food places to visit in bangkok

Share this story

• The 38 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants
• The 38 Essential Honolulu Restaurants
• The 17 Essential Restaurants in Udon Thani, Thailand

The 38 Essential Bangkok Restaurants

Fermented tofu noodles from a cantankerous street vendor, roe-encrusted crab leg lollipops at a Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy, and more great bites to try now in Thailand’s capital city

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: The 38 Essential Bangkok Restaurants

Many conversations in Bangkok invariably end up in debates over the merits of this or that noodle shop, where to get the best deep-fried pork rinds, and whether a good tom yum soup still really exists. This is because food — on par with music, dance, and art — is one of Thailand’s most celebrated cultural pursuits. Many Thais are fiercely protective of their cuisines and judge chefs and cooks by a high standard. To flourish in a city like Bangkok, a successful eatery must be truly very good.

The capital is undergoing a renaissance of sorts following the depths of the pandemic. Traditional hotspots in the central business district are starting to stir, while a renewed sense of life pervades some of the unlikeliest places: down the alleyways of Chinatown, in Thonburi across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, and on the eastward fringes of nonstop sprawl. From a cantankerous street vendor slinging traditional fermented tofu noodles to a Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy making fish roe-encrusted crab leg lollipops, an accurate blueprint to great dining covers every corner of the City of Angels.

Chawadee Nualkhair is a Bangkok-based food writer whose cookbook, Real Thai Cooking , will be out in 2023.

Krua Khun Ein

For a less rarefied taste of Southern Thailand than the impenetrable Sorn, look no further than this unassuming (air-conditioned) shack set on the outskirts of town. The menu is stuffed full of regional specialties like stir-fried malindjo leaves with egg, pork in shrimp paste with stink beans, and of course, gaeng tai pla (fermented fish organ curry). The kitchen presents as boldly flavored and ear-ringingly spicy a glimpse into Southern Thailand as is humanly possible without an actual plane ticket to Hat Yai. Note: The second branch, listed here, is superior to the first.

• Open in Google Maps

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ↪พื้นที่ เรื่องราวดีๆ ↩ (@amornrat.lim)

Or Tor Kor Market

Think of this market as your go-to Thai food wonderland. Apart from a fresh produce section, the space also features cooked food and desserts you can try in the open-air food court. For central Thai cuisine, line up at the Samran Gaeng Thai stall, and follow up with a bowl of shaved ice. Other highlights include cooked seafood, pork satay, fresh durian, and mangoes. 

A descendant of the now-defunct stall at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Prik-Yuak now lives in comfy, air-conditioned digs on Pradipat Road, a part of town chock-full of under-the-radar cafes and bars. Despite the elevated setting, the kitchen has maintained its high standards when it comes to the food; the kanom jeen sao nam (rice vermicelli with fresh coconut milk), rice with shrimp paste, and even the simple kai pullo (five-spice pork belly and egg stew, a typical elementary school dish) are as good as ever.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prik-Yuak (@prikyuak1991)

Gaeng Pa Sriyan

Gaeng pa (aka “jungle curry”), one of the spiciest dishes Thailand has to offer, has a deep, cult-like following, illustrated by the perpetually full tables at this culinary institution in the Dusit district that focuses intently on the delicacy. Here you get a whole roster of options for this fiery, coconut milk-free favorite; variations feature frog, snail, quail, and wild boar, alongside the more common chicken, beef, and fish meatball. Round out your meal with stir-fried catfish in chile paste and river snails stir-fried with green peppercorns and wild ginger. Finally, don’t miss out on the durian ice cream with sticky rice for dessert if you are a fan of the “king of fruits.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nooaon Siriswasdi (@happy_nooaon)

Krua Apsorn

Krua Apsorn has several locations around Bangkok’s more picturesque, old school neighborhoods, making it a great place to go for a hearty Thai meal while strolling around. The decadent crab omelet is an all-time favorite; round out an order with stir-fried crab with string beans and yellow chilies, river prawns with garlic, and a bowl of sour lotus stem and prawn soup. Do not skip the signature coconut sorbet for dessert. If you have a choice, try the Samsen Road location, where the chef herself, Pa Dang, spends the most time.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @blueskiescottonclouds

Kanom Beung Bang Mae Prapa

Traditional Thai kanom bueang, or crispy crepes, look nothing like the typical street-stall crepes you will find in many areas of Bangkok. Mung bean flour creates a crispy shell, which complements a filling of sweet eggs, hand-grated young coconut, foi thong (egg floss), and candied persimmon. Savory filling options include dried shrimp, grated coconut, a pinch of makrut lime leaves, and shallot. Prepare for a wait because this is one of the few places that knows how to make its crepes perfectly crisp; fortunately, there’s a row of chairs for those who need to sit with their snack after standing in line.

Sign up for the Sign up for Eater's newsletter

The freshest news from the food world every day

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Hia Tai Kee 

A charming old-school cafe that has been around for more than 60 years, the original Hia Tai Kee retains its vintage ambience, even after opening in multiple locations. Sip freshly brewed Thai-style coffees (served with condensed milk and complimentary Chinese tea) at round marble-top tables, or try one of the newer drinks like an iced latte. If you’re hungry, try the delightfully greasy Chinese Western breakfast of fried eggs and Chinese sausages cooked and served in a pan, which comes with kanom pang yad sai (stuffed bread) filled with Chinese sausage and butter.

Likhit Kai Yang

Located behind one of Bangkok’s former Thai boxing stadiums, Likhit specializes in grilled chicken. The deliciously scrawny birds are grilled until smoky and just short of dry (in a good way), and served with two dips that the owner, Boonkhem Silathulee, will encourage you to mix. A full menu featuring dishes such as papaya salad, laap , and sticky rice lends this place its northeastern accent.

Roast pork and duck are available just about everywhere in Bangkok. But once you’ve tried the versions at the century-old Jib Kee, you won’t want to go anywhere else. The pork is crispy and rich, the duck fragrant and meaty. Delicious food aside, eating at this open-air shophouse feels like living out a part of Bangkok history, replete with octogenarian servers and a similarly aged crowd of diners. Don’t forget to order the side of stewed duck soup to go with your rice.

Nai Hong Pan Fried Chicken Noodle

Nai Hong is just a couple of woks set up in a decrepit, hard-to-find alleyway, but it does only one thing really, really well: kuaytiaw khua kai, a dish of wide rice noodles fried in lard over coals with chicken and egg. Ask the staff to score you a bottle of beer from the mini-mart nearby, and you’ve got yourself the classic Bangkok Chinatown meal.

Nang Loeng Market

This charming, buzzy, antiquated market is a time capsule of Bangkok 80 years ago. It’s also a great place for lunch. Inside, a loosely linked community of vendors and restaurants sell the kind of dishes — jewel-like desserts, rich curries, slightly sweet snacks, rare noodle dishes — that are getting harder and harder to find in the Bangkok of today.

Don’t let the Chinese name fool you; Kim Leng is, in fact, a great place for homestyle Thai cooking. At the front, find ready-cooked food like chile pastes and crispy fried fish. But really, people come here for mee krob (crispy Thai vermicelli) plus the tom som with fish filets, hor mok (steamed fish cakes with curry), and winged bean salad with toasted coconut.

If you’re willing to brave the lines, this long-standing eatery is the most famous — if not necessarily the best — place in Bangkok for phat Thai. Assert your Bangkok cred by ordering the version with “shrimp oil,” which is actually the rich fat from the shrimp’s head, and cut the richness with a bottle of fresh-squeezed orange juice.

A one-star nod by the Michelin organization has made this once relatively quiet shophouse restaurant into one of the most famous eateries in Bangkok. It’s all about decadence here, with the seafood-packed stir-fries; immense, crab-stuffed omelets; and rich soups still prepared by owner Supinya Junsuta (nicknamed Jay Fai). These days, a visit requires waiting hours. Come as early as 10 a.m. to cut down on time spent glaring angrily at diners lingering over their meals.

Kor Panich was once the go-to for the best sticky rice with ripe, sweet mangoes. Several decades later, there are now tons of choices in Bangkok, but the small shop remains an institution. Kor Panich at Prang Phuthorn mostly offers staples to go, but visitors can pop in just to enjoy the iconic mango sticky rice at the one and only table inside.

More in Maps

Chote chitr .

A classic inside and out, Chote Chitr is a small eatery that has been around for almost a century among the preserved historic architecture of Prang Phuthorn. Run by the same family for three generations, it’s known for classic mee krob (crispy vermicelli) served with chicken and shrimp. Other popular dishes include the signature banana flower salad with coconut milk and toasted chilies, and the deep-fried grouper served with spicy mango salad. Chote Chitr is a fantastic place to enjoy the Rattanakosin-era wooden shophouse ambiance.

Nataporn Ice Cream 

Thai tropical fruits have been reborn in this small, vintage, and very charming ice cream parlor in the historic Prang Phuthorn area of old Bangkok. Nataporn Ice Cream serves flavors like durian, mango, coconut juice granita, combined with Thai-style toppings like candied palm seeds, candied yam, toasted peanuts, corn, red beans, and millet. Take a seat among the wooden furniture and enjoy the view of the historic community’s common courtyard.

Located on the outskirts of Bangkok’s Chinatown, On Lok Yun has become a famous backdrop for selfies with its wooden booths, cracking floor tiles, and stained walls. Visitors also snap plenty of pictures of the all-day old-style Western breakfast (think greasy plates of fried eggs, ham, and Chinese sausages). Another big draw is the restaurant’s signature fat-loaded, pillowy white bread, which can be ordered on the side with chunks of butter, condensed milk, and gaya, a sweet, egg-based spread.

