Bua Pan Restaurant Korat: Isaan Food, Gai Yang, Som Tam

I love Isaan food! Gai Yang, with Som Tam, Khao Niow, etc. And when I was asked if I wanted to eat Isaan food today, I couldn’t resist! Even if it was for take out, I wanted to see the restaurant and I took these pictures while waiting for the food, in only 5 minutes.

This restaurant reminds me Loong Pan Pla Pow (near Dusit Princess) but I think they also have a branch near Mix hotel (behind hermitage in Hua Thale) and another one near the 304 road. Below, on the left is pork. On the right, in foil paper, some fish is cooking.

It is located EXACTLY behind the Tessaban in Korat. The tessaban is a government office. It’s also where you pay the water bills in Korat. It’s almost in front of Siri Hotel, on Pho Klang road. This restaurant, Bua Pan, is just on the small soi beside.

It might not look like on the pictures, but there are many tables inside. It’s a little like Deeden (another restaurant that moved many times in last years but quite famous in Korat, near the amphur). Prices are cheap and food is good.

Menu is only in Thai, including real Isaan specialities, like Pork Tongue BBQ!

There is an old juke box at the end, playing CDs… It was odd in a place like this!

This was our lunch: Gai Kio Keng (Chicken in Green curry), Gai Tod (fried chicken), Moo Tod (fried pork), Som Tam (papaya salad), Lap Moo (minced pork with herbs), Khao Niow (Sticky rice) and others. All for 205 baht, 4 people, and we were full!

Visitor Tips

Bua Pan Restaurant In Korat Isaan Food

Located in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), this is one of the many dining options available to visitors and expats in the Isaan region of Thailand. When visiting restaurants in Korat, it is customary to order several dishes to share. Most restaurants in this area serve both Thai and international cuisine, and staff often speak some English.

Getting There

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is located approximately 250 km northeast of Bangkok. You can reach Korat by bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal (about 3.5 hours), by train from Hua Lamphong station, or by minivan from Chatuchak. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared trucks) are the most common local transport within the city.

About Isaan Cuisine

The Isaan region of northeastern Thailand has its own distinct culinary tradition, influenced by Lao and Khmer cultures. Signature dishes include som tam (spicy papaya salad), larb (spiced minced meat salad), sticky rice (khao niao), and grilled chicken (gai yang). Food in Isaan tends to be spicier and more sour than central Thai food, using ingredients like padaek (fermented fish sauce) and fresh herbs.

Useful Legal Resources for Expats in Thailand

Isaan & Northeast Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bua Pan Restaurant in Korat?

Bua Pan is an Isaan food restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima offering traditional northeastern Thai cuisine. It is part of Korat’s vibrant local restaurant scene.

What makes Isaan food distinct?

Isaan cuisine features sticky rice as the staple, fermented ingredients like pla ra (fermented fish paste), bold spicy and sour flavours, and close ties to Lao and Cambodian culinary traditions. It is the most popular regional cuisine in Thailand.

What are must-try dishes at Isaan restaurants?

Must-try Isaan dishes: som tum (papaya salad), larb (minced meat salad), gai yang (grilled chicken), sai krok Isaan (fermented sausage), and gaeng om (aromatic herb broth). All eaten with khao niao (sticky rice).

Is Korat good for food tourism?

Yes – Korat is an excellent food destination with outstanding street food, night markets, and authentic Isaan cuisine at very low prices. The Talad Farang and Thepharak markets are especially good.