LOMA PARK food centre has finally reopened . . . but the days when it provided Patong's best value meals have gone.

The centre is in the same position, facing the beach alongside the seafront public park, and it looks a lot better after the remake. There are 24 restaurants now under the same roof.

During the makeover, they operated as food stalls outside Patong's Muslim cemetery a little further south, and attracted a big following because of the good value.

However, under a proper roof and with proper facilities, the prices have taken off.

Here's a sample: Spring roll (100 baht) deep fried shrimpcakes (150 baht) french fries (60 baht) garlic bread (60 baht) green curry (100 baht) massaman curry (120 baht) fried mixed vegetables (80 baht).

Two diners are still operating outside the cemetery, but they will move later this week.

The prize for the best value meals in Patong now goes to @Beach Food Loft, which opened last month on the third floor of the Ocean department store on beach road, at the southern end of Patong.

Shrimp cakes at the Beach Food Loft were 100 baht compared to the 150 baht at Loma Park; curries were priced at 90 baht, with tom yum also at 90 baht and som tam papaya salad at 40 baht. That's the clincher.

The difference for some may be that at least you have a chance to find a parking spot near Loma Park. Tuk-tuks and vehicles for hire take out virtually all the spaces around the Ocean store.

But when it comes to value, it's the winner.