Penlaos Khaoyai — Restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Penlaos is no longer a Michelin Guide restaurant but I still went with high hopes, having tried some spectacular Bib Gourmand eateries in southern Thailand.

First off, the crowd is mostly made up of foreigners and the staff are able to speak English reasonably well. The menu is wide-ranging, even the beverage list, which includes items like honey plum soda and iced Milo.

But alas, the food wasn't bad, but it wasn't mind blowing either. I went in a group of 8 so we ordered a variety. Most items were pretty mediocre, even the specialities. The best item we had was fried chicken wings, which doesn't say much about the place.

And while the staff eventually brought out some fly-swatting fans for us (a thoughtful gesture), they did not do much to help alleviate the very bad fly problem this eatery has. Flies are pretty much a standard feature in most food places in this part of the world (because of climate etc.), but boy oh boy does Penlaos have an actual fly issue. There were so many flies swarming our food that it was almost impossible to eat in peace. Our hands were busy swatting the entire time and it made the meal stressful.

Our local driver later told us about another hidden gem treasured by locals, saying it was much better than Penlaos. And indeed, we found the other place much more hygienic and with food that was far more delicious.

So if you only have a few days in Khao Yai, it would probably be best to save the calories for another place which can provide a better experience. Penlaos does okay for an on-the-way-to-somewhere-else stop, but is not worth (in my humble opinion) a detour, and definitely should not be high on your...

Penlaos Khaoyai is a hidden gem for anyone craving authentic Isaan food with a view 🌳🍲. Nestled in the scenic Khaoyai area, this restaurant serves up bold and spicy flavors that stay true to Northeastern Thai cuisine. The menu is packed with classic dishes like som tum (papaya salad) 🥗, grilled meats 🍖, and sticky rice 🍚, all bursting with the kind of flavors that make your taste buds do a happy dance.

The atmosphere at Penlaos is casual and welcoming, with an open-air dining area that lets you enjoy the fresh mountain air while feasting. The natural surroundings add a relaxed vibe, making it a great spot for both quick bites and lingering meals. Plus, the prices are reasonable, so you can eat your fill without feeling like your wallet needs a recovery meal.

If you’re visiting Khaoyai and looking for a place that combines great food with a touch of nature, Penlaos is definitely worth a stop. Just be ready for a bit of heat—Isaan food isn’t shy about its spices, but that’s all...

Fantastic Isan food and friendly service brightened our table. We stopped by here on Sunday afternoon on our way to Khao Yai during our family trip. Though there are plenty of parking space in front of the restaurant, we struggled to spot one, just as we thought, there was with full of customers enjoying their food. I'm not sure if they take the bookings but you may want to try to book a table in advance.

All the dishes we had were so good. I personally enjoyed their Som Tam, sausages, fruits salad and crispy pork. Well seasoned, full of flavours, so juicy that went perfect with the sticky rice.

The servers were very friendly and attentive. Even the bathroom was clean and pleasant. Thank you for the lovely food and experience.

Absolute amazing restaurant in the mountains with open air atmosphere and cozy breeze and everyone enjoys their food and talk.

Definitely recommended,...