Planning a trip to Thailand but worried about finding Jain food? You’re not alone. Thailand is famous for its street food and seafood, but finding restaurants that understand “no onion, no garlic, no root vegetables” can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Jain food in Thailand has lots of options, from budget-friendly Indian restaurants to luxury five-star hotels. Whether you’re backpacking through Bangkok or celebrating an anniversary at a beach resort, this guide has you covered.
Before we dive into restaurants, let’s be clear about what makes food truly Jain-friendly:
What Jain Food Excludes:
The Thailand Challenge: Thai cuisine uses fish sauce, oyster sauce, and shrimp paste in almost everything—even “vegetarian” dishes. You’ll need to be very specific when ordering.
How to Communicate Your Requirements: Always say: “No onion, no garlic, no potato, no carrot, no fish sauce, no oyster sauce, pure vegetarian only.”
Better yet, carry a Thai language card (we’ll provide one below).
(Mid-Range)
📍 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Near Asok BTS
💰 ₹400-800 per person
👥 Capacity: Up to 80 people
Why It’s Great for Jain Travellers: Saras understands Jain requirements without lengthy explanations. They’ve been serving the Indian community in Bangkok for over 15 years. Their kitchen uses separate utensils for Jain cooking.
What to Order:
Contact:
Pro Tip: Call ahead and mention you need Jain food. They’ll prepare your meal with extra care.
(Budget-Friendly)
📍 Multiple locations: Tanao Road (Old City), Sukhumvit Soi 33
💰 ₹200-400 per person
👥 Capacity: 30-40 people per location
Why It’s Jain-Friendly: This is a pure vegetarian Thai restaurant run by a Buddhist family. They don’t use fish sauce, oyster sauce, or eggs. While they do use garlic/onion in regular dishes, they’re happy to cook Jain-style if you ask.
What to Order:
Contact:
Important: Always specify “no garlic, no onion” when ordering. Show them the Thai card below.
(Budget to Mid-Range)
📍 Sukhumvit Soi 22
💰 ₹300-600 per person
👥 Capacity: 50 people
Why It’s Perfect: Run by ISKCON, this restaurant follows strict vegetarian principles. While Italian cuisine naturally uses garlic/onion, they offer Jain-specific options if requested in advance.
What to Order:
Contact:
Book Ahead: For Jain meals, call 24 hours in advance.
(Luxury Option)
📍 61 Wireless Road, Lumpini
💰 ₹2,000-4,000 per person
👥 Capacity: Private dining for 10-100 people
Why Choose a Five-Star Hotel: International luxury hotels understand dietary restrictions better than most restaurants. The Athenee has an experienced Indian chef who can prepare authentic Jain meals.
What They Offer:
How to Arrange: Email their concierge (concierge@atheneehotel.com) at least 3 days before your visit. Specify “Jain food – no onion, garlic, root vegetables.”
Cost Reality: Yes, it’s expensive. But if you’re celebrating something special or want zero food worries, it’s worth it.
(Modern Vegetarian)
📍 Multiple locations: Sukhumvit Soi 49, Ari, Thonglor
💰 ₹500-900 per person
👥 Capacity: 40-60 people
Why It’s Trending: This trendy vegan/vegetarian restaurant is popular with Bangkok’s health-conscious crowd. They’re very accommodating with special requests.
What to Order:
Vibe: Modern, Instagram-worthy, air-conditioned comfort. Great for younger travellers.
📍 Patong Beach Area
💰 ₹400-800 per person
👥 Capacity: 50 people
Why It’s Great for Jain Travellers: Shree Gangour is one of the most trusted pure vegetarian restaurants in Phuket. They specialise in Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine and understand Jain dietary requirements thoroughly. The restaurant uses separate utensils for Jain cooking and doesn’t use any root vegetables when requested.
What to Order:
Contact:
Best For: Gujarati and Rajasthani families who want authentic home-style Jain food. They’re also excellent for large groups and can arrange pre-set Jain menus.
