Nayeb Iranian Restaurant, New Place, South Pattaya

[Jingthing]

Pattaya is turning into a kind of food paradise! Eat your hearts out Bangkok.

Just in time for the "Iranian invasion" of Pattaya, Iranian eateries are popping up all over town. I've tried almost all of them.

This new one, so far, it's the best.

That said, you probably WON'T want to eat there!

Why?

The signage is in Middle Eastern languages. Unless you are savvy about me for clues, you would never know it is Iranian until you walk in to be told that it is. Iranian only. If you already like and know Iranian food, you are in luck. Otherwise, could be an issue.

The menu? There is no English menu. There is a picture menu with no names and no prices and I suspect only a subset of the full menu.

The atmosphere, clean, sterile, a bit severe.

Are westerners welcome there? You tell me.

So I recommend this mainly to people who already know and like Iranian food. If you don't, it is kind of subtle. Of course they have kebabs with fancy rice as an option and anybody will like that. Don't miss their yogurt drink Doogh, an excellent version, if you know you like Doogh; otherwise, good chance you won't.

Location? Easy. Right next to the Beverly Plaza Hotel South Pattaya

http://www.hotelbeverlyplazapattaya.com/images/map_big.jpg

Edited August 13, 2010 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Forget to mention, the prices are VERY reasonable. With a stew based meal with the works, under 250 baht out the door. You could spend quite a bit more if you go for the lamb shank main course, which BTW, looked excellent on the picture.

Another tip -- their nan bread, which is a huge piece of Iranian flatbread.

Edited August 13, 2010 by Jingthing

[Lost in LOS]

no menu in English........ I think they are telling us they don't want us there. Up to them, I believe you can have customers of your choosing, this goes both ways though. Their money, their business, their choice. Therefore I can take the hint and pass

[Jingthing]

no menu in English........ I think they are telling us they don't want us there. Up to them, I believe you can have customers of your choosing, this goes both ways though. Their money, their business, their choice. Therefore I can take the hint and pass

I don't completely agree. I think it is up to us. They will be happy to serve you if you go. It is true they are not going out of their way to welcome westerners but a picture menu is a half measure. Also, don't worry, just because the prices aren't written, they will not rip you off. However, I don't think this is a good place for someone who has never had Iranian food before. On the other hand, it may be, because you would hard pressed to find better Iranian food in Thailand.

Also, if you are looking for good Iranian food in town, you are only hurting yourself if you pass on this good option. I would understand passing if they were overtly abusive or unfriendly to westerners, but I doubt that is ever going to happen there.

Look at it another way. Expats in Thailand. We are given visa options but the government isn't exactly inviting us to move here. If you decide to come, you come, and you deal with it. I think the same deal with this restaurant, be prepared for a foreign experience, or don't come.

Edited August 13, 2010 by Jingthing

[PattayaParent]

The signage is in Middle Eastern languages

Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi?

[barryofthailand]

The signage is in Middle Eastern languages

Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi?

When I lived in Pattaya I met some very nice Iranian people that were visiting. Jing, do they have some Humus to go along with the flat bread? How about Kabobs?

Barry

[Jingthing]

The signage is in Middle Eastern languages

Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi?

When I lived in Pattaya I met some very nice Iranian people that were visiting. Jing, do they have some Humus to go along with the flat bread? How about Kabobs?

Barry

It's not on the picture menu. Maybe they have it. To me, hummos is more Pan-Arabic, than Persian/Iranian. A good place for hummos and baba ghanoush is Shamy Taste on the same road at Soi 17.

Kabobs of course, also classic stews, and the lamb shank item. The menu choices are very small at that place but the food was very good. Another tip, especially with the kebabs, sprinkle some of the red herb they have on the table on the food (its sumac). The taste is very subtle, not spicy at all, you may not taste it at all but it should be tried.

Edited August 13, 2010 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

The signage is in Middle Eastern languages

Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi?

Funny. You know there was no Hebrew. I am sure Farsi, maybe Arabic also, I can't actually tell the difference, it's all squiggles to me ...

[Mobi]

I was speaking to a long term resident of Bangkok recently, who also happens to enjoy the occasional weekend in Pattaya.

He admitted to me that in his and his friends' opinions, there is no doubt that Pattaya has long since overtaken Bangkok in the culinary stakes, especially when it comes to finding specialist food - even bread - and more importantly these days, value for money.