Ahmad Rosdee

Although a handful of long-standing Muslim Thai restaurants have fallen by the wayside in the wake of COVID, this quiet restaurant on the side of a busy thoroughfare has continued to flourish. Well-regarded for its extensive halal menu and friendly service, Ahmad is particularly known for its goat biryani, spicy oxtail soup, and beef satay; however, a little-mentioned sleeper hit here is the mango sticky rice. To avoid the lunch rush, get here before noon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dena Bahrin (@denabahrin)

Eathai delivers Bangkok’s best street food without the outdoor heat. This themed food court in the basement of the posh Central Embassy has become a favorite for its delicious variety, as well as its more affordable prices, air conditioning, and comfortable ambiance. Try the fish-ball noodles and the Vietnamese rice vermicelli with grilled pork, as well as the desserts and iced tea. Bangkok Bold Kitchen, recent recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand award and an offshoot from the Bangkok Bold Cooking School, holds court in the same space. 

Nai Mong Hoi Thod

Nothing epitomizes Thai Chinese cuisine like the eponymous specialty at this semi-outdoor, shophouse restaurant in Bangkok’s Chinatown: hoi thod, an eggy batter fried until crispy and topped with mussels. More experienced eaters will go with or suan, in which the batter is just barely set and topped with oysters, or maybe the or lua, which boasts a batter fried to crispy shards.

The Originals Mae On's Curry Over Rice at Saphan Han

The somewhat unwieldy name belies this petite 50-year-old khao gaeng (curry rice) stall with a well-edited menu. There’s a section of stir-fries, including the popular catfish in chile paste, a section of curries, including the hard-to-find gaeng kii lek (cassia leaf curry), and a selection of chile dips. All are on offer by 7:30 a.m. in time for workers to drop by on their way to the office. While the deep-fried son-in-law eggs and salted egg yolk in pork-and-crab mince dazzle, the most popular dishes hands down are the simple salted pork and sweet pork.

Sa-nguan Sri

It’s not fancy and it doesn’t appear on international must-eat lists, but Sa-nguan Sri has been a local favorite for over four decades. Small, crowded, and a bit run down, this was the place where many of today’s celebrity chefs learned modern and traditional Thai recipes. Diners can reminisce about the old no-frills Thai way of eating while enjoying green curry with fish balls, kai palo (braised eggs and pork belly), and crispy fish preserves. From March until May, be sure to drop by for the gorgeous khao chae (Thai summertime rice).

Tep Bar focuses on traditional Thai elements: There are live bands, drink lists composed of ya dong (Thai herbal-infused whiskeys) and cocktails with iconic Thai flavors, local craft beers, dishes, and snacks. And because it focuses so much on traditional Thai vibes and ingredients, the bar has become a favorite of residents and tourists.

Most Bangkok Thai restaurants excel in one or two dishes, so you rarely encounter a menu where every dish is a star. But good luck finding a single dud at this stylish place, which specializes in the herb-forward, seafood-focused cuisine of Bangkok’s eastern seaboard. Don’t miss the deep-fried fish, piled high with garlic and turmeric, or the assertively herbaceous stir-fry of chicken thighs and Siamese cardamom.

Nakorn Phochana

The area around Sam Yan Market – known today for catering to nearby university students – used to be famous for its seafood restaurants. These grandes dames of cuisine were often helmed by Thai Chinese cooks with a talent for melding fresh Thai ingredients with Chinese cooking methods such as steaming and stir-frying. Most of the big names have since moved on to more glamorous neighborhoods, but Nakorn Phochana remains, churning out the same stir-fried curried crab, tom yum (spicy lemongrass) soup, and langoustine tails that first charmed diners 50 years ago. Look out for the restaurant’s version of fried rice with Chinese olives, studded with fresh chilies, cashews, and slivers of lime.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ไฮ้นครโภชนา (@hi_nakorn)

Nom Jit Kai Yang

With great original recipes and a well-managed kitchen, Nom Jit Kai Yang is still the best place to go for a decent Isan meal. The selection of som tam (the famous papaya salad) represent the best of the classic preparations, from basic takes to more involved versions with Isaan’s famous pla ra (preserved fish).

Charmgang Curry Shop

In spite of its location in a dimly lit back alley, Charmgang (loosely translatable to “curry bowl”) has quietly gained a loyal following based on word of mouth over the past three years. Run by a trio of chefs who once worked under David Thompson at Michelin-starred Nahm, the menu — which changes every month — features Thai dishes that have been tweaked to evolve with the times. As a result, you get inventive appetizers like grilled scallop salad on rice crackers and an ever-evolving array of chile dips. Of course, the curries are reliably delicious.

Took Lae Dee 

Took Lae Dee (literally “Cheap and Good”) is like Bangkok’s all-day diner. People come here to tuck into Thai, Asian, and Western food at all hours. It’s great after a night out or when jet lag leaves you craving something substantial, like a burger, fried rice with deep-fried chicken drumstick and egg, or pad kra praw (rice stir-fried with spicy meat and basil). Try to snag a seat at the counter with a view of the bustling open kitchen.

Named after a traditional three-wheeled rickshaw, this tiny shophouse on Charoen Krung Road, run by husband-and-wife team Napol (Joe) Jantraget and Saki Hoshino, has made a big splash in the dining scene. Boasting a menu of kap klaem, Thai drinking favorites, Samlor offers both seasonal tasting menus and a la carte options featuring whatever is good in the market that day (chef Jantraget’s Thai-style omelet is a particular standout). Even better, chef Hoshino’s inventive dessert concoctions blur the edges between Thai, Japanese, and Western flavors (think matcha and sweet potato mille-feuille, or pink guava cake). Note: If you prefer the set menu, book ahead.

Yen Ta Fo JC

One of Bangkok’s most popular noodle dishes is yen ta fo, noodles in a slightly sweet broth, stained pink from the addition of fermented tofu and studded with fish balls. It’s available just about everywhere, but noodle aficionados know that the best version is at this streetside stall, where the cantankerous owner will tell you exactly where and how to sit (couples must not face each other).

Samrub for Thai

Chef Prin Polsuk, formerly of Michelin-starred Nahm, has brought his encyclopedic knowledge of Thai food to this intimate chef’s table tucked away in a quiet neighborhood off of one of the city’s busiest streets. Styled after a Japanese kappo, chef Polsuk doles out creations based on whatever is fresh and local, while his wife Thanyaporn “Mint” Jarukittikun handles front-of-house duties and helps with menus. Also like a kappo, space is limited to a handful of counter seats, so reservations can be hard to get. There is no phone number, so make sure to message the team via its Facebook page for a prompt reply.

Err Urban Rustic Thai

Set up in the former location for the now-closed (and much-lamented) Soul Food Mahanakorn, culinary standby Err continues in the tradition of top-quality casual Thai drinking food spots. Helmed by Dylan Jones and Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava of the Food Trust (and formerly Bo.lan), Err churns out crowd-pleasing favorites like its Chicken Movie (chicken skin served with house-made Sriracha sauce) and Isan-style sausages, as well as traditional Thai tipples such as ya dong (an herbal Thai spirit) and sato (rice beer).

Taling Pling 

Run by descendants of Thailand’s most famous cartoonist and columnist, the late Prayoon Chanyavongs, Taling Pling serves time-honored Thai family recipes in a modern, colorful house. While the restaurant has a few other locations in Bangkok, local connoisseurs prefer the original for namprik rong reur (chile paste with salted egg), stir-fried dok kajorn with eggs, lemongrass salad with crispy fish, rice vermicelli with coconut milk, and custard apple ice cream.

Chef David Thompson’s latest venture takes his obsession with heritage Thai recipes of the 1900s to a new level. At Aksorn (meaning “alphabet”), he draws recipes from funeral books (printed to commemorate the deceased, detailing their lives and favorite dishes), with a particular focus on books memorializing well-known society ladies of the 1940s to 1970s. The restaurant seeks to capture a historical moment when Thai society — and its food — underwent a series of seismic shifts, as quality food spread from the kitchens of wealthy families to the masses. The setting is right on theme, on the top floor of the original Central Department Store, which opened in 1950 and has since become a mixed-use behemoth.

Mae Waree Mango Sticky Rice

Probably the only place in Bangkok that can satisfy a craving for mango and sticky rice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Mae Waree is the first thing you see when you turn the corner into the busy Soi Thonglor area. For convenience, buy a ready-to-eat set (peeled whole mango and a small serving of sticky rice, plus coconut cream) for 130 baht (about $3.40). There are a handful of other Thai desserts — kanom chan, egg flosses, sticky rice with banana — on the shelves as well.

Authors' Lounge

If you are looking for an unmatched teatime experience, book a table on the covered veranda of the historic Authors’ Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Visiting writers who have stayed at the hotel over the decades — Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, James Michener, Noel Coward — are immortalized with memorabilia in this frequently photographed space. Three sets of afternoon teas, served with tiers of finger foods, are available. Be sure to try the homemade scones served with clotted cream and rose petal jam.

Out of all of the high-end Thai restaurants in Bangkok, Sorn may be the buzziest, thanks to its two Michelin stars and place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. But even before the restaurant won international plaudits, chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri had been packing his 20-seat restaurant daily, luring Thais with innovative five-course sharing menus centered on the cuisine of his native Southern Thailand. Although the menus change on a seasonal basis, the Gems on Crab Stick — a steamed jumbo crab leg dipped in crab roe and chile paste – remains a perennial favorite. International travelers need to email the restaurant to make a reservation; after Sorn began receiving reservations months out, the team limited bookings to one month in advance, adding to the restaurant’s reputation as one of Bangkok’s toughest tables to land.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sorn ศรณ์ (@sornfinesouthern)

• The 38 Essential Vancouver Restaurants
• The 38 Essential Berlin Restaurants
• The 38 Essential Santiago Restaurants

Related Maps

Follow eater online:.

