What to eat in Hat Yai
- Hat Yai fried chicken (kai thot Hat Yai) — marinated in dried spices and fried until crisp, topped with crunchy fried shallots. Often eaten with khao mok, a southern biryani-style rice, or sticky rice.
- Dim sum breakfast — a Hat Yai institution. Many shops open only in the morning, so go before about 10:00.
- Roti — the southern Muslim breakfast, flaky flatbread with a curry dip, or sweet with condensed milk.
- Mataba — stuffed fried flatbread, usually with spiced beef or chicken.
- Khanom jeen — fresh rice noodles with spicy curries and a basket of herbs.
- Khao yam — the southern herbed rice salad, fresh and fragrant; a classic breakfast.
- Fish maw soup — a thick, rich soup sold around the Santisuk market area.
- Patongko and fried salapao — fried dough sticks and deep-fried buns for snacking.
The markets
ASEAN Night Bazaar
The best-known evening market for shopping: clothes, bags, souvenirs and plenty of food. Usually open Tuesday to Sunday from about 16:30 to 22:00, closed on Mondays.
Greenway Night Market
A large evening market with a strong food focus and a younger, local crowd. Opening days have changed over the years — check before you go.
Kim Yong and Santisuk markets
The classic daytime markets of central Hat Yai, famous for snacks, dried fruit, nuts, sweets and imported goods. Kim Yong is open from early morning until early evening. Note that the area was badly hit by the November 2025 floods and some shops were still reopening in early 2026.
Khlong Hae Floating Market
On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, from the afternoon until around 21:00, vendors cook and sell from small boats along a canal on the edge of Hat Yai. Come for snacks, desserts and the atmosphere.
A simple plan for a food weekend
| When | Where |
|---|---|
| Morning | Dim sum or roti breakfast in the city — or a slow breakfast by the lake at Uma Valley |
| Midday | Hat Yai fried chicken with khao mok |
| Afternoon | Kim Yong / Santisuk for snacks and gifts |
| Evening (Tue–Sun) | ASEAN Night Bazaar or Greenway |
| Evening (Fri–Sun) | Khlong Hae Floating Market |
Staying outside the city?
Uma Valley is about 15–20 km from the centre of Hat Yai. Many of our guests spend the day in the quiet of the garden and go into town in the evening for the markets. With our car with driver on request you can enjoy the night markets without worrying about the ride back. And breakfast — with tropical fruit and Thai sweets — is always included.
Quick answers
Which night market in Hat Yai is the best?
For variety and souvenirs, the ASEAN Night Bazaar (evenings, usually closed Mondays). For a more local food atmosphere, Greenway Night Market. On Friday to Sunday evenings, Khlong Hae Floating Market is a fun canal-side experience.
What food is Hat Yai famous for?
Hat Yai fried chicken, dim sum breakfasts, roti and mataba, khanom jeen curry noodles, khao yam rice salad and fried snacks such as patongko and fried salapao.
Prices, timetables and opening hours change often — please check before you travel.