This guy is no cheap Charlie bar hopper - in fact he is a medical specialist earning very good money.

There will always be the five star establishments in Bangkok that cater for the HI-So Thais and farangs who have more money than sense, and for the most part produce gourmet food, but for the average punter, Pattaya increasingly has more to offer in the food department - particularly when cost is taken into account.

You can find places like bakeries run by retired bakers from Europe, tucked away in small Pattaya sois offering wonderfully fresh bakery products and reasonable prices. In Bangkok you pay through the nose at places like Villa for products that are not as good.

Of course it always 'horses for courses' and Bangkok residents will have found their favourite eating places and will swear by them, just as we in Pattaya will swear by ours.

"Never the twain shall meet" - especially as between Bangkok and Pattaya.

[PattayaParent]

The signage is in Middle Eastern languages

Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi?

Funny. You know there was no Hebrew. I am sure Farsi, maybe Arabic also, I can't actually tell the difference, it's all squiggles to me ...

I'm not sure but I think it might be the same squiggles but it's a completely different language which is why I ask.

I've got a chance with Arabic but no chance with Farsi.

[Jingthing]

I was speaking to a long term resident of Bangkok recently, who also happens to enjoy the occasional weekend in Pattaya.

He admitted to me that in his and his friends' opinions, there is no doubt that Pattaya has long since overtaken Bangkok in the culinary stakes, especially when it comes to finding specialist food - even bread - and more importantly these days, value for money.

This guy is no cheap Charlie bar hopper - in fact he is a medical specialist earning very good money.

There will always be the five star establishments in Bangkok that cater for the HI-So Thais and farangs who have more money than sense, and for the most part produce gourmet food, but for the average punter, Pattaya increasingly has more to offer in the food department - particularly when cost is taken into account.

You can find places like bakeries run by retired bakers from Europe, tucked away in small Pattaya sois offering wonderfully fresh bakery products and reasonable prices. In Bangkok you pay through the nose at places like Villa for products that are not as good.

Of course it always 'horses for courses' and Bangkok residents will have found their favourite eating places and will swear by them, just as we in Pattaya will swear by ours.

"Never the twain shall meet" - especially as between Bangkok and Pattaya.

Bangkok is MUCH better if you are on an expense account. For "ethnic" food lovers and affordable European, Pattaya beats Bangkok. Bangkok kills us on Chinese though. Also Thai except for the better seafood places. It's mixed but for those with an open mind and palate you can have a lot of fun eating in Pattaya.

What I would love to see more of is cross fertilization. Go to that Iranian place with no English menu. Mix with Pakistani families at that north Indian dive. Poke your head in some Russian/Uzbek places. There is more to life than Italian food, not knocking it though ...

Edited August 13, 2010 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

The signage is in Middle Eastern languages

Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi?

Funny. You know there was no Hebrew. I am sure Farsi, maybe Arabic also, I can't actually tell the difference, it's all squiggles to me ...

I'm not sure but I think it might be the same squiggles but it's a completely different language which is why I ask.

I've got a chance with Arabic but no chance with Farsi.

Showoff. How many tv members read Arabic? That's cool.

[syd barrett]

I appreciate Jingting's restaurant reviews and wish for them to continue unhindered. So would it be too much to ask non-Pattaya residents to refrain from banal and/or trite and/or deliberate non-relevent comments/jibes/insults?

Thanks you.

:jap:

[fredKroket]

If they don't go out of their way to welcome westerners and if you 'looked' American or Israeli, I would skip on the yoghurt drink, they may just have a secret ingredient to give it that extra 'creaminess'.

One Iranian restaurant I tried recently was called Paradis I think, on second road. Menu was in English with photos and the management go out of their way to be friendly. Food was OK, but nothing to get excited about.

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

For "ethnic" food lovers and affordable European, Pattaya beats Bangkok. Bangkok kills us on Chinese though. Also Thai except for the better seafood places. It's mixed but for those with an open mind and palate you can have a lot of fun eating in Pattaya.

Don't forget that Bangkok now has decent Mexican food, but Pattaya doesn't.

Thanks for your restaurant review. I wouldn't make an effort to go out to a Persian/Iranian restaurant, but I have friends who do, and I'll tag along when invited. I don't find Iranian cuisine particularly inspiring, but everyone has different tastes. I would like to see someone open a Peruvian restaurant in Pattaya. That's some good eats.

