A Classic Local Restaurant – Thai Phochana
“Diverse experiences, halal comfort — travel with peace of mind.” Welcome to Santai Halal Thai.
One of the most iconic local food Yala spots you shouldn’t miss is Thai-Islam Phochana. This traditional curry rice restaurant has been serving customers for more than 66 years since 1957, and today it’s already run by the third generation. The atmosphere is warm and homely, and the owner is known for welcoming everyone like family.
If you talk about Yala breakfast and halal comfort food, this place is truly a legendary spot in town.
Signature Dishes: Nasidagae Chicken & Nasidagae Fish
The signature dish here is Nasidagae (nasidagae Yala). The name comes from Malay: Nasi = rice and Dagae = curry, reflecting the deep cultural ties between food, religion, and local traditions.
The rice is a mix of glutinous rice and regular rice, steamed and infused with coconut milk, then topped with sliced shallots, ginger, and spices. This gives the rice a fragrant, slightly chewy, yet crunchy texture that makes it so unique.
You can choose between chicken curry or fish curry, both made with rich coconut milk and southern Thai herbs such as lemongrass, turmeric, and galangal. The flavor is bold and aromatic, with a balance of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, somewhat similar to southern Massaman curry.
Prices start at only 40 THB, making it one of the most affordable and delicious options for halal food Yala, while also giving you a taste of authentic local Muslim cuisine.
Other Dishes Worth Trying
Besides nasidagae, the restaurant also offers a variety of dishes that perfectly represent southern Thai breakfast culture:
You can also enjoy other Yala breakfast gems such as roti, chicken biryani, steamed milk bread, traditional desserts, hot tea, and goat’s milk. It’s a full experience of halal local food Yala in one place.
Murtabak (Mataba) — Crispy on the outside, soft inside, stuffed with minced meat mixed with spices like black pepper, cumin, garlic, and shallots. It’s served with curry and pickled cucumber salad, making it a hearty and flavorful dish that will keep you full and satisfied.
Cozy Atmosphere & Dining Experience
Thai-Islam Phochana is located in the morning market area, near the railway on Siroros Road, Sateng Subdistrict, Mueang Yala District. This neighborhood is always bustling, especially in the morning, making it a perfect stop for breakfast.
The restaurant gives off a homestyle vibe, offering not only curry rice but also roti, murtabak, coffee, biryani, and local drinks. Many locals describe it as a place where you can enjoy both good food and a warm community atmosphere.
And if you wake up early in Yala and don’t know what to eat, this is the spot! The shop opens as early as 4:00 AM and serves until around 11:00 AM, making it a must-visit Yala breakfast spot.
Why Visit Thai-Islam Phochana
A long-established restaurant in Yala, open for more than half a century, still preserving the original nasidagae Yalarecipe.
Signature dishes that represent the culture of Thai Muslim food in the south, offering truly authentic halal food Yala.
Affordable prices with rich, flavorful curries and rice dishes full of value.
A cozy, friendly atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend’s home — the perfect place to start your morning in Yala.
🕒 Opening Time
📅 Open Daily from 04:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Phone 0-7321-2290
📍 Location
Entrance of the morning market, before the railway, Siroros Road, Sateng Subdistrict, Mueang Yala
📌 https://maps.app.goo.gl/em1uWRPfQwL25LbJ8