📍 Karon Beach, Phuket
💰 ₹300-600 per person
👥 Capacity: 60 people
Why It’s Perfect: This is Phuket’s ONLY restaurant that specifically advertises “Jain Restaurant” in its name. The owners are from Gujarat and understand every nuance of Jain food preparation. They don’t stock onions, garlic, or root vegetables in their Jain kitchen section.
What to Order:
Contact:
Group Bookings: They can handle groups up to 60 people with advance notice of 24 hours. Perfect for corporate tours or family gatherings.
Pro Tip: Ask for their special Gujarati Jain thali if you’re homesick – it tastes just like home!
📍 Patong Beach
💰 ₹500-900 per person
👥 Capacity: 80 people
Why It’s Recommended: Saagar is an upscale Indian restaurant with a beautiful ambience and sea views. While not exclusively vegetarian, they have extensive Jain menu options and take dietary restrictions very seriously. The chef has experience preparing Jain food for high-profile Indian guests.
What to Order:
Contact:
Special Features:
Advance Booking: Recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. Mention Jain requirements when booking.
📍 Chalong Area, Phuket
💰 ₹250-500 per person
👥 Capacity: 40 people
Why Choose Govinda: Part of the ISKCON temple complex, Govinda’s follows strict vegetarian principles. While their regular menu includes onion and garlic, they prepare Jain food when requested in advance. The prasadam (blessed food) is always sattvic and pure.
What to Order:
Contact:
Temple Timings: Restaurant open 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Temple visit + meal makes for a peaceful experience.
Pro Tip: Visit during evening aarti (prayer) and have dinner afterwards. The spiritual atmosphere adds to the experience.
📍 Central Patong
💰 ₹350-650 per person
👥 Capacity: 70 people
Why It’s Reliable: A long-standing pure vegetarian restaurant that’s been serving Indian tourists in Patong for over a decade. They’re familiar with Jain requirements and have served numerous Gujarati and Marwari families.
What to Order:
Contact:
Family-Friendly: Kids’ menu available, high chairs, comfortable seating. Good option for families with elderly members or young children.
📍 Mai Khao Beach, North Phuket
💰 ₹3,000-6,000 per person
👥 Capacity: Private dining for 10-100 people
Why Book Here: This five-star resort is perfect if you want complete peace of mind about your Jain food. The executive chef can prepare elaborate multi-course Jain meals, and the resort has multiple dining venues, including the Siam Deli restaurant, which specialises in Asian and Indian cuisine.
What They Offer:
Contact:
How to Arrange:
Cost Reality: Yes, it’s expensive. But you get:
Perfect For: Honeymooning couples, multi-generational family trips, or anyone who wants to splurge on a worry-free beach vacation.
📍 Central Pattaya
💰 ₹350-600 per person
👥 Capacity: 80 people
Why It’s Reliable: Located in the heart of Pattaya’s tourist area, this pure vegetarian restaurant has been serving Indian tourists and expats for years. They understand Jain requirements well and have separate cooking areas for strict vegetarian preparations.
What to Order:
Contact:
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, families, and groups who want reliable Indian food in Pattaya. Walking distance from most Pattaya hotels.
Group Bookings: Can accommodate up to 80 people with advance notice. They offer set Jain menus for large groups at ₹400-500 per person.
📍 Beach Road, Central Pattaya
💰 ₹2,500-5,000 per person
👥 Capacity: Customised dining experiences for 2-50 people
Why Choose Hilton: Located on floors 16-34 of the Central Festival mall tower, Hilton Pattaya offers stunning rooftop dining with panoramic sea views. Their culinary team is experienced in preparing customised Jain meals across multiple cuisines – Indian, Continental, and Asian.
What They Offer:
Contact:
How to Arrange Jain Meals:
Special Features:
Perfect For: Couples celebrating special occasions, luxury family vacations, or business travellers who want upscale dining without food worries.