• Follow Eater on Twitter
• Follow Eater on Facebook
• Follow Eater on Youtube
• Follow Eater on Instagram

Site search

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco
• Twin Cities
• Washington DC

Asia Chevron

Thailand Chevron

Bangkok Chevron

11 Best Street Food Spots in Bangkok

By Katie Lockhart

Bangkok is synonymous with street food, and rightly so. Few other places in the world offer an incredible variety of spicy, savory, and sweet treats cooked street side with recipes passed down for generations. Whether it’s Thailand’s best pad thai, the freshest mango sticky rice, or a damn good noodle dish, these roadside hot spots will satisfy every taste bud for just a few US dollars. Read on for our list of Bangkok's best street food stalls—how to find them, and what to eat when you get there.

Raan Jay Fai Arrow

Be prepared to wait several hours to sample the goods at Raan Jay Fai, a pricy street stall in Phra Nakhon, which (rather unluckily for you) doesn't take reservations and is immediately identifiable by its long line. You'll spot the eponymous septuagenarian chef—wearing her signature goggles, mind you—cooking furiously over an outdoor wok. There are about a dozen options, but the crab omelet and drunken noodles are what earned this joint its Michelin star.

Thipsamai Pad Thai Arrow

Thipsamai Padthai has been named the best pad thai in Thailand by the Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, and it also has a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. The recipe has been passed down from grandmother to mother and, now, to son, and the staff here still uses the same cooking method—over charcoal and mangrove wood—to ensure the best flavor. There are several types of pad thai to choose from, but order the signature Superb, with shrimp oil, giant shrimp, squid, crab, and mango all wrapped in paper-thin egg. Coincidentally, it's right next to Raan Jay Fai in Phra Nakhon, and there will always be a line outside, but be patient and wait your turn. This is a must-visit if you're in Bangkok, full stop.

Prachak Pet Yang Arrow

Outside Prachak Pet Yang in Bang Rak, you'll see a row of hanging ducks—and then you'll see a man methodically butchering them up behind a wall of glass. This joint serves the best Cantonese-style duck in Bangkok; the waterfowl is stuffed with herbs and spices, then slow cooked, resulting in soft flesh with a slightly crunchy skin. Many items on the menu are noodle dishes, but go with a large order of the duck, which comes with rice, a side of cucumber and ginger, and a sweet sauce that nicely balances the saltiness of the meat.

Som Tam Jay So Arrow

Som Tam Jay So is located down a quiet side street in Bangkok's Silom business district. Locals flock here for som tam, a well-known Isaan dish that's an addictive combination of sugar, fruit, garlic, fish sauce, and an overabundance of chilis. To balance out the spice, order some tender marinated chicken, grilled onsite, or go for a variation on the classic papaya salad. The menu is written in Thai, so take a shot in the dark, or tell the staff what you want.

Kaitlin Menza

Matt Ortile

Kelsey Glennon

Taling Chan Floating Market Arrow

Taling Chan Floating Market is exactly what you pictured when you planned your trip to Thailand. Once you walk in the entrance, past the plants and flowers, the smell of fried fish hits you. Ahead you'll see a small, narrow river flanked by traditional longboats serving every type of seafood imaginable. Little old ladies will grill octopus, shrimp, fish and more on their tiny boats as a frenzy of catfish splash around in the background. An entire salt-crusted grilled fish is a must, as are grilled prawns.

Wang Lang Market Arrow

Wang Lang may seem like an totally bananas flea market at first, but weave your way past the counterfeit sneakers and pots and pans, and you'll encounter a plethora of wonderful street food. As with any food market, deciding what to eat here is tough. The best course of action is to wander around and graze; try the teriyaki pork, som tam, papaya salad, grilled sausage, skewered meats, pandan kuehs, coconut milk jelly desserts, and sweet pancakes until you can't stuff anything else in.

Nai Mong Hoi Thod Arrow

Nai Mong Hoi Thod, a Chinatown hole-in-the-wall with flimsy plastic benches and well-meaning ceiling fans, is a veritable institution that's been making hoi tod , or savory pancake-like seafood omelets, for decades. It's earned a nod from Michelin Bib Gourmand for its sublime signature dish, which you can order with either mussels, oysters, or both. (Hint: go for both.) Make sure to dip it into the mildly sweet chili sauce, which is served on the side.

Mae Varee Fruit Shop Arrow

Located less than five minutes from Thong Lo station, Mae Varee is known for having the best mango sticky rice in Bangkok. The mangos are fresh and perfectly sweet; the rice is mixed with high-quality coconut milk. You can also opt for three types of rice, all naturally dyed a different color with flavors like green tea and pandan. Be sure to find a nearby spot to gobble it up; it's best when the rice is still warm, and the coconut sauce and roasted beans are poured on top.

Jae Aun Bua Loy Nam Khing Arrow

Perched on the corner of a busy Chinatown intersection, Jae Aun has been serving bua loy nam khing for more than 20 years. The famous Chinese dessert dumplings, which consist of a nutty sesame filling inside sticky rice balls, is traditionally served in a hot broth of spicy ginger, but here you can also order it in condensed milk. The shop opens after 7 p.m., when the neighborhood is in full swing, so prepare yourself for a sensory overload.

Nang Loeng Market Arrow

Located within a diverse historic neighborhood in the Dusit district, Nang Loeng Market is a popular street food market that's over a century old. The amount of options here is mind-boggling. There are a handful of old, famous stalls, but it's best to try a little from as many as possible; dishes include Thai sausage, spicy curries, pork puns, and fresh salads. You can't skip out on dessert either: The market is known for its traditional sweets, from sticky rice to egg custard pudding.

Doy Kuay Teow Reua Arrow

Located behind a temple 10 minutes from crowded Victory Monument, Doy Kuay Teow Reua, a boat-noodle mecca, is tricky to find—just look for the blue awning out front. The open-air dining room has rows of tables covered with plastic tablecloths; there are also tables with umbrellas outside. At the back of the restaurant, the owner pays homage to the origins of boat noodles by cooking and serving from behind a makeshift longboat. Choose between pork or beef; they're equally addictive. Both meats are served in a charming chipped bowl filled with vegetables and glass noodles in a rich, flavorful broth; for more texture, toss in some complimentary pork cracklins or fried wontons.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Bangkok Food Tour
• City Guides

These meals will make you want to travel, just to eat!

Prepare yourself to drool over these 41 meals, each featuring mouthwatering photos, details, and where you can eat it.

I've also included some of my personal travel eating tips and answered some of your top questions... like "Mark, how do you make money to travel?".

You must love food as much as I do!

Just enter your name and email below and I promise to only send you delicious emails :)

Bangkok travel guide for food lovers

If you travel for food, this Bangkok travel guide for food lovers is for you.

Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and a paradise for food lovers.

Everywhere you look while walking around the city, you’ll be tempted by something delicious – whether it be fresh green papaya salad, a spice filled coconut milk curry, or smoke pouring off a street food grill.

In this Bangkok travel guide blog post, specifically written for you as a food lover , I’m going to share some essential travel information and tips that will help you make the most of your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok food tours available now!!

About This Bangkok Travel Guide:

Quickly, before fully jumping in, I wanted to let you know who I am, and why I wrote this Bangkok travel guide blog.My name is Mark Wiens, and I travel for food. I’ve been based in Bangkok since 2009, and while I also love to travel to other destinations , Bangkok remains my permanent home-base (and my wife is Thai).

I can still remember the day I arrived in Bangkok for the first time.

Walking down the street, the aroma of stir frying chilies, garlic, and basil, mixed with the thick humidity of the Bangkok evening, was a combination that switched on my senses, and I immediately became fascinated by Thai food and culture.

Bangkok has been my home ever since, and day doesn’t go by without me getting excited about Thai food.

Read more about my story here , and see the tools I use to run this blog here .

Ok, let’s move into the guide now…

Arriving and Leaving Bangkok

There are plenty of ways you could potentially arrive and leave, but probably the most common way is to fly directly into Bangkok.

When you fly into Bangkok, make sure you note which airport you’ll be arriving or leaving from… I have made the mistake of going to the wrong airport before!

Suvarnabhumi Airport

The biggest airport, and the hub for many of the major international airlines is Suvarnabhumi Airport , located in the southeastern part of the city.

How to get from Suvanabhumi Airport to the center of Bangkok:

• Airport Rail Link – In the airport, follow the signs to the airport rail link. You can connect with the MRT Metro at Makasan Station, or with the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai Station, and easily get to Siam, Silom, Sathon, or along Sukhumvit using the public train transportation. The price is 45 THB, and it operates from 6 am – 12 midnight daily.
• Taxi – To take a taxi, go to the first floor, and exit the revolving door at either #4 or #7. You take a ticket, and then go to the taxi number on your ticket. The price of taking a taxi to central Bangkok from the airport should cost about 300 – 400 THB, and there’s also an airport surcharge of 50 THB. Note that you will also be responsible for any tollway fees if used as well.

Don Mueang International Airport

In order to relieve some of the congestion of Suvanabhumi Airport, Bangkok re-opened the former main international airport, which is known as Don Mueang , located in northern Bangkok. This airport is home to many of the budget airlines carriers like Air Asia and Tiger Air, and caters mainly to destinations around Southeast Asia and Asia.

