Some people are creatures of habit — and for one Dutch expat in Hua Hin, that means eating lunch at the same restaurant almost every day for the past year and a half.
Gerry Hallen, 73, originally from near Arnhem in the Netherlands, has been eating lunch at Khao Soi Hua Hin on Soi 102 almost every day for the past year and a half. By his own estimate, he’s dined there more than 300 times.
“I was introduced to the restaurant by friends, and I just stuck with it,” Gerry said. “I like the dish, the atmosphere, the price, and it’s close to my house – everything fits.”
The restaurant specialises in khao soi, a popular Northern Thai dish made with egg noodles in a rich, curry-like coconut broth, usually served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime and crispy fried noodles on top.
Aside from Mondays, when the restaurant is closed, Gerry makes it part of his daily routine, often heading there after playing pickleball at Arena Hua Hin.
“The timing works perfectly. I usually play from 10am to midday, and after that I’m really hungry,” he said.
Originally drawn to Thailand in the 1980s, Gerry has been living in Hua Hin for the past three years. Before that, he spent many years in Bangkok, working and travelling across Asia. He says the easy access to nature was a major reason for choosing to move to Hua Hin.
“I like to get on my motorbike and ride out somewhere like Pranburi Forest Park. Just being in nature, having a cup of tea, reading a book and chatting with people – it clears my head.”
Gerry’s favourite dish at Khao Soi Hua Hin is the version served with northern Thai sausage, although he also enjoys the chicken and crispy chicken options. After years on a keto diet that restricted carbohydrates, he says he was happy to finally enjoy noodles again.
“It’s the combination of the coconut and the spicy flavours that I love,” he said. “I have no problem being loyal to food. Once I like something, I stick with it.”
His loyalty to Thai cuisine goes beyond khao soi. Gerry once ate Pad Thai every morning for 10 years, a tradition that began after marrying a Thai woman when he first moved to the country.
His regular presence at Khao Soi Hua Hin hasn’t gone unnoticed by the staff. “They know my order. I don’t even have to say anything – they just see me and prepare it,” Gerry said, adding that he also enjoys chatting with the owner, Khun May, who he describes as polite and kind.
Outside of lunch, Gerry keeps active with yoga and pickleball. While he used to play pickleball three times a week, he now spaces it out to allow more recovery time. He’s also noticed the sport’s rising popularity in Hua Hin.
“Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts, so it’s easier to find space and it’s more affordable to play. It makes sense for both players and business owners.”
Reflecting on life in Hua Hin, Gerry said he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. “At my birthday party recently, I asked people who’ve lived here ten years or more if they knew of any better alternative. No one had an answer.”
As for his daily visits to Khao Soi Hua Hin, Gerry said he has no plans to stop. “I’ve recommended it to lots of people. It’s a very easy place to recommend!”
Speaking about Gerry, Khun May, owner of Khao Soi Hua Hin said: “I value Gerry very highly; he’s our most loyal customer and also our best critic should something fall short of the high standards we set for ourselves.”
“In general, we have many local repeat customers (although Gerry deserves the crown by far). They are very important to our restaurant and the foundation of our success. And they’re a key reason why, after many years in the restaurant business in Germany, I decided to open another restaurant. Strangers become friends, and serving them is both an incentive and a reward for me.”