Krabi is known for its stunning beaches and limestone cliffs, but it’s more challenging for Jain food compared to Bangkok or Phuket. However, these restaurants will take care of you:
📍 Ao Nang, Krabi
💰 ₹250-500 per person
👥 Capacity: 35 people
Why It’s Your Best Bet: Part of the ISKCON temple network, Govinda Krabi follows strict vegetarian principles. While their regular menu includes onion/garlic, they happily prepare Jain meals when requested. The peaceful temple atmosphere and pure sattvic food make it a favourite among spiritual travellers.
What to Order:
Contact:
Pro Tip: Visit during evening aarti at 6:30 PM and stay for dinner. The spiritual environment and pure food make it worth the trip from wherever you’re staying in Krabi.
Group Bookings: Can handle groups up to 35 people. Call 24 hours ahead for large groups or special Jain menus.
📍 Krabi Town
💰 ₹350-650 per person
👥 Capacity: 50 people
Why Choose Noori: Noori is a halal-certified restaurant, but they have an excellent pure vegetarian section and understand Jain requirements. The owner’s family is from Gujarat, so they’re familiar with cooking without onion and garlic. It’s one of the most popular Indian restaurants in Krabi Town.
What to Order:
Contact:
Special Feature: They offer delivery to most Ao Nang and Krabi Town hotels. Great option if you want to eat Jain food in your hotel room.
Delivery Available: ₹100-150 delivery charge to Ao Nang hotels. Minimum order ₹800.
📍 Ao Nang Beach Road
💰 ₹400-750 per person
👥 Capacity: 45 people
Why It’s Popular: A relatively new but highly-rated pure vegetarian restaurant right in the heart of the Ao Nang tourist area. The chef has experience cooking for Jain families and can prepare authentic Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes. Air-conditioned comfort makes it perfect after a day at the beach.
What to Order:
Contact:
Modern Ambience: Clean, air-conditioned, modern decor. Popular with younger travellers and families. They also serve excellent coffee and Indian tea.
Pro Tip: They’re often full during dinner (7-9 PM). Either book ahead or arrive by 6:30 PM.
📍 Ao Nang Center
💰 ₹300-600 per person
👥 Capacity: 60 people
Why It’s Reliable: Rangoli has been serving Indian food in Krabi for over 8 years. It’s a pure vegetarian restaurant with extensive menu options. While not exclusively Jain, they’re very accommodating and have served many Jain families from Mumbai and Gujarat.
What to Order:
Contact:
Family-Friendly Features:
Best For: Families with young children or elderly members. The relaxed atmosphere and understanding staff make it stress-free.
Group Discounts: For groups of 20+ people, they offer a 10% discount on pre-set Jain menus. Call ahead to arrange.
Reality Check About Krabi: Krabi is more laid-back and less commercialised than Phuket or Pattaya. This means:
Where to Stay:
Meal Planning Strategy:
If your budget allows, these luxury hotels excel at understanding and preparing Jain meals:
How to Book Jain Meals at Five-Star Hotels:
Cost Reality: Expect to pay ₹2,000-6,000 per person for fine dining. But the peace of mind and zero food anxiety? Priceless for many travelers.
Short Answer: It’s very difficult but not impossible.
Thai Dishes That Can Be Made Jain-Friendly:
Reality Check: Most street vendors won’t understand Jain requirements. Even if they say “yes, no problem,” there’s a high chance of cross-contamination or hidden fish sauce.
Our Recommendation: Stick to dedicated Indian restaurants or international hotels for main meals. Enjoy Thai street food for fresh fruits, coconut water, and mango sticky rice (usually safe).