How to get from Don Mueang Airport to the center of Bangkok:

• Taxi – The easiest way to get from Don Mueang Airport to the center of Bangkok is by private taxi. Go down to the ground floor, and there’s an official taxi stand (and usually a long queue). You will be directed tot he next taxi driver. The ride all the way to the center of Bangkok should cost anywhere from 200 – 350 THB, and you’ll have to pay a 50 THB airport surcharge, and you’re responsible for any tollways used. An alternative to a taxi all the way, is to take a taxi to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain or Chatuchak Park MRT Metro, which should cost about 100 THB, and then you can take the public train from there.
• Bus – Bus #A1 goes from the airport to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain station, and from there you can take the BTS to Siam, Silom, Sathon, or Sukhumvit. Go to the ground floor and catch the bus from outside, price is 35 THB per person.

Getting your Thai tourist visa:

It all depends on your nationality, but the easiest way to get a short term visa for Thailand, if your passport qualifies, is to just get a simple 15 or 30 day tourist visa on arrival. It’s free, and all you have to do is fill out your arrival card (it will be given to you in the airplane before you land), go through immigration, and you’ll have 30 days in Thailand / Bangkok.

However, be sure to research your country and the requirements for entry and exit to Thailand.

Bus Stations in Bangkok:

• Mo Chit Station (Northern bus terminal) – If you’re traveling by bus to a destination north of Bangkok (Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani), you’ll usually arrive or leave from Mo Chit Station.
• Sai Dai Mai Station (Southern bus terminal) – If you’re traveling to a destination on the peninsular part of southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani), you’ll probably arrive and leave from Sai Dai Mai station.
• Ekkamai Bus Station (Destinations near to Bangkok) – You can take short bus trips to destinations within a few hours from Bangkok, especially eastern coastal areas (usually places like Pattaya, Rayong, Trat) from Ekkamai Station.
• Victory Monument (Van terminal for short distances) – An alternative to buses are 12 seater vans. They leave from various outposts around Victory Monument and Center One. Beware though, these vans often drive crazily fast, but they can be very convenient.

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

There are so many places to stay in Bangkok, that it’s tough to narrow down your choices.

So in this next part of this Bangkok travel guide, I’ll do my best to share with you a few of the best areas of Bangkok that you can stay in, why you would want to choose a certain area, and a few of my personal hotel recommendations in each of these areas.

1. Khao San Road / Banglamphu – This is the main backpacker district of Bangkok, but at the same time it’s the historical center of the city, where many of the famous attractions (like the Grand Palace) are located. You’ll find budget hostels, historical guest houses, and hotels in this area.

• Full House Khaosan  (budget) – This place is so close to the action of Khao San Road, but it’s tucked away into a local alley, and remains quiet and friendly. My wife and I stayed here for a few nights and loved the location.
• Baan Chart Hotel  (mid-range) – It’s a decent choice for a mid-range priced hotel along Rambuttri, parallel to Khao San Road.

2. Chao Phraya Riverside / Bangrak – The Chao Phraya Riverside is scenic, with good transportation options, and a mix of both luxury hotels and mid-range options. Great area for families because of the transportation options and mix of everything.

• Glur Bangkok Hostel  (budget) – This is a new, clean, and modern hostel, near to the BTS.
• Shangri-La  (luxury) – A prime location and to the Shangri La standard, it’s expensive, but a very nice hotel in Bangkok.
• Chatrium Riverside  (luxury) – My wife and I recently spent a couple nights at Chatrium Riverside. It’s modern, and I think it’s pretty good value for money, very good place to stay as a family.

3. Silom / Sathon – Silom and Sathon, located next to each other are the business financial districts of Bangkok, and very modern areas of town. The area makes a great base with food options and transportation.

• Marvin Suites (mid-range) – For a budget and great value place to stay in Sathon, Marvin Suites is fantastic. The rooms are very spacious and it’s the type of hotel that you’d feel comfortable staying at for one day or even a week or two.
• Glow Trinity Silom (mid-range) – This is a trendy type of hotel in a good location right in the heart of Silom.

4. Siam / Pratunam – Siam and Pratunam are at the center of one of Bangkok’s most intense shopping districts, with everything from modern malls to street shopping. Stay in Siam or Pratunam if you’re serious about Bangkok shopping.

• Lub d Siam Square (mid-range) – Lub d is a trendy modern hostel, located right across the street from MBK shopping mall.
• Amari Watergate (luxury) – Step outside Amari Watergate and you’ll be in the midst of the Pratunam shopping district. Nice modern hotel, fantastic location.

5. Sukhumvit – Sukhumvit Road is one of the major developed roads running through the heart of Bangkok, and it’s home to many expats and international businesses and restaurants, but it remains local Thai at the same time.

• St. James Hotel (mid-range) – This hotel is a little old, but well kept, and very comfortable and spacious. My wife and I spent a few nights here.
• Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit (luxury) – Located near Asoke intersection, this is a nice business luxury hotel.

Where would I personally recommend? I think the best area to stay in Bangkok, if you’re coming for a visit, is the Banglamphu area because it’s the historical center of Bangkok, very close to many of the major attractions, and the area is home to some of the best street food and markets in all of Bangkok.

* Disclosure : The links to hotels above are affiliate links, meaning that if you book a hotel through that link, at NO extra cost to you, I will receive a commission. This will help me to continue maintaining this blog. Thank you in advance!

Some of my favorite gear

Here is some of the gear I use when I travel ( these are Amazon affiliate links ).

For more, check out my travel packing list and check out my camera gear and electronics on my gear page .

Street Food & Restaurants in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest street food cities and as soon as you arrive and start exploring the city, you’ll discover that there’s an abundance of delicious things to eat everywhere you look.

Along with street food, Bangkok is a also a city where restaurants of all levels, serving both Thai and an extensive range of international cuisine, are flourishing. You can eat modern Thai meal for lunch and sit down for a world class Italian dinner (there are so many food possibilities).

For this Bangkok guide and tips I’m focusing on Thai food. I’ve classified the main levels of food you’ll find in Bangkok, and suggested some of my personal favorite places to eat them.

Thai Street Food

Thai street food is one of the ultimate joys of being in Bangkok.

You can get anything from a snack to eat while you’re walking down the sidewalk, to an entire sit down meal feast on the streets of Bangkok, twenty four hours a day.

Bowls of piping hot noodles, stir fried dishes over rice, Thai curry and rice, grilled meats, and green papaya salad, are just a few examples of foods you’ll encounter.

A few of my favorite Bangkok street food areas:

• Wang Lang Market – Located across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace, Wang Lang Market is one of Bangkok’s premiere foodie destinations. During the day, you’ll find an immense amount of Thai street food filling the lanes of the market, both snacks and full meals are available.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Exploring the congested and chaotic streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown never gets old; There’s so much delicious food to try. In the day time, you’ll find markets and some food stalls, but street food really comes alive in the evening and throughout the night.
• Silom Soi 20 – For a good central Thai morning market, check out Silom Soi 20. Both fresh ingredients and food ready to eat are available. I personally love the Thai chicken biryani, and the black sticky rice and custard at the front of the market.

Some of my favorite street food stalls:

• Som Tam Jay So (ร้านส้มตำเจ๊โส) – Som Tam Jay So is one of my go-to spots in Bangkok for real deal Isaan food.
• Kuay Jab Nay Lek (ก๋วยจั๊บนายเล็ก) – This stall in Yaowarat serves amazing peppery pork soup with noodle rolls.
• Doy Kuay Teow Reua (ต้อยก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) – Boat noodles are one of the most popular noodle dishes in Bangkok, and this is one of my favorite spots.
• Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok (ร้านต้มยำกุ้งบางลำพู) – This street food stall in Banglamphu is a little on the dirty side, but they make one of the best versions of tom yum goong in the city.
• Somsak Boo Op (สมศักดิ์ ปูอบ) – You might have to wait to get a table here, but they make an incredible version of shrimp and mung bean noodles – called goong ob woon sen.
• Vegetarian : Chamlong Asoke (จำลอง (สันติอโศก) – This is one of the greatest vegetarian food courts in Bangkok, located across the street from Chatuchak Market in northern Bangkok.
• Halal : Yusup Pochana (ยูซุปโภชนา) – This restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but they serve some awesome Halal Thai food.

Also, don’t miss my full list of best restaurants in Bangkok here .

Local Thai food restaurants (shophouses)

While I truly love street food and the atmosphere of dining on the streets of Bangkok, I would say the actual best Thai food comes from local restaurants, or shophouse restaurants – the taste of food is often just one notch above street food.

Some shophouse restaurants actually started off as street food stalls, but due to success or progression, they have since moved into a more permanent facility. Shophouse restaurants are where many of the best traditional Thai and Thai Chinese chefs operate from.

Here area a few local Thai restaurants I love:

• Soei (ร้านเส่ย) – This has long been one of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok. The food is dangerously tasty, spicy, and full of vibrant flavors.
• Mit Ko Yuan (ร้านมิตรโกหย่วน) – Serving some of the best tom yum goong, Mit Ko Yuan is an old shophouse restaurant that serves mostly stir fried Thai dishes.
• Som Tam Sida (ส้มตำสีดา) – Positioned in the middle of Wang Lang Market, Som Tam Sida is a fantastic family run Isaan restaurant.
• Laab Udon (ร้านลาบอุดร) – Located right off the Surasak BTS station in Sathorn, Laab Udon serves Isaan food including the full spectrum of different som tam (green papaya salad) and dishes off the grill.
• Ran Ruam Dai  (ร้านรวมใต้) – For a true taste of authentic southern Thai food, this is one of my favorite places.
• Vegetarian :  Su Ki Jeh Ru Yi (สุกี้เจหรูยี่) – This is a pretty classic Thai Chinese vegetarian restaurant located behind Hua Lamphong train station.
• Halal : Muslim Restaurant (ร้านอาหารมุสลิม) – Located in the heart of Bangrak, this legendary Halal restaurant serves good Thai biryani and an assortment of curry.

