Hat Yai was once upon a time an important trading hub in the South, leading to a cultural exchange that has resulted in the diverse culture of various ethnicities co-existing in various aspects of life. 

This diversity is reflected in the city’s food, where Thai, Chinese, and Muslim communities come together as one large community. Dishes like ‘Khao Niew Gai’ (sticky rice with chicken), ‘Khao Mok Gai’ (chicken biryani), ‘Roti,’ ‘Teh Tarik’ tea, and more represent the rich culinary traditions of the Muslim community in Hat Yai, which we highly recommend trying.

Gu Roti Cha Chak ( Roti Teh tarik)

Gu Roti Cha Chak a well-known brand in Hat Yai and is a chill spot loved by people of all ages and genders. They offer a menu that includes delicious options for both savory and sweet dishes, along with a wide variety of beverages. The spacious restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, providing a pleasant and clean atmosphere.

I loved their savoury dishes including sashimi salmon in some soy sauce and seafood glass noodles salad – Yam Ruammitr, along with a range of fluffy and sweet or even savoury “pancakes” or roti canai style roti prepared with your favorite choice of toppings

If you fancy a crispier style roti, go for the Tissue Roti and pair it with  some sweet silky Teh Tarik or Chachak as known here

Address – 80 Phetkasem Soi 17 Rd, Tambon Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110

Amanda Cafe & Te

This cosy cafe located in the heart of Hatyai Town is pretty spacious and serves Halal delicious food and of course good strong tea which is not too sweet…

The menu offers a generous array food which are reasonably priced….

I ordered their Tom Yam noodles which was delicious. The service staff is pretty efficient. 

There are bathrooms and a prayer room for those who needs it…

Address – 94 – 96 Samchai Soi 1 Rd, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110

Lae Pa Cafe / Chestnut Hill Eco Resort

Lae Pa Cafe offers both Thai and International Cuisine and serves up delicious local Thai & international lunches and dinners.

The menu is vegetarian-friendly, but take-out & non-vegetarian dishes can be made available upon request. 

Some of their Thai menu selections include Chicken & Basil, Panang Curry, Green Curry, Red Curry, Yellow Curry, Massaman Curry, Tom Kha Kai, Pad Thai and several other dishes.

Chestnut Hill take pride in providing balanced, nutritious meals for their guests. The resort maintains an organic garden which provides most of the vegetables and fruits for vegetarian cuisine.

Some of the fruits and vegetables grown in our garden include; Banana, coconut, papaya, sweet potato, tapioca, tomato, snap pea and a variety of other vegetables. Additionally, many indigenous herbs are cultivated by their knowledgeable staff.

Address – Chestnut Hill Eco Resort, Phatong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90230

Thong Nganm Thai Dessert Cafe, Songkhla Old Town

Thong Nganm Khanom Thai Cafe is a small cosy boutique cafe in Songkhla old town, along Nang Ngam road…

I love to come here to this shop for the most prettiest, delicately crafted Thai snacks that look almost too good to eat….

Address – 83/2 Nang Ngam, Tambon Bo Yang, Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, Chang Wat Songkhla 90000

Dim Sum Chabura

Dim Sum Chabura is a halal restaurant, with variety of Dim Sum as well as a wide array of other Thai dishes which is pretty popular among Malaysian tourists… The Dim Sum plates serves small portions of dumplings or their own menu of vegetables or seafood so the norm is to pick 5 or more of the tiny plates to make your meal….

The freshness and nice presentation of the dishes help create the ambience, and the servers are pretty attentive and friendly. 

Dim Sum Chabura is a nice, affordable, clean and comfortable place to enjoy your breakfast, thus in many ways gained a reputation as a must go restaurant when Malaysian Muslims are in Hatyai. The place can get pretty crowded from 7 am onwards….

Address – Khlong Hae, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110

Lao Tie Hot Pot

Lao Tie Hot Pot which is located in Hat Yai town is a lovely hot pot restaurant where you come to dine alone or with your family members or a group of friends…

They have a variety of nutritious and delicious  soups to choose from (9 to be precise) and over 40 ingredients from beef, chicken, fish, prawns, squid revolving on the sushi conveyor belt

The restaurant is open from noon until midnight. And it is probably one of the most cheapest or value for money hot pot I have ever had as it only cost 299 baht per person and this includes free drinks refills (Excluding black tray and canned drinks)