Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai, a Songkhla specialty at the Walking Street near the Clock Tower, highly recommended by P'Kan

Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai, a Songkhla specialty at the Walking Street near the Clock Tower, highly recommended by P'Kan

When talking about Songkhla, many might think of the sea, southern hospitality, or the old town lifestyle. But for mr.hotsia, one of the must-try specialties when visiting the Walking Street near the Clock Tower is “Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai,” a secret recipe that P'Kan, the shop owner, says is so delicious he wants everyone to try it.

Songkhla's Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai is different from the Pad Thai found in Bangkok or central Thailand because the Chanthaboon noodles have a unique chewy softness—not mushy or too hard. Most importantly, the sauce mixed with the noodles is perfectly balanced, neither too sweet nor too salty. The flavor leans slightly sweet and sour, enhanced by the aroma of fried garlic and crushed peanuts sprinkled on top, adding depth to the dish.

mr.hotsia strolled along the Walking Street near the Clock Tower in the evening, where the dim lights and faint southern folk music create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy this Pad Thai. P'Kan, the shop owner, shared that this Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai recipe has been passed down from the elders in his family and has evolved into a signature dish that everyone visiting Songkhla must try.

Interestingly, the ingredients used in this Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai are all fresh and locally sourced, such as small dried shrimp from the Songkhla sea that provide a sweet and rich flavor, and freshly roasted peanuts that give the Pad Thai a special taste unlike any other.

The Walking Street near the Clock Tower is also one of Songkhla’s key landmarks. Besides delicious food like Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai, it is filled with shops selling local products, clothing, handicrafts, and rare desserts that are hard to find in big cities. It is a hub of southern lifestyle and culture that makes mr.hotsia feel like stepping back in time to experience the simple life of Songkhla people.

For those interested in deep southern cuisine, mr.hotsia recommends connecting your trip with nearby cities like Hat Yai, which offers many local restaurants and signature dishes such as Pork Blood Soup at Kim Yong Market, Hat Yai, or trying Crab Fried Rice in Ranot, Songkhla, which is equally famous.Pork Blood Soup at Kim Yong Market, Hat YaiandSeafood Net Fry, Ranot, Songkhlaare also interesting options for seafood lovers.

Besides food, the Walking Street near the Clock Tower is a favorite evening stroll spot for mr.hotsia because it shows real life here — children visiting with families, working adults stopping by for food after work, and tourists coming to experience the atmosphere of Songkhla. All of this makes the place more than just a market; it is a living cultural space.

If you want to see the atmosphere and taste of Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai clearly, mr.hotsia recommends watching on my YouTube channel a clipChanthaboon-style Pad Thai, a Songkhla specialty at the Walking Street near the Clock Tower, highly recommended by P'Kanwhich shows the cooking process and the real atmosphere of this Walking Street.

Finally, Songkhla’s Chanthaboon-style Pad Thai at the Walking Street near the Clock Tower is not just a delicious dish but also a representation of the dedication and wisdom of Songkhla people who have preserved the original recipe well. If you want to experience authentic southern flavors in a chill atmosphere, this place is truly a must-visit.