Fine Thai Dining (higher end)

When you choose a fine dining Thai restaurant in Bangkok, you have to be careful. There are many high end restaurants that serve mediocre food (at best), that’s actually watered down from the real Thai taste, but just prettified.

The good news is, there are a growing handful of higher end Thai restaurants in Bangkok that are truly serving outstanding Thai food, using high quality ingredients, and being creative, yet not compromising the balance and robustness of Thai flavors.

• Paste  (Note: Location is at Gayson Plaza, Ratchaprasong) – Paste is the leader of modern progressive Thai food in Bangkok. Acute attention is paid to every detail of flavor and balance and you can taste the passion of the chefs in the cooking (Paste also offers vegetarian options on their menu).
• The Local – The Local is another one of my favorite nicer sit down Thai restaurants in Bangkok. It’s a nice setting and great food.
• Baan Thai Family Recipes – What I really like about Baan is that the food tastes like food you’d eat at a Thai home, but using high quality and sustainable ingredients.

NOTE : For a more extensive guide to Thai food, check out my  Eating Thai Food Guide . You’ll learn Thai eating etiquette and tips and useful instructions on how to order Thai food.

10 of My Favorite Thai dishes

• Tom yum goong (ต้มยําากุ้ง) – Tom yum goong, Thai shrimp soup, is one of the most essential dishes in Thai cuisine. I love it so much, I dedicated a t-shirt to it ! The soup has countless varieties, but lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and in this case shrimp, are mandatory.
• Pla pao (ปลาเผา) – A whole fish is stuffed with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, rolled in a salt crust, grilled over charcoal, and served with chili garlic sauce.
• Som tam (ส้มตําา) – Som tam refers to any variety of different green papaya salad that’s an essential dish in Isaan (northeastern Thai and Laos) cuisine.
• Pad ka prao (ผัดกะเพรา) – One of the most popular and widely available Thai street food dishes is pad ka prao, a choice of meat stir fried with lots of garlic, chilies, and the all important holy basil.
• Kuay teow reua  (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) – Boat noodles as they are commonly known, are a pork based Thai soup noodle, and a favorite in Bangkok.
• Kuay teow neau  (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อ) – Another noodle Thai noodle soup dish I enjoy is beef noodles, usually served with fall apart tender braised beef and rice noodles.
• Boo pad pongari (ปูผัดผงกะหรี่) – Pongari is a type of Thai yellow curry thickened with eggs. It’s often made with crab, but you can also order it with squid or even chicken.
• Goong pad sataw (กุ้งผัดสะตอ) – Stir fried stink beans with shrimp, or with another protein, and chili paste, is easily one of my favorite dishes in Thailand. You’ll find it at many rice and curry stalls.
• Hor mok (ห่อหมก) – If made correctly, hor mok, a type of fish curry custard, can ben extremely good. Pieces are fish are mixed with curry sauce and herbs, and steamed. Hor mok is available and rice and curry restaurants.
• Nam prik kapi (น้ําาพริกกะปิ) – Nam prik refers to any type of Thai chili dipping sauce, and this version is mainly flavored with shrimp paste. It’s typically eaten with vegetables and rice, and you’ll find it at markets throughout Bangkok.

There are hundreds of different and unique Thai dishes, and if you see something that looks interesting and delicious when you’re in Bangkok, you should try it.

The list above includes just a few of my favorite dishes that I frequently eat (and that are quite common to find), but it should not limit you – there are so many other dishes to try to!

Latest Bangkok Blog Posts

Here are some of the latest blogs posts about Bangkok and Thailand:

Wat Phu Tok – Visiting The Most Thrilling (and Dangerous?) Temple in Thailand

1,016 Comments

“The sixth level is the most spectacular… and most scary.” A few people told me as we passed each other, and I started climbing the rickety wooden stairs and ladders up the red rock mountain of Phu Thok (ภูทอก), Thailand’s…

Sichon Travel Guide: Pristine Off-The-Beaten-Path Fishing Village in Thailand!

223 Comments

Within Sichon (สิชล), Thailand there is a stunningly beautiful and non-commercialized coastal fishing village in Southern Thailand. In this Sichon (สิชล) travel guide I’ll share with you all details about this amazing off-the-beaten-path community in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Talad Baan Plai Thon (ตลาดบ้านปลายทอน)…

Insane Kobe Beef A5 and Best Grade Sushi at Sri Panwa Hotel, Phuket!

50 Comments

Spur of the moment food trips are sometimes the best. This spur of the moment trip happened to be one of the ultimate travel culinary highs that I’ve ever experienced, and I’m going to share it all with you in…

Read more -->

Tha Kha Floating Market – Local Relaxing Market You Can Visit in Thailand

176 Comments

You have many choices for floating markets to visit in Thailand. Tha Kha Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำท่าคา), located in Samut Songkhram province (about a 1 hour drive from Bangkok) is one of the most relaxing and local floating you can visit….

Thai Seafood Feast and Seagulls on a Bangkok Day Trip to Bangpoo (บางปู)

143 Comments

Bangpoo (บางปู) is one of the closest places you can go from Bangkok to see the ocean. Although it’s not a swimming beach, you’ll the have the opportunity to feed seagulls and eat a delicious seafood meal on the end of…

Eating with Andrew Zimmern in Bangkok

57 Comments

I attended University in the United States from 2004 – 2008. During that time I started watching TV with my roommates and friends, and one of the shows that we would not only watch, but we’d anticipate and wait for…

Things To Do in Bangkok

The best thing about doing things in Bangkok, or visiting attractions and sightseeing, is that there’s never going to be a situation where you’re far from food.

The fact is, food revolves around every part of Thai culture – so don’t worry, no matter which attractions you choose to see when you’re in Bangkok, you’re never far from something delicious.

Here are a few things I would recommend doing in-between meals:

• Golden Mount (Wat Saket, Open hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Entrance price: 20 THB to climb to the top) – The Golden Mount is a temple in Bangkok that is built on top of a man-made hill. What I like most about visiting is that you can climb to the top for an amazing panoramic view of Bangkok. Also when you’re in the area, stop by Loha Prasat Temple too.
• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew  (Open hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm daily, Entrance price: 500 THB adults) – Undoubtedly the most popular attraction in any Bangkok travel guide, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are icons of the city. For me it’s one of those places that’s well worth a visit once in your lifetime, but if you’ve been there, no need to go back again. It will most likely be packed with tourists and groups at anytime you go on any day. Also don’t miss Wat Pho, known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, located just down the road.
• Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Vimanmek Mansion (Save your ticket from the Grand Palace for complimentary access) – Located in Dusit, both the Throne Hall and Vimanmenk teakwood mansion are open to the public as museums. Although they are very popular touristy attractions in Bangkok, they are well worth a visit.
• Wat Arun (Open hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily, Entrance price: 50 THB) – Across the river from the Grand Palace complex is Wat Arun, a temple stupa that’s also referred to as the Temple of Dawn. One of the highlights of visiting Wat Arun is climbing the steep staircase.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Bangkok has a strong Chinese influence no matter where you are in the city, however the area of Yaowarat, is where a concentration of Chinese originally settled. Yaowarat is a center of commerce and industry, always busy and energetic, and you can explore markets and eat an astounding array of delicious Thai and Thai Chinese food.
• Shopping in Bangkok – Along with food, Bangkok is a well known city for shopping in Southeast Asia, especially for clothes and fashion and electronics. Some of the major Bangkok shopping destinations include Siam (Siam Paragon, MBK, Central World), Pratunam (Platinum, Pantip Plaza), and Phrom Phong (Emporium, EmQuartier). The Chatuchak weekend market is also a popular Bangkok shopping spot.
• Or Tor Kor Market – Another must visit food destination in Bangkok is Or Tor Kor Market, located across the road from Chatuchak Market. Or Tor Kor is a premium fruits and vegetables market, and they also have an amazing local food court. You’ll also find durian year round!
• Khlong Toey Market (Open hours: 24 hours daily) – One of the main central fresh wet markets in Bangkok is Khlong Toey. You can find nearly every ingredient imaginable for cooking Thai food within this market, and if you love food or cooking, it’s a great place to explore when you’re in Bangkok.
• Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market  (Open hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm, and open on Saturday and Sunday and public holidays) – There are a number of different floating markets around Bangkok, but my favorite, that’s located within the city is Khlong Lat Mayom. Along with just being a pleasant area to walk around, and you can even take a boat ride tour, the market is made for food lovers. You’ll find a dizzying array of snacks and things to eat. Don’t miss a whole salt crusted grilled fish when you go.

For the ultimate list of things to do in Bangkok , check out my  101 Things To Do In Bangkok eBook , it comes packed with useful information about visiting Bangkok, and even directions written in Thai.

How to Get Around (Transportation)

Bangkok is a city that offers nearly every type and form of transportation available – taxi, bus, motorbike, tuk tuk, longtail boat, ferry boat, above ground train, and underground train. And some areas of Bangkok aren’t too bad for walking either.

I won’t go too in-depth in this Bangkok travel guide blog, but I’ll share a few details about the best ways to get around.

