Known as the first authentic Indian restaurant in Pattaya, Alibaba has been serving delicious dishes for over 40 years, gaining praise from both Thai locals and international visitors. If you visit Pattaya and miss this restaurant, you’re definitely missing out.
Alibaba Restaurant was founded in 1982 by Indian businessman, the Grover family, who settled in Pattaya during its early years. Naini Grover, the owner of Alibaba, shared that the restaurant was born out of her mother’s exceptional culinary skills. Her careful and meticulous preparation of each dish earned the admiration of all who tasted her food. People urged her to open a restaurant, as her Indian dishes not only rivaled Thai cuisine but also introduced authentic Indian food to both locals and tourists, giving them a chance to experience real Indian flavors.
The name “Alibaba” is inspired by the famous Arabic folk tale about adventures and a treasure cave. The restaurant’s interior is designed to resemble a treasure cave, filled with décor from around the world, collected from Naini Grover and her wife’s travels, as well as items from Thailand, India, Morocco, Iran, and Iraq.
The restaurant is located on Pattaya Klang Road, just before the road leading to the beach. You can spot it easily on the left side next to Krung Thai Bank, in a row of commercial buildings. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by staff dressed in traditional Indian attire, and the atmosphere inside truly feels like a cave from the famous story.
Ratima, Naini’s daughter, personally welcomed us and recommended the restaurant’s signature dishes from their extensive menu of over 200 items. All dishes are carefully crafted by experienced Indian chefs who have over 30-40 years of expertise in the culinary arts.
Ratima explained, “We serve authentic Indian food using ingredients and spices imported from India, along with our Indian chefs who have decades of experience. We offer over 200 menu items to meet all tastes. Today, I will introduce some of our signature dishes.”
The first appetizer is “Panipuri” (also known as “Gol Gappa”), a popular street food from North India that resembles small fried dumplings. The dish is served with sweet and sour sauces, and the unique way of eating it is by pouring the sauces into the dumplings and eating them in one bite.
Next, there’s “Masala Papadum”, crispy Indian crackers topped with onions, tomatoes, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of chili powder—perfect for enjoying with beer.
A customer favorite is “Tandoori Mix Grill”, which includes a selection of grilled chicken, shrimp, fish, and chicken kebabs—an immensely popular dish from North India.
Another dish is “Masala Prawn”, which features shrimp coated in a batter similar to tempura, flavored with Indian spices. The vibrant color comes from Indian chili powder (similar to paprika), which adds a subtle heat and beautiful presentation.
A must-try is the “Non-Vegetarian Thali”. If you’re trying Indian food for the first time, this is the perfect dish to start with. It’s served on a platter with a variety of items such as curry (chicken, goat, or vegetarian), tandoori chicken, samosas, and bread (naan, roti), making it a perfect combination for 2-3 people.
For bread, there are three types: the classic “Naan” (baked in a tandoor oven), “Butter Naan” (with butter), and “Garlic Naan” (with butter and garlic).
A standout dish is the “Goat Curry”, which is specially made to remove any gamey smell, with tender meat that pairs wonderfully with naan bread or aromatic rice.
For rice, there’s “Biryani” (chicken, goat, or vegetarian) and “Moghlai Rice”, which is rice cooked with turmeric to give it a yellow hue.
For dessert, Alibaba offers traditional Indian sweets such as “Gulab Jamun”, deep-fried doughnuts soaked in rose-scented syrup; “Kulfi”, an Indian ice cream with a rich milk flavor; and “Ras Malai”, a fragrant, creamy dish made from Indian cheese and milk.
The restaurant’s signature drinks include “Lassi”, a yogurt-based smoothie that’s sweet, sour, and creamy, and “Nimbu Masala”, a refreshing Indian-style lemonade made with spices, with the option to choose between sweet, salty, or a combination of both.
These are just a few of the many delicious Indian dishes served at Alibaba, a legendary restaurant in Pattaya that has been beloved for over 40 years by both international tourists and locals who enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. If you haven’t tried it yet, we highly recommend you give it a try.
“If you’re in Pattaya and haven’t tried Indian food here, you haven’t truly experienced it!”
Alibaba Tandoori and Curry Restaurant
Reservation & Delivery https://lin.ee/nAYf38J
Pattaya Klang, Beach Road, Chonburi
Map: Google Map
TEL: 038 361 620
LINE: @Alibaba
Youtube: @Alibabatandoori
Tiktok: @alibaba_tandoori
Open: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Every day)
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