, you can buy ingredients to take home.
Address: 64 Soi Wat Pa Non Niwet, Udon Dussadi Road, Mueang Udon Thani, Udon Thani. Tel. +66 4222 2126.
VT Namnueng (Posri) (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023)
VT is a major name for Vietnamese meatball wraps. There are nationwide branches and deliveries. The original shop at Posri is constantly busy with regular and casual customers. There are three sizes of meatball wraps to choose from. All are served with a generous amount of vegetables. Dip fresh and fried spring rolls in sweet and sour sauce for a balanced flavour. Sugar cane shrimp and omelette bites (pork sausage and greens wrapped in an omelette) are also dishes you won’t want to miss. We also love that they have meatball wraps sets you can take home.
Address: 345/1-3 Posri Road, Makkaeng, Mueang Udon Thani, Udon Thani. Tel. +66 4221 9556.
Peng Duck Noodles (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023)
This duck noodle place has been popular for 30 years and is still going strong. The recipe has been passed down through to the current generation. The succulent duck meat is cooked for 8-10 hours. Spices add to the soup’s aromas. You should also try the duck rice. The restaurant only uses quality duck from a free-range farm. You can rest assured that every part does not have a strong odour – be it meat, giblets, or blood curd. Add some sweet and salty tastes with chilli vinegar. Simply delicious and affordable.
Address: Nong Tao Lek Road, Ban Lueam, Mueang Udon Thani, Udon Thani. Tel. +66 6 4396 5989.
Majchapasuk (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023)
This 40-year-old restaurant specialises in local fish. Relax among the greenery, ponds filled with fish, and pavilions on the water. The highlight is a spicy fried red tilapia salad. The sweet and juicy fish goes well with the spicy salad dressing. Ask for deep-fried spring rolls as you decide on your other dishes. And don’t miss the deep-fried snakehead fish in sour and spicy soup or steamed red tail catfish with dipping sauce.
Address: 166 Moo 8 Udon-Nong Khai Road, Mu Mon, Mueang Udon Thani, Udon Thani. Tel. +66 9 4428 2254.
Madam Pahtehh (Tumruaj) (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023)
Here is a retro-style café that will remind your parents of their youth. The reasonable prices draw crowds throughout breakfast and lunch. The menu reflects the multiculturalism of Northeastern Thailand, combining traits of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, France, and China. The signature dish is homemade liver pâté. But don’t miss the three-comrade bread featuring bread, roti, and croissant stuffed with fillings inspired by French and Vietnamese ingredients. We also encourage you to try the beef pho, Hoi An egg pan, pork rib stew with bread, and Mekong Steak (pork shoulder steak served with noodles).
Address: 34/1-3 Tumruaj Road, Mak Khaeng, Mueang Udon Thani, Udon Thani. Tel. +66 4224 1991.
Udon Thani: Affordable food and countless fun
Udon Thani has more than wallet-friendly eateries to offer. There are natural and historical attractions you must visit. The National Museum of Ban Chiang is one of Thailand’s most important archaeological sites with antiques waiting to be explored. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park at the foot of Phu Phan Mountains offers extraordinary sights of rock formations caused by natural erosion. You can also appreciate the prehistoric art and shrines.
Udon Thani Museum is another destination to visit. It’s inside a historical colonial house in the heart of Udon Thani. You may also want to take a photo with the giant yellow ducks at Nong Prajak Park to show off to your Instagram followers. These adorable creatures have become a must-visit destination. If you come during winter, visit the famous Red Lotus Lake that stretches across 36 kilometres. To explore like a local, ride Suer Pu Kao (Literal translation: mountain tiger), a farm tractor modified with local wisdom, around Khiri Wong Kot Village. Let the beautiful scenery of the mountain and nearby Na Yung-Nam Som National Park take your breath away.
Let’s explore this gorgeous, and delicious, Northern Isan city. For updates on travel destinations, contact the TAT Call Center at 1672, or Facebook TAT Contact Center.
