Best-of Guides Thailand

The Best Breakfast Spots in Isan

10 Restaurants
In the northeastern part of Thailand lies the expansive Isan region, influenced by neighbouring countries such as Laos and Vietnam. According to our experience, Isan remains true to its local roots, with food prepared according to traditional house recipes. The region is dotted with small, family-run shops that open early and offer affordable prices. Breakfast is a particular focus here, featuring a variety of cuisines and ingredients that reflect Isan's rich cultural heritage.
Updated on 03 May 2024
Laab Somphit
169 Chan Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima
฿ · Isan

With its local charm and renown for the Isan spicy salad, which has a long history spanning over 50 years, this place in Nakhon Ratchasima is a favourite among locals. The Isan dishes are cooked using house recipes passed down from "Khun Somphit," the owner. The homemade Isan fermented pork sausage and authentic lab are particularly delightful when paired with sticky rice.

Khanom Jeen Mae Ploy
7/1 Mu 6, Siriratchathani Road, Muen Wai, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Nakhon Ratchasima
฿ · Street Food

A highly recommended spot when visiting Nakhon Ratchasima is the place where Khanom Jeen, the rice noodle, is cooked from the early morning. The curry paste, made in-house, is full of spices and herbs. The Khanom Jeen here is freshly made, delightfully sticky, and complements every kind of curry dish. It is highly recommended to enjoy it with fried chicken to fully experience the local vibes.

Baan Heng
54/2 Klang Mueang Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Khon Kaen, 40000 Khon Kaen
฿ · Thai-Chinese

It all began as a local homemade product souvenir shop in Khon Kaen before expanding into a local breakfast spot. They still cook in the Thai-Chinese style using homemade products like Chinese pork sausage, Isan pork sausage, and sweet dried shredded pork. The menu boasts a variety of flavourful dishes. Highly recommend to try the baked rice and Chinese pork sausage.

Leng Yentafo
Klang Mueang Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Khon Kaen, 40000 Khon Kaen
฿ · Street Food

The shop in Khon Kaen is open nearly 24 hours every day, making it incredibly convenient for food enthusiasts. The Yentafo, a distinctively pink noodle dish, here has been cooked using a family recipe for over 40 years, boasting a rich and robust flavour profile thanks to its quality ingredients. The homemade fried taro is equally delightful, offering a satisfying crunch with its crispy exterior and generous filling of taro meat, all expertly seasoned to perfection.

Kai Yang Rabeab (Khao Suan Kwang)
99 Mittraphap Road, Kham Muang, Khao Suan Kwang, 40280 Khon Kaen
฿ · Isan

The chicken is grilled from early morning, with the aroma of smoked chicken wafting from the front of the shop. If you're in search of an authentic Isan breakfast, look no further. The Isan Kai Yang, Thai grilled chicken, at this Khon Kaen eatery, is incredibly meaty and well-seasoned. The skin is delightfully crispy with a slightly salty flavour, pairing perfectly with warm sticky rice. For a complete meal, consider ordering Isan Som Tam to enjoy alongside the lovely chicken.

Samchai Coffee (Thepyothi)
168/4 Thepyothi Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani, 34000 Ubon Ratchathani
฿ · Street Food

Open from the early morning, this establishment serves up a delightful array of local breakfast dishes. With a wide variety to choose from, many of the ingredients are homemade, including Chinese pork sausage and sweet pork floss. One standout dish is the Indochina pan-fried egg, which is prepared using the same homemade ingredients. Seasoned to perfection with a house recipe that has been passed down for over 60 years, this spot in Ubon Ratchathani is the perfect choice for an early meal.

Pak Mor Robot
82 Benchama Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani, 34000 Ubon Ratchathani
฿ · Street Food

One of the iconic Vietnamese dumpling spots in Ubon Ratchathani opens early and serves until noon. Each dish is freshly made to order, with the owner expertly preparing the dumplings in front of the steamer. The dumpling flour is light, and the filling is well-seasoned, making it a perfect match for the homemade sweet chilli sauce for dipping.

Madam Pahtehh (Tumruat Road)
34/1-3 Tumruat Road, Mak Khaeng, Mueang Udon Thani, 41000 Udon Thani
฿ · Vietnamese

A must-visit local restaurant in Udon Thani, Madam Patehh opens its doors early in the morning, welcoming guests with a warm smile from the owner. The menu here is a fusion of influences from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, France, and China, all expertly adapted using house recipes. One of the standout dishes is the Vietnamese sandwich set, which features a variety of sandwich types, all bursting with flavour thanks to the homemade pate inside.

Aim Aot (Udon Thani)
118/9 Prajaksinlapacom Road, Mak Khaeng, Mueang Udon Thani, 41000 Udon Thani
฿฿ · Small eats

With a long history and run by a small family, this place is known for its fast-selling items and early morning opening. Many ingredients, including sweet pork floss and sweet chilli paste, are homemade. The Vietnamese pan-fried eggs are particularly tasty, cooked with these homemade ingredients and imparting a buttery aroma.

Peng Duck Noodles
439 Nong Tao Lek Road, Ban Lueam, Mueang Udon Thani, 41000 Udon Thani
฿ · Noodles

If you're in search of a decent breakfast in Udon Thani, Peng Duck Noodles is a top choice. The ducks here are carefully selected, with tender meat and a delightful seasoning from the house recipe. They offer both duck noodle soup and duck with rice, with the doors opening early in the morning and bustling with activity come lunchtime.