Pattaya – The annual vegetarian festival in Pattaya 2024 has seen a surge in interest, with more people opting for vegetarian food each year. Despite the rising costs of raw materials, a survey of vegetarian restaurants in Pattaya reveals that most have kept their prices unchanged from last year. Restaurant owners are committed to maintaining these prices to retain their customer base and as a way to make merit during the festival.
Mr. Mongkol Wanichphinyo, owner of Thammachat Jay Pattaya North, shared insights into the challenges faced by vegetarian restaurants. Having sold vegetarian food for over 20 years, he noted that the prices of vegetables, soy protein, and other main ingredients have increased, along with cooking gas costs. Nevertheless, his restaurant continues to offer meals at prices ranging from 40 to 80 baht, with an average price of 50 baht, to keep loyal customers coming back. Some dishes, like vegetarian duck and vegetarian roast pork, use high-quality ingredients and are priced accordingly.
Thammachat Jay Pattaya North offers over 30 vegetarian dishes daily, including vegetarian larb, vegetarian panang, vegetarian kaeng tepo, vegetarian stew, and vegetarian rice vermicelli. The menu also features vegetarian roast pork, vegetarian duck, and vegetarian salted fish, along with snacks like fried tofu and crispy noodles. For those interested in cooking at home, the restaurant sells vegetarian ingredients such as fresh tofu, dried tofu, vegetarian shrimp paste, and vegetarian mushrooms.
Located in Soi Yume, Pattaya Nuea, Thammachat Jay Pattaya North is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the vegetarian festival, or until the products run out.
(Interview: Mongkol Wanichphinyo, owner of Thammachat Jay Pattaya North)