Edited August 13, 2010 by zaphodbeeblebrox

[Jingthing]

If they don't go out of their way to welcome westerners and if you 'looked' American or Israeli, I would skip on the yoghurt drink, they may just have a secret ingredient to give it that extra 'creaminess'.

One Iranian restaurant I tried recently was called Paradis I think, on second road. Menu was in English with photos and the management go out of their way to be friendly. Food was OK, but nothing to get excited about.

Pardis is very friendly. Their food is only average, not as good as Nayeb and the time I was there they didn't even have Sumac. The first time I have ever seen an Iranian place without Sumac on the table. I asked for it to, they didn't carry it. Maybe they do know, but I still would never go back. Also, it's overpriced even if it was good.

I'm not going to even dignify the food tampering comment with a response. That could happen anywhere, don't piss off your waiter!

Edited August 13, 2010 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

For "ethnic" food lovers and affordable European, Pattaya beats Bangkok. Bangkok kills us on Chinese though. Also Thai except for the better seafood places. It's mixed but for those with an open mind and palate you can have a lot of fun eating in Pattaya.

Don't forget that Bangkok now has decent Mexican food, but Pattaya doesn't.

Thanks for your restaurant review. I wouldn't make an effort to go out to a Persian/Iranian restaurant, but I have friends who do, and I'll tag along when invited. I don't find Iranian cuisine particularly inspiring, but everyone has different tastes. I would like to see someone open a Peruvian restaurant in Pattaya. That's some good eats.

Yes, I blocked out the horrible Mexican scene here, oh well. Peruvian would be great.

I have to disagree about Persian food. I think its one of most wonderful cuisines in the world. We don't get quite the range of dishes here that I'm used to or the quality. For example, never seen their famous pomegranite stew (Khoresh Fesenjan) dish in Thailand. I think people who think it is only kebabs would be bored by it, but on the other hand the saffron chicken kebab dish can be great.

Edited August 13, 2010 by Jingthing

[Mobi]

I was speaking to a long term resident of Bangkok recently, who also happens to enjoy the occasional weekend in Pattaya.

He admitted to me that in his and his friends' opinions, there is no doubt that Pattaya has long since overtaken Bangkok in the culinary stakes, especially when it comes to finding specialist food - even bread - and more importantly these days, value for money.

This guy is no cheap Charlie bar hopper - in fact he is a medical specialist earning very good money.

There will always be the five star establishments in Bangkok that cater for the HI-So Thais and farangs who have more money than sense, and for the most part produce gourmet food, but for the average punter, Pattaya increasingly has more to offer in the food department - particularly when cost is taken into account.

You can find places like bakeries run by retired bakers from Europe, tucked away in small Pattaya sois offering wonderfully fresh bakery products and reasonable prices. In Bangkok you pay through the nose at places like Villa for products that are not as good.

Of course it always 'horses for courses' and Bangkok residents will have found their favourite eating places and will swear by them, just as we in Pattaya will swear by ours.

"Never the twain shall meet" - especially as between Bangkok and Pattaya.

Bangkok is MUCH better if you are on an expense account. For "ethnic" food lovers and affordable European, Pattaya beats Bangkok. Bangkok kills us on Chinese though. Also Thai except for the better seafood places. It's mixed but for those with an open mind and palate you can have a lot of fun eating in Pattaya.

What I would love to see more of is cross fertilization. Go to that Iranian place with no English menu. Mix with Pakistani families at that north Indian dive. Poke your head in some Russian/Uzbek places. There is more to life than Italian food, not knocking it though ...

Jingthing - for once we are on the same page.

I think I completely agree with you...

worrying!!!......

[Thailaw]

Mix with Pakistani families at that north Indian dive. ... There is more to life than Italian food, not knocking it though ...

Can you please identify and provide directions to this "north Indian dive"? Is the food good? Do you know of a south Indian "dive" in Pattaya? I am dying for some russam, idlies and dossa masala.

Thanks,

[Jingthing]

Mix with Pakistani families at that north Indian dive. ... There is more to life than Italian food, not knocking it though ...

Can you please identify and provide directions to this "north Indian dive"? Is the food good? Do you know of a south Indian "dive" in Pattaya? I am dying for some russam, idlies and dossa masala.