Print this card and show it at restaurants:
พวกเราทานอาหารแบบเจน (Jain Food)
ขอบคุณค่ะ/ครับ (Thank you)
If You’re Stuck Without Jain Food:
Planning for 10+ People?
| Category | Per Meal Cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Indian Restaurants | ₹200-400 | May Kaidee, Govinda’s |
| Mid-Range Indian Restaurants | ₹400-800 | Saras, Patong Indian Cuisine |
| Upscale Restaurants | ₹800-1,500 | Broccoli Revolution |
| Five-Star Hotel Dining | ₹2,000-6,000 | JW Marriott, Anantara |
| Street Food (Risky) | ₹50-150 | Fruit, coconut water |
Daily Food Budget for Jain Travellers:
Thai restaurants often list dishes as vegetarian but use fish sauce. Always ask specifically.
Verbal communication fails. The card is your safety net.
That “veggie” pad thai? Probably has fish sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic.
Walking in and expecting Jain food often leads to disappointment, especially for groups.
Even five-star hotels need advance notice and clear instructions.
November-February (Peak Season): ✅ All restaurants open and busy
✅ Easier to find Indian restaurants with staff
❌ Higher prices, booking essential
March-May (Hot Season): ✅ Lower prices, less crowded
✅ Hotels offer better deals
❌ Extremely hot weather
June-October (Monsoon Season): ✅ Best hotel deals
✅ Fewer tourists, more attention from staff
❌ Some beach restaurants may close
❌ Rain can disrupt plans
The Honest Truth: Thailand isn’t the easiest destination for Jain travellers, but it’s absolutely doable with the right planning. You won’t starve, but you’ll need to be more careful than in India or Dubai.
Who Should Visit:
Who Might Struggle:
Bottom Line: With this guide, your Thai restaurant cards, and some planning, you can absolutely enjoy Thailand’s beaches, temples, and culture while eating pure Jain food. Thousands of Jain travellers visit Thailand every year and have amazing experiences.
Before Departure:
Day 1 in Thailand:
Daily Routine:
At Mastyatri, we specialise in planning Thailand trips for Indian vegetarian and Jain travellers. We’ve done the research, tested the restaurants, and can pre-arrange all your meals so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.
📧 Contact us for customised Jain food itineraries
🌐 Visit www.mastyatri.com for more guides
Q1: Can I find pure Jain food in Phuket and Pattaya?
Yes, but options are more limited than Bangkok. We recommend staying at hotels with in-house restaurants and pre-booking at Indian restaurants like Patong Indian Cuisine.
Q2: Are Thai vegetarian restaurants Jain-friendly?
Not automatically. Thai “vegetarian” (เจ – “Jay”) food often includes garlic and onions. You must specify “no onion, no garlic” and show the Thai language card.
Q3: Can five-star hotels prepare Jain food?
Yes! International luxury hotels are experienced with dietary restrictions. Email them 5-7 days in advance with clear Jain requirements.
Q4: Is Jain food more expensive in Thailand?
Eating at Indian restaurants costs similar to India (₹400-800 per meal). Five-star hotel dining is expensive (₹2,000-6,000) but offers convenience and variety.
Q5: What if I accidentally eat non-Jain food?
Despite best efforts, mistakes can happen. Carry digestive aids, stay hydrated, and don’t stress. Do your best and enjoy your trip.
Q6: Can I survive on street food as a Jain traveler?
Not recommended for main meals. Street food often contains fish sauce and garlic. Stick to fresh fruits, coconut water, and packaged snacks from convenience stores.
Q7: Should I book hotels with kitchens?
If you’re staying long-term (7+ days), Airbnb apartments with kitchens give you flexibility to cook simple Jain meals using fresh vegetables from local markets.
Q8: Which Thailand destination is most Jain-friendly?
Bangkok has the most Jain-friendly options due to its large Indian expat community. Phuket and Pattaya have fewer options but are still manageable with advance planning.
Eccentric Blogger, Traveler and Consultant.
Restaurant information verified as of October 2025. We strongly recommend calling ahead to confirm Jain food preparation methods, as ingredients and practices may change. Always specify “no onion, no garlic, no root vegetables, no fish sauce, no oyster sauce” when ordering in Thailand.
