Overview
Banzaan Fresh Market is a two-storey covered market in Patong, a block behind the beach road. The ground floor is a wet market selling fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables, while the upstairs food court cooks your purchases to order.
Highlights
- Buy-and-Cook Seafood: Choose your seafood downstairs — lobster, prawns, crabs, snapper — and take it upstairs to a food court stall that will cook it in your preferred style for a nominal fee.
- Tropical Fruits: A dazzling array of exotic fruits including mangosteen, rambutan, durian, and dragon fruit.
- Local Prices: Significantly cheaper than beachfront restaurants, with prices displayed and mostly non-negotiable.
History
Banzaan opened around 2010 as a modern, purpose-built replacement for Patong's aging wet market. It quickly became popular with tourists seeking authentic market experiences.
Visitor Tips
- Lunch visit: Go around 11:00–13:00 for the freshest morning catch cooked to order.
- Cash preferred: Most vendors accept cash only; an ATM is located at the front entrance.
- Duration: 45–60 minutes including a meal.