Thanks,

Here is a good North Indian dive --

For dosas you can try the Darbar place on 2nd road across from Pattaya Central Mall. They've got a variety of south Indian dishes. When they first opened, I had great food there, but my recent visit the dosa I had was greaseball city. Maybe you'll be more lucky. Another place I know that had dosas is also on 2nd road north of Big C, south of Pattaya North, Big C side. The dosa I had there tasted great spice wise but it was clear to me it was made a long time ago and warmed up, unacceptable.

[Thailaw]

Here is a good North Indian dive --

http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__3806727

For dosas you can try the Darbar place on 2nd road across from Pattaya Central Mall. They've got a variety of south Indian dishes. When they first opened, I had great food there, but my recent visit the dosa I had was greaseball city. Maybe you'll be more lucky. Another place I know that had dosas is also on 2nd road north of Big C, south of Pattaya North, Big C side. The dosa I had there tasted great spice wise but it was clear to me it was made a long time ago and warmed up, unacceptable.

Thanks. I'll try the north Indian place. I am really looking for idlies and rusam (and sambar rice) more than dosas. There is a good south Indian place on Silom Rd. near the Hindu temple in Bangkok. I will probably wait until I am in BKK and eat there. The Holiday Inn on Silom in Bangkok has the best Indian food I have had outside India. It isn't cheap, but it is like eating in Delhi or Mumbai.

Cheers,

[Jingthing]

Here is a good North Indian dive --

http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__3806727

For dosas you can try the Darbar place on 2nd road across from Pattaya Central Mall. They've got a variety of south Indian dishes. When they first opened, I had great food there, but my recent visit the dosa I had was greaseball city. Maybe you'll be more lucky. Another place I know that had dosas is also on 2nd road north of Big C, south of Pattaya North, Big C side. The dosa I had there tasted great spice wise but it was clear to me it was made a long time ago and warmed up, unacceptable.

Thanks. I'll try the north Indian place. I am really looking for idlies and rusam (and sambar rice) more than dosas. There is a good south Indian place on Silom Rd. near the Hindu temple in Bangkok. I will probably wait until I am in BKK and eat there. The Holiday Inn on Silom in Bangkok has the best Indian food I have had outside India. It isn't cheap, but it is like eating in Delhi or Mumbai.

Cheers,

I pretty sure the Darbar place has idlies, etc. I suggest you try it at least one time. Sometimes place have off days, you might like it.

[PattayaParent]

I'm not sure but I think it might be the same squiggles but it's a completely different language which is why I ask.

I've got a chance with Arabic but no chance with Farsi.

Showoff. How many tv members read Arabic? That's cool.

Not me, the missus.

[Mobi]

This is a bit off the main topic, but several have commented in this thread on the scarcity of good Mexican food in Pattaya.

Now this is a bit out of my league and I don't claim to be an expert, but I have enjoyed a good "Mexican" for many years. There used to be several good Mexican restaurants in BKK but I have no idea if they are still there.

Anyway, for the past year or so, from time to time I have patronised a large bar/restaurant off Theprasit road, which, IMHO, cooks good, genuine Mexican food to a very acceptable standard, and at reasonable prices.

The name of the place is "Tigglebitties" and is located in Soi 8, off Theprasit Road. From Theprasit, it is past Caddy Shack and Lion bar, on the left hand side. It is a big place and you can't miss it. (There is another large bar on the left of it - I forget the name- but the food there is terrible)

Tigglebitties is owned by an American with a Thai wife (who used to live in USA) and they have a large kitchen with good cooks and an extensive menu.

I would say over 50% of the farang food on their menu is Mexican.(they also do excellent Thai food) It is clearly their speciality and I have found it extremely good.

I once took an old Central American hand there for lunch and he ordered Taco salad and was surprised how good it was. he told me that it was as good as he had had anywhere.

If you are in the area, and are hankering for Mexican food, give it a try, but please don't be too hard on me if you don't think it is up to standard, as I am only an amateur as far as Mexican Food is concerned.

Ironically, IMO, the worst item on the menu is Fish and Chips - a very meagre and not very tasty offering. They clearly can cook American/Mexican but not English - which kinda makes sense if you think about it.

(Incidentally, the booze is cheap - 55 Baht for all beers, 80 Baht ladies drinks.)