• BTS Skytrain / MRT Metro  (Open hours: 6 am – Midnight daily, Prices range from about 15 – 52 THB per ride depending on distance, or you can get an all day pass) – To avoid any hassle and not have to deal with sitting in traffic, taking the BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro are your best options. The train lines are not hugely extensive yet, but they will get you to most central districts of Bangkok.
• Chao Phraya River Boat  (Open hours: About 6 am – 7 pm, Price is 15 THB on orange flag local boat, and 40 THB per ride on the yellow flag tourist boat) – For getting to Khao San Road and the Grand Palace area, the Chao Phraya Express Boat is highly convenient. You can catch the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station which connects with the pier to take the boat.
• Taxi (and Uber ) – Local taxis in Bangkok are very affordable and can be either very convenient, or full of hassles. For one thing, traffic in Bangkok can be horrible at times, and for another thing, some taxi drivers are not always honest and occasionally overcharge foreigners. Just make sure your taxi driver uses the meter (the meter should ALWAYS be used), and it’s a good idea to know where you’re going, and follow along on your phone gps so you can make sure you’re going in the right direction. An alternative from taxis is UberX (click this link to get a free ride), which my wife and I use in Bangkok quite frequently.

Alternatively, you can always jump in a local bus, a tuk tuk, or on the back of a motorbike to get around Bangkok as well. However, I would personally use the above three methods if possible, which will get you just about everywhere you need to go in central Bangkok.

Is it safe to travel to Bangkok?

For the size and busyness of Bangkok, the city is in my opinion quite safe to visit.

However, I would never say that Bangkok is an extremely safe city (I’d never say that about any city), because it’s always possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, even in the safest statistical place on earth.

Bangkok has unfortunately been in the news on more than a few occasions for malicious acts and uprisings, but these actions do not reflect the overall friendliness and peacefulness of Bangkok and its residents.

Here are a few tips for keeping safe when visiting Bangkok:

• Walking around – While theft is not extremely common in Bangkok, it does happen occasionally, especially things like bag snatching and mobile phones. It’s a good idea to not be walking down a busy street using your mobile phone, and do be aware of your hand bag or back pack when walking down a road or in a busy area.
• Scams – Many of the scams in Bangkok are not harmful, but just waste your time and maybe money. One example is a tutk tuk drivers outside the Grand Palace telling you it’s closed today, and that they will kindly take you somewhere else. For the most part, researching attractions and places to go, and knowing your facts and information, and then thinking before you make any decisions, can avoid most scams. Also, if any tuk tuk driver offers you a ride for 10 THB ($0.28) or something ridiculously low like that, you can assume there’s some kind of scam involved. Do your research, don’t act fast (think about it), and usually you can avoid many of the common scams in Bangkok.
• Night time – A majority of crime happens in Bangkok at night, especially around nightlife areas. So use extra caution when going out at night, and especially venturing into Bangkok nightlife districts. If you’re with a couple friends, it’s better than going by yourself.

I’ve included lots more Bangkok safety tips in my full Bangkok guide eBook .

Prices and Expenses

In comparison to many of the other major Asian cities , Bangkok still remains a somewhat budget destination, and I think the value you get for what you pay for – when it comes to hotels, food, and attractions – is still very good.

However, Bangkok is a major international city, and although you can travel on a budget, it’s also easy to spend a fortune if you want.

Here’s a quick sample cost of how much you’re likely to spend in Bangkok:

Accommodation:

• Hostel: $6 – $15 USD per bed
• Mid-range hotel: $25 – $80 USD per night
• High end – For anything over $80 USD per night, you can expect a very nice place

Transportation:

• Train ride in the city: 15 THB – 52 THB ($0.34 – $1.48) per ride depending on distance
• Taxi: 50 THB – 100 THB ($1.42 – $2.84) for a short ride, 100 THB – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68) for long ride
• Bus ride: 8 THB – 20 THB ($0.23 – $0.57) depending on bus
• Simple street food meal: 30 THB – 50 THB ($0.85 – $1.42) per plate
• Local restaurant: 100 – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68) per person
• Indoor restaurant: 150 – 300 THB ($4.26 – $8.52) per person
• High end restaurant: 300 – 1000 THB ($8.52 – $28.40) per person
• Drink at a bar: 100 – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68)
• Coffee at coffeeshop: 80 – 150 THB ($2.27 – $4.26)
• Big bottle of water: 14 THB ($0.40)

Overall budget:

• Budget: $20 – $40 USD per person per day
• Mid-range: $40 – $60 per person per day
• High end: $60 – $150 per person per day

This is just an average guide. Of course you could get away with spending less or a lot more, all depending on your choices and your traveling style, or even what type of holiday you’re having in Bangkok.

That being said, no matter what level of budget you’re on, I think Bangkok offers very decent value for money traveling.

Bangkok Travel Videos

The following playlist is from my 2 Weeks in Bangkok series , where my wife and I took 2 full weeks and visited as many attractions and ate at as many restaurants in Bangkok as we could in that time.

It’s a 15 day Bangkok food and travel guide video series:

Also, you can check our my YouTube channel for lots videos about Thai street food and travel: https://www.youtube.com/user/migrationology

Bangkok is without doubt one of the greatest cities in the world to visit if you love to eat.

In this “food lover” focused Bangkok travel guide, you’ll find tips about transportation, personal recommendations for where to stay, a concise list of top attractions (only if you have time in-between eating), and most important of all, information about Thai street food and restaurants.

If you’re traveling to Bangkok with a purpose to eat, I hope this Bangkok Travel Guide for Food Lovers will offer you helpful tips and details, so you can maximize the delicious food you eat during your trip!

You’ll have an amazing time in Bangkok!

Thank you for reading this Bangkok travel guide resource page.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bangkok, check out my Bangkok eBook , which includes information on attractions, hotels, safety, and food, and also my Eating Thai Food Guide , if you’re serious about eating delicious Thai food!

Have you been to Bangkok? Or are you planning to visit?

Leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you now!

Enter your email & I'll send you the best food updates

Other guides, mexico city.

Mexico City is a sprawling food paradise. In this Mexico City travel guide for food lovers I’m going to share with you the best restaurants (mostly street food) that I tried during my visit. Get ready for the most incredible...

Futuristic, sparkling new, multi-cultural, and always pushing the limits, is Dubai, United Arab Emirates – a city that sprouts out of the sand banks of the Persian Gulf. In this Dubai travel guide for food lovers, I’m going to list...

Introduction to Hong Kong In this Hong Kong Travel Guide for Food Lovers you’ll find personal tips and recommendations about where to stay, things to do, and details about some of the best food to eat in Hong Kong. Home...

If you travel for food, this Bangkok travel guide for food lovers is for you. Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and a paradise for food lovers. Everywhere you look while walking around the city,...

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

• Around The World

Bangkok Food Guide — 9 Street Food Stalls Most Recommended by Locals

Let’s be real — Bangkok’s street food is the main reason why everyone loves this city.

Ask anyone to name their top three cuisines and chances are, Thai food will be included in the list. The Thais understand flavours really well — you can always expect a good combination of sweet, spicy and sour hints!

It’s flavourful and comforting, a cuisine I’d gladly eat over and over again.

We had the chance to stay in Bangkok for a month (where we even visited Hua Hin on a road trip! ) and got to try several famous street food stalls. To my fellow foodies, here are nine street foods worth making a trip to Thailand for!

1) Jeh O Chula — Thai dishes with a twist

Jeh O Chula  serves up hearty Thai dishes with a twist. It’s popular amongst students, as it’s located near Chulalongkorn University and the queues can go up to a few hours.

Here are the signature dishes you have to try!

The first is Tom Yum Mama Noodles, Thailand’s version of Korea’s army stew. It’s filled with instant noodles, eggs, crispy pork, and tons of seafood — the perfect comfort food. 🤤

Next is the Crispy Pork Belly. I’m not the biggest fan of fatty meat, but I’d readily devour this bad boy on my own.

Lastly, the Yum salmon — glorious salmon sashimi doused in Thai chilli and salad.

*Pro-tip: Book a  set meal on Klook  to reserve a time slot and get priority access. There is no other way to make reservations and waiting times can be up to an hour!

Cost: From ~S$25.90  for a set meal Opening hours:  5:30PM – 11:30PM How to get there:  14min walk from W1 National Stadium BTS station (Silom Line)

2) Lhong Tou Cafe — Tiktok famous dim sum cafe

Photo credit: @nikui via Instagram

We first came across Lhong Tou Cafe on social media. What caught our attention first wasn’t the food, but the restaurant’s unique layout!

I was kinda sad there weren’t any top-floor seats available while we were there, but my disappointment was short-lived after seeing the menu.

They sell these cute dim sum sets (฿299, ~S$11.30) for sharing, plus loads of fun desserts like Thai milk tea cake (฿80, ~S$3) and durian lava buns (฿59, ~S$2.20).

Photo credit: @lhongtoucafe_official via Instagram

The drinks were really Instagram-worthy too! I had a buttery pea lemonade (฿70, ~S$2.60) — a little sweet, but perfect for cooling down in Bangkok’s heat.

Cost: ฿299 (~S$11.30) for a dim sum set Opening hours:  9AM – 8PM How to get there:  3min walk from BL29 Wat Mangkon MRT Station (Blue Line).

3) Jay Fai — Michelin star roadside hawker 

Jay Fai is a Bangkok street food legend. The owner Supinya “Jay Fai” Junsuta is a feisty 73-year-old, decked in iconic ski goggles and a beanie.

She’s gathered numerous accolades over the years, from achieving a Michelin star four years in a row to getting featured in Netflix’s Street Food series. Jay Fai cooks each dish on her own, so expect a long wait.

The main attraction here is the crab omelette (฿1000, ~S$37.80). At almost S$40, it’s not the cheapest street food around. But this thicc dish is stuffed to the brim with crab meat — kinda resembles a burrito more than an omelette!

We couldn’t just order one dish, so we had the goong phad yellow curry (฿1500, ~S$56.80) and phad-kee-mao talay (drunken noodles) for ฿500 (~S$18.90).

We’d recommend booking a table way, way in advance via Instagram . I tried booking in April and found out they were fully booked till July — though walk-ins were accepted.

