Hi all, we have a delegation visiting us from Malaysia soon and they are all muslims, are there any Halal restaurants in the Ban Chang/ Mapthaput area?

Hi Lenny ... have they specifically requested halal food only? In the past I have organised regional workshops/training in Thailand (on agricultural development) which included Muslims from Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia and they were agreeable to almost any restaurant as long as it served chicken and fish dishes. Even if the Thai hosts were eating pork, it didn't bother them. If they really only want halal food, I think Rayong city is the most likely place but I don't know a specific venue apart from some tin tables up the road a bit from Laemtong Shopping Plaza on the right near the 7-11 when coming from Maptaphut (it's not an ideal place to take a delegation!). Maybe your Thai staff could phone the Islamic Committee of Rayong: 038 011 863/4 which issues halal food certificates: http://halalrayong.org/contact.php . Good luck.

Wouldn't bother yourself too much. We host a few Malaysian guys here, and outside of their own country they don't seem too bothered about Halal food, drinking alcohol, or even visiting dens of inequity. A little bit like in that Southern paragon of propriety; Hat Yai.

Thanks guys, usually our visitors are not too fussed, perhaps no pork on the table, but this lot have specifically asked for Halal food/resto.

I know of a small one more or less opposite the opening to Au Tapao and it is quite good.

Thanks for the contact details RoyDee.

Unfortunately, that muslim-run place (opposite U-Tapao gate where an old jet fighter sits atop a pedestal) has closed down. Even the rickety old building has gone. Shame, as it was good food there. Have asked a few old Ban Chang locals if it has moved elsewhere but nobody knows. Don't forget to arrange a prayer room with mats pointing Mecca-wards. Good luck!

Restaurants nearest the mosque will be halal. They like a good feed after prayer!

Unfortunately, that muslim-run place (opposite U-Tapao gate where an old jet fighter sits atop a pedestal) has closed down. Even the rickety old building has gone. Shame, as it was good food there. Have asked a few old Ban Chang locals if it has moved elsewhere but nobody knows. Don't forget to arrange a prayer room with mats pointing Mecca-wards. Good luck!

Nah, RoyDee, it is still there (as of 2pm today anyway), just a little back from the road now.

Oh good, Allah be praised - must drive slower in future . Should be OK there for your delegation.

OK, to update.......

As the resto opposite Au Tapau is somewhat small, we went to see them and organised the food to be brought to our work and served in the boardroom, fantastic service, the owners provided all the cutlery/crockery etc. (has to be apparently) and a big plaque certifying their Halal authenticity, we ordered a selection of foods and rice to feed 14 people - what arrived on the day would have fed double that easily, very easily, many of the staff had "doggie bags"!!

Our guests were just blown away!! very impressed, they were taking pictures of the food and sending to their friends, very happy. I must say i was apprehensive at the size of the resto, but what they provided was certainly impressive.

So everybody happy all round, not an everyday requirement but it is nice to know that what is available is certainly up to the task!

Many congrats - a job well done .