Edited August 17, 2010 by Mobi

[Michaelaway]

This is a bit off the main topic, but several have commented in this thread on the scarcity of good Mexican food in Pattaya.

Now this is a bit out of my league and I don't claim to be an expert, but I have enjoyed a good "Mexican" for many years. There used to be several good Mexican restaurants in BKK but I have no idea if they are still there.

Anyway, for the past year or so, from time to time I have patronised a large bar/restaurant off Theprasit road, which, IMHO, cooks good, genuine Mexican food to a very acceptable standard, and at reasonable prices.

The name of the place is "Tigglebitties" and is located in Soi 8, off Theprasit Road. From Theprasit, it is past Caddy Shack and Lion bar, on the left hand side. It is a big place and you can't miss it. (There is another large bar on the left of it - I forget the name- but the food there is terrible)

Tigglebitties is owned by an American with a Thai wife (who used to live in USA) and they have a large kitchen with good cooks and an extensive menu.

I would say over 50% of the farang food on their menu is Mexican.(they also do excellent Thai food) It is clearly their speciality and I have found it extremely good.

I once took an old Central American hand there for lunch and he ordered Taco salad and was surprised how good it was. he told me that it was as good as he had had anywhere.

If you are in the area, and are hankering for Mexican food, give it a try, but please don't be too hard on me if you don't think it is up to standard, as I am only an amateur as far as Mexican Food is concerned.

Ironically, IMO, the worst item on the menu is Fish and Chips - a very meagre and not very tasty offering. They clearly can cook American/Mexican but not English - which kinda makes sense if you think about it.

(Incidentally, the booze is cheap - 55 Baht for all beers, 80 Baht ladies drinks.)

Good review, thanks a lot. Gonna give Tigglebitties a try soon... (no f & c!)

Edited August 17, 2010 by Michaelaway

[Jingthing]

Tigglebitties? Mexican?

It is off topic, probably should have been a new thread.

I am skeptical about your suggestion. Central American food has nothing to do with Mexican food. "Taco Salad" is not a menu item you would find in Mexico or even in the US at anything other than a Taco Bell or very gringo-ized restaurant. I hope I'm wrong. Reports please.

[Ulysses G.]

Tigglebitties?

Please check with Jingthing before reviewing any restaurants, so that he can decide if the name of the place is acceptable to him.

[Jingthing]

Tigglebitties?

Please check with Jingthing before reviewing any restaurants, so that he can decide if the name of the place is acceptable to him.

It's a lady beer bar. How good can the food really be? You wouldn't be skeptical too?

BTW, how do you reckon the Iranian Mullahs would feel about this thread, Iranian food then Tigglebitties?

We already have a number of ersatz Mexican places in town, but nothing like the better places in Bangkok and CM. I think we're still waiting.

Edited August 17, 2010 by Jingthing

[Mobi]

Tigglebitties?

Please check with Jingthing before reviewing any restaurants, so that he can decide if the name of the place is acceptable to him.

It's a lady beer bar. How good can the food really be? You wouldn't be skeptical too?

BTW, how do you reckon the Iranian Mullahs would feel about this thread, Iranian food then Tigglebitties?

We already have a number of ersatz Mexican places in town, but nothing like the better places in Bangkok and CM. I think we're still waiting.

I already admitted that it was slightly off topic, but you for one have mentioned the scarcity of good Mexican Food in Pattaya IN THIS THREAD, so please don't be so bloody pedantic.

Central American - well my friend travelled and lived extensively in Mexico and central America - OK??

And any way, so what!!! I was merely trying to illustrate the fact that someone else agreed with me so there is a chance I may have a point - OK?????

Why do you have to pick on words and be so bloody argumentative??.

You have to turn every thread into a verbal battleground - is that what you get off on?

[Mobi]

To JT

It happens to be a very large pub with pool tables , multiple tv screens for sports lovers and a very large kitchen with a separate dining area at the back if you do not wish to dine in the main pub.

yes, there are few girls who mainly act as waitresses, but will not decline a drink if you want to buy them one, but this is not the main activity of the pub, which also, incidentally is a hotel.

Personally, I could not give two hoots what Iranians, Arabs or any other non-drinking sect or religious group think of me writing about this pub in this thread.

I have never read anything so ridiculous in all my life.

Seems to me you just want to start an argument.

Maybe you need a therapist to teach you how to be calmer and more serene.