Songkhla Gastronomy

Songkhla, the city of "two seas, three waters", is often called a paradise for foodies.

     Two seas and three waters provide a perfect habitat for Songkhla Lake seabass, giant freshwater prawns, and other 700 species, as they need the changes of salinity in freshwater, brackish, and salt water to complete their life cycles.  Many of our products are registered as GIs, including a variety of foods influenced by multiculturalism.

     Authentic Hat Yai fried chicken is available from over 400 stores across the province. This renowned dish has been adopted internationally, employed in fine dining, sticky rice wraps, and even in burgers!

Songkhla is self-sustaining in terms of its food supply, and the region’s healthy eating habits are reflected in a longer than average life span compared to other parts of Thailand.

The food of Songkhla, encompassing Thai, Chinese, and Halal cuisine, is available to everyone, be it in expensive restaurants or from street food stalls. It can be found everywhere, in commercial areas such as Hat Yai, to the historic Songkhla Old Town. 

     Songkhla is a food destination for over seven million visitors a year, nearly 60% of them are Malaysians, Indonesians and Singaporians. Almost all the journeys are made by cars which make the foodie trips more accessible to the local stores, with the food businesses generating in excess of 50 billion baht. Songkhla has become a regional food destination, and a part of Thailand’s global kitchen.

By promoting food festivals, culinary tourism, and eco-friendly dining, Songkhla has positioned itself as a home for nutritious, flavourful, and sustainable gastronomy, which enhances both physical and mental well-being.