At a Glance
Rompho Market. A bustling open-air food court filled with the enticing aromas of grilled dishes and spices, where expats dine and tourists stock up on fresh fruits in Jomtien.
Place Description
By day, it’s a modest market offering fresh vegetables and fruits, but by evening it transforms. With dozens of food stalls, plastic tables and chairs, and a chorus of voices speaking various languages, this is the scene at Rompho Market in Pattaya. It’s a magnet for long-stay visitors from nearby condos and tourists staying just a few blocks from Jomtien Beach. The vibe is straightforward and unpretentious: food is cooked right in front of you, while the roar of motorbikes from Thep Prasit Road fills the air.
The main draw is the variety: from Thai classics and grilled seafood to kebabs and shakes. Prices are moderate, catering more to visitors than locals. Adjacent to the food zone is a street lined with bars, perfect for continuing the evening with a beer and simple cocktails. However, it can get crowded and noisy during peak hours, and hygiene at some stalls might concern the more particular. It’s a short walk to Jomtien Night Market, but Rompho is more compact and less chaotic.
Basic Information
- Address: Soi Thep Prasit 17, Jomtien. Landmark – intersection of Jomtiensongtarn and Thep Prasit. Plus Code: R798+5P Pattaya
- Opening Hours: Daytime (vegetables, fruits): ≈ 08:00 – 17:00. Evening food court: ≈ 17:00 – 23:00 (some stalls stay open later).
- Best Time to Visit: 17:00-19:00, before the main crowd arrives and tables fill up.
- Budget: Kebab ≈ 70-100 ฿, Mango Sticky Rice ≈ 80-100 ฿, Tom Yum ≈ 140 ฿, Fruit Shake ≈ 40-60 ฿.
Why Go
- Wide variety of ready-to-eat dishes: from fried chicken and skewers to Thai soups and rice dishes (khao rat kaeng).
- One of the best mango sticky rice in the area, reportedly using a whole fruit.
- Good selection of fresh tropical fruits at reasonable prices.
- Right behind the market is a street with dozens of bars to continue the night.
Insider Tips
- Watch the preparation of shakes closely. Some vendors might add ice and water instead of fruits, as reviews suggest. Feel free to request “no ice, no water”.
- There’s no public restroom at the market, so you’ll need to use one of the nearby bars and make a purchase.
- Prices here aren’t the lowest in town. Rompho is a convenient, tourist-friendly market, so don’t expect dirt-cheap food.
- Central food court tables are limited and often occupied. It’s easier to take food to go or sit at a bar table with a drink.
Logistics
- Tuk-tuk (Songthaew): A white songthaew runs along Jomtien Beach Road (10 ฿). Get off at the intersection with Thep Prasit Road and walk 100 meters.
- Taxi (Bolt/Grab): Search for “Rompho Market”. Access is easy, and traffic is usually light unless coming from Sukhumvit during rush hour.
- Private Transport: There’s no formal parking. You can park a scooter along the road, but finding a spot for a car in the evening is almost impossible.
The Unique Factor
The name “Rompho” (ร่มโพธิ์) translates to “under the shade of the Bodhi tree”—a sacred tree for Buddhists. Ironically, instead of spiritual enlightenment, most seek a hearty meal and a cold beer here.
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