We made the mistake of arriving 1.5hrs after opening time and had to wait for 3hrs (from arrival to getting our food).

Cost: ~฿800/pax (~S$30/pax) Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM (Wed – Sun), closed Mon – Tue How to get there: 8min walk from BL30 Sam Yot MRT station (Blue Line)

4) Mae Klong Noodles — Spicy pork spine soup 

Photo credit: Mae Klong Noodles

Leng Saap  is a spicy pork spine soup — with pork spines stacked to form a tower of mouth-numbing goodness. At Jodd Fair’s  Mae Klong Noodles , it comes in four sizes, ranging from ฿150 (~S$6) to ฿599 (~S$24.10)! 

We ordered a medium portion which came flooded in chilli and lime. The meat was really tender and not unbearably spicy — my spice tolerance is pretty low so you can trust me on this one.

Cost: From ฿150 (~S$6) Opening hours: 12PM – 12AM How to get there: The nearest BTS station (Asok) is 2.6km away, so we recommend taking a Grab to Jodd Fairs

5) Wattana Panich — 45-year-old beef broth 

You’ve probably heard of Wattana Panich — Bangkok’s famous beef broth that’s been simmering for over 45 years. This street-side restaurant has been run by three generations.

At the end of each day, the soup is reduced and allowed to simmer in a pot. The stock is used as a base for the soup the following day — and they’ve been doing this since the day they opened. That’s years and years of flavour in a single bowl of soup!

The famous Thai beef noodles come with tender braised beef and beef balls. It’s available in two sizes — small (฿100, ~S$3.80) and large (฿150, ~S$5.70) — we ordered small ones.

Besides beef noodles, Wattana Panich also serves braised goat noodles and pad see ew (Thai stir-fried noodles).

Cost: From ฿100 (~S$3.80) Opening hours: 9:30AM – 7:30PM How to get there: 25min walk from E6 Thong Lor BTS station (Sukhumvit Line). Alternatively, take a Grab

6) Jek Pui — Authentic streetside curry rice

Jek Pui is another eatery featured on Netflix’s Street Food series. This streetside curry stall is popular among locals; we arrived 20 minutes after opening time and there were already long queues!

There are no tables here — diners sit on red stools along the red street, curry in hand. You just have to pull out a chair, and raise your hand to order!

We got their best-selling yellow curry rice with pork sausage. Affordable and hearty, it’s easy to see why locals love this.

Cost: ฿60 (~S$2.30) Opening hours: 3PM – 8PM How to get there: 4min walk from Wat Mangkon MRT station (Blue Line)

7) Ung Jia Huad — Hearty basil pork rice

Ung Jia Huad is an unassuming street food hawker in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood. We came here searching for one of my favourite Thai dishes — pad kra pao (basil stir fry).

Fun fact: The owner has been making this dish for around 50 years!

Pad kra pao is a simple dish, yet it’s always a crowd pleaser. I ordered the stir-fried pork with rice, which came with a yummy, greasy fried egg. Chicken is available as well!

Cost: From ฿75 (~S$2.80) Opening hours: 10AM – 4PM, closed on Sun How to get there: 7min walk from E4 Asok BTS station (Sukhumvit Line)

8) Nai Ek Roll Noodle — Kway Chap

Situated along Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road is Nai Ek Roll Noodle , a Bangkok street food stall that’s been around since 1989. It’s known for kway chap and even earned a spot in the Michelin Guide .

We ordered the popular roll noodles soup (฿70, ~S$2.70) which came with all sorts of pork cuts — crispy pork, sliced pork, stomach, liver, kidney and tongue.

They’re also known for their rice dishes, so we tried the braised pork rump with rice (฿60, ~S$2.30). The meat was tender and paired well with salted vegetables.

The deep-fried crispy pork is highly raved about too — do let us know in the comments below if you tried it!

Cost: From ฿70 (~S$2.70) Opening hours: 8AM – 12AM How to get there: 3min walk from BL29 Wat Mangkon MRT Station (Blue Line)

Bonus: 9) Learn to Cook Your Favourite Thai Dishes at Sompong Thai Cooking School

You can’t dabao Bangkok’s street food back to Singapore, but you can take home Thai recipes and some cooking skills! Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines, so we couldn’t resist experiencing a cooking class to fully immerse ourselves in the local food scene.

The class at  Sompong Thai Cooking School  starts with a tour of Wat Khaek Fresh Market, where the instructor shares tips on sourcing ingredients.

The four-course menu is different each day — we went on a Sunday and made chicken red curry, stir-fried tamarind prawns, spicy chicken salad, and mango sticky rice. You also get tot bring home a recipe book with extensive instructions to make your own dishes back home!

Cost:  ~S$52.70 via Klook Class timings:  9.15AM – 2PM, 2:45PM – 7PM How to get there:  10min walk from S4 Saint Louis BTS station (Silom Line)

Tips for Planning Your Bangkok Food Trip

I love Thai food. Just looking at photos of our Bangkok street food adventures induces hunger and has me dreaming about my next trip to Thailand . Before you go forth and embark on your own Bangkok food adventure, here are some tips:

1) Check whether you can book in advance

If you’re visiting Bangkok for a few days, you wouldn’t want to spend three hours queueing for one meal. Popular places like Jay Fai offer reservations, while Jeh O Chula has a “ fast track access ” option on Klook!

2) Go during off-peak hours

Arrive at opening time if you can, or avoid peak lunch and dinner crowds at 12PM – 2PM and 6PM – 8PM.

3) Check out our Bangkok itineraries

Plan your meals and activities by location to save time! Here are some of our Bangkok itineraries to help you get started.

– Epic 8D Bangkok Road Trip Itinerary Under S$900 – Thailand Road Trip Guide: 5 Epic Ideas Under 3hrs from Bangkok – 3D2N Pattaya Itinerary — An Unexpected Adventure 2hrs from Bangkok

What’s your favourite Thai dish in this Bangkok food guide? Share with us in the comments below!

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , Tiktok and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

4D3N Phuket Itinerary that Doesn’t Involve the Usual Tourist Spots

9 Best Accommodations in Khao Yai — Cold Weather, Mountain Views, Glamping Sites

15 Gorgeous Boutique Hotels in Chiang Mai, from S$30/night

Day Trips from Chiang Mai — 19 Best Things to Do in Northern Thailand

8D7N Northern Thailand Itinerary Starting in Chiang Mai — Sky Adventures, Mountain Road Trips, and Trendy Cafes

Where to Stay in Bangkok for First-Time Solo Travellers — 13 Quirky Hostels Under S$37/night

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

5D4N Hong Kong Itinerary — Hiking, Caving, and Island hopping

Hong Kong’s Outdoor: 9 Lesser-Known Sights for the Adventurous

HK’s Hidden Outdoor Gems: 7 Things to do in Hong Kong...

Sai Kung Guide — 7 Day Trip Itineraries to an Often...

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Restaurants
• Best-of Guides
• My Favorites
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• TheFork prefered partnership
• TheFork partner restaurants
• Global - English - USD
• 2 Days in Bangkok for Street Food Lovers

All the best places to eat in Bangkok without the pomp and circumstance of high-end dining. Plus the best spots to base yourself for an unforgettable street food adventure.

2 Days in: Bangkok Bib Gourmand Editor's Pick Street Food

When you think of Bangkok , you think of street food. The Thai capital is one of the best places to eat on earth, full stop. But its culinary star shines brightest at shophouse restaurants and street stalls. Make the most of the Big Mango with our two-day itinerary, introducing you to MICHELIN Guide restaurants and hotels that make it easy to venture out – and stumble back satisfied, sometimes without breaking a sweat.

Afternoon and dinner

Evening .

Craig Sauers is a Bangkok-based writer who loves good food, drinks, and stories. His work has appeared in magazines and news sites ranging from the BBC, CNBC, and the Nikkei Asia Review to Travel + Leisure. Previously, he was managing editor of BK, Bangkok’s leading English-language lifestyle magazine, and food and drink editor of Time Out Hong Kong.

2 Days in Dubai for the Design and Art Lover

A two-day itinerary for all things art and design in Dubai.

2 Days in Ko Samui

48 hours in Ko Samui and you’ll never want to leave.

The Ultimate Guide in Navigating Taipei's Night Markets

A trip to Taiwan is not complete without visiting its famed night markets. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and clothes, and get ready to indulge in delectable street food, win prizes at game stalls, shop affordable knick-knacks and memorabilia, and experience vibrant local vibes!

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

All the Winners in The MICHELIN Guide Estonia 2024!

Find out what the Michelin Inspectors love about the new selection and which restaurant is awarded a Green Star

A Long Weekend in Tartu

Designated a City of Culture for 2024, here's why you should visit Estonia's second city this year

2 Days in Hanoi

Experience the "City of Lakes" with our 48-hour guide covering restaurants, hotels, and more.

All The Stars From The MICHELIN Guide Mexico 2024

2 Two Stars, 16 One Stars, and 6 Green Stars fill out the MICHELIN Guide Mexico 2024.

2024 Mexico MICHELIN Bib Gourmands

From fusion to seafood, these Bib Gourmands are filled with value and flavor.

Thomas Keller Talks 20 Years of Per Se and His New York

The chef behind the Three MICHELIN Star staple shares his love of Manhattan.

85 restaurants shine within the 2024 restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Nara

Restaurant le content is newly awarded the Bib Gourmand and 5 establishments are newly joining the selection. 22 restaurants maintained their MICHELIN Stars for outstanding culinary proposals.

Dine for Less at this Colourful, Community-Minded Restaurant

Join us as we take a look around this laid-back, brightly decorated spot, where everyone is welcome

Ronny Chieng's New York - The Perfect Slice and Haute Sushi

The actor and comedian breaks down his West Village staples.

MICHELIN Guide

Use the app to find the best restaurants and hotels everywhere

Be the first to get news and update about the michelin guide.

MICHELIN Guide selections

The michelin group.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice

Display settings

Customize your experience by easily adjusting display settings for territory, and currency to suit your preferences!

Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.

• Work with me
• Privacy Policy

• Philippines
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong Hikes
• Hong Kong Food Guide
• Hotels & Resorts
• Resource Library
• National Parks
• Short Guides
• Ultimate Guide
• Travel tips
• Sai Kung Nature Guide

• Food to eat in Bangkok: a comprehensive foodie guide

This is post 13 of 37 in the series “Thailand”

Thailand is like a rite of passage for everyone. The land of smiles is also the land of cheap and amazing Thai massages, delicious street food, and many national parks and historic monuments.

From temple hopping to trekking to find the largest flower in the world, or snorkeling in pristine water, there’s so much to do in Thailand! And here are my best guides for you:

• Elephant chasing in Chiang Mai – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Review
• Zip lining: Flying through the jungles in Chiang Mai
• The Ultimate Price Guide to Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai Markets: there is one for every day of the week (2024 update)
• Chiang Mai Temple Run – Top 5 + Tips
• Venture with Impact: living in Chiang Mai for a month
• 5 best Chiang Mai day trips: discover the nature and culture
• Escape to the Chiang Mai countryside: a getaway with Panviman Spa
• Bangkok Itinerary: 4 days of shopping, culture, and seafood
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport guide for those who arrive late or early
• Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok
• Best temples in Bangkok besides Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun
• Zazz Urban Bangkok: a hotel review
• Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market day trip review
• Sakon Nakhon: one day in Northern Thailand’s indigo capital
• Postcards from Thailand – a giveaway with MyPostcard
• Zeavola: unexpected barefoot luxury in Koh Phi Phi
• Cheow Lan Lake Tour in Khao Sok: what to expect on an overnight tour
• Koh Phi Phi Island Itinerary: beaches and tour guides + more
• Koh phangan in 36 hours: a first timer stopover guide for non-motorbike riders
• Thailand 2 week itinerary: the best from north to south
• Chatuchak Market guide by a Bangkok market addict (updated 2024)
• Test & Go Thailand and Thailand Pass: all questions answered (April 2022)
• Itinerary for Krabi: 3 to 5 days perfect for beach and nature lovers
• The Pavilions Anana Krabi – Ao Nang Krabi’s best kept secret
• Phuket Old Town: what to see and where to eat
• Chiang Mai Massage: best and cheap places to go (updated 2024)
• Sustainable luxury in Phuket: Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay Review
• Best Chiang Mai restaurants, street food, and vegan places
• A first timer’s guide to Khao Sok National Park and its tours
• Hua Hin Itinerary: how to get there from Bangkok and what to do
• Street Food in Chinatown Bangkok: a foodie’s guide
• Dragon Crest Mountain: best hiking in Krabi
• Where in Bangkok to Stay: best areas, first timers, and more!
• Thai Massage in Bangkok: best Bangkok Massage Parlors + where to get deals
• Bangkok Night Markets: where to go and when to go

Looking for the best Bangkok food? Thai food is among my most favourite in the world. From authentic Bangkok street food to nice sit-down restaurants for a good catch up or date, there is something for everyone.

That said, finding the best place to eat can be a lot harder, especially since the city is such a big place! Having visited Bangkok a few times and lived in different parts of the city, here are some of my favourite dining options across the board:

• See more about what to do in Bangkok or check my Thailand series

Table of Contents

Essential information on bangkok food, food prices in bangkok.

Bangkok street food is very affordable, with prices for snacks starting at 10 baht and going up to 50-100 baht for full-fledged meals. If you’re on a budget, there’s no better place to be than a night market.

There are also one or two street food carts popping up outside of convenience stores at night, so be sure to check the ones near you if you’re feeling lazy.

For sit-down restaurants, prices are going to be more expensive. A budget to midrange restaurant would probably have dishes at 100-300 baht upwards. And fine dining will always be more expensive.

What is Bangkok famous food?

Bangkok itself doesn’t particularly have a famous dish. But if you’re really pushing to look, take a trip to the Kudejeen district next to Wat Arun and try the Khanom Kudeejeen, a cupcake that dates back to the Ayuttaya period.

However, those who have watched Netflix’s Street Food show would be queuing diligently outside Jay Fai’s for a taste of her crab omelet, hopping to Chinatown to try the yellow and green curries, and trying to find the best pad thai.

How is the food in Bangkok?

The food in Bangkok is amazing. But if you stumble across a restaurant, I’ll definitely check the reviews on google map and maybe even TripAdvisor before going in.

This is a lot harder to do for street food carts, so the safest way to find the best street food tours to take you on a food adventure that has been tested by other stomachs.

What is typical Thai food?

It is difficult to answer this question as there are a variety of Thai food. But in general, rice, rice noodles, curries, and fish sauce are an important part of most food. 

What cuisine is Bangkok?

Bangkok cuisine is representative more of the central Thailand region, which is different to those from the north and south. Most of the typical Thai food we like such as the red and green curries, pad thai, and papaya salad.

Chiang Mai food has more Lanna influence as it was once a separate country with less coconut milk-based curries. While Phuket cuisine is more spicy and incorporates Chinese and Malay elements. 

That said, as the capital of Thailand, Bangkok has plenty of different type of Thai cuisine restaurants on top of international dining options.

Bangkok Food Tours

The best way to experience Bangkok’s food scene is by taking a food tour in Bangkok. Even then, there are so many facets to food in Bangkok that you won’t even be able to cover it with just one Bangkok street food tour. Here are the ones that I’ve experienced myself:

Note: all tours are subject to change as food stalls open and close at different times but these are my personal experience!

A Chef’s Tour Old Siam Street Food Tour

I was hosted for the tour but all opinions are my own Nam

The perfect food tour for those who want to go off the beaten path, a Chef’s Tour’s Bangkok lunch tour takes you into a local market and its surroundings north of the heart of the old town. Not only do you get to sample delicious food that you otherwise won’t try or encounter, it’s also a great insight into the local transport and life.

The tour starts at 10 am at the Platinum Mall in Pratunam , easy to reach and locate. We were greeted by our friendly guide Nutt and his nephew, who acts as helper to the tour at the counter right by McDonalds. There were only 5 of us, a perfect size for a food tour! We were ushered to the Pratunam Pier where we boarded the local ferry towards the old town.

Nutt led us through the market right at the pier we got off expertly, chatting to a vendor by the canal who sold tiny banana leaf wrapped snacks. They are sticky rice snacks with taro jam – cooked over a grill and surprisingly tasty. We also got to sample some jackfruit on our way to take the bus – which some can mistake for durian!

The bus took us to a bustling local market and we ducked into the first shop that Nutt frequented since he was a boy. It’s a Cantonese style roast meat joint and I was curious to try it coming from Hong Kong.

A plate of roast duck (pun intended) and the pork belly was served with green peppers in sweet soy sauce, the latter I had definitely never seen before. Both are very tasty and different with the dip.

We then hopped across the road to a small street food stand that serves a Vietnamese-Thai snack: Kanom Bueang Yuan. It’s akin to Bahn Xeo being a mung bean fried pancake and surprisingly sweet with stir-fried fillings like tofu, bean sprouts, and ginger. It has a with and without egg version, and personally, I prefer it with an egg.

Next up is a small eatery just down the street where we were served pork stir-fried in red curry paste and Thai fried radish cake. It’s interesting to try the dry curry stir-fried with pork and long beans. I’m no stranger to radish cake as it’s a Chinese New Year and dim sum staple, but having it fried in cubes is new and I like the mix of texture.

Nutt then took us into the market food court. He weaved through the different stores and vendors, pointing out the sweet treats seller and ordering us some Thai Chinese-style spring rolls .

His nephew also managed to find a seat for all of us (no easy feat!) and we settled down and got a flurry of food. I got a Thai milk tea while the others got longan or roselike tea, and a dish of shrimp paste fried rice and sticky rice noodles with pork sausage also arrived. 

We then hit the road again and tried some interesting rice flakes and two types of fried bananas before finishing it all off with four different types of curry !

So don’t forget to turn up to the tour hungry!

Cost: 59 USD

Duration: 4 hours, meeting at 10am

For Bangkok Chinatown food guide + food tour recommendation, click here !

Food to eat in Bangkok

Thai food might be very popular worldwide, but there is more to it than Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice. If you’re wondering about what to eat in Bangkok, I’m here to help. Below, I’ll skip the obvious and list out some lesser-known food that you should try:

Bangkok Street Food

If you are wandering around a night market in Bangkok, or any market for that matter, there will always be a food area. Although the quality of food varies, you cannot miss the opportunity to try some of the common street eats that both locals and foreigners love:

The Thai Roti is one of my favourite things in the world, and I have been known to just eat it for dinner. There are many iterations of roti and the Thai street food version is akin to a fried thin bread crepe with toppings or fillings. The original version is dosed with condensed milk, and the most popular one is probably Nutella with banana.

They can go for as little as 15 baht for the plain one to 40 baht with fancy toppings. Nowadays, they go as high as 80 baht in touristy places or night market. I am never tired of watching them take the pre-made dough out and flatten it on the round metal table.

Thai Tea (Cha Thai)

Tea lovers or not, Thai tea is another one of my favourite thing in Thailand. They’re known for their distinctive orange colour and are a strong red tea brew that is guaranteed to keep those who are sensitive to caffeine up all night. But guess what? It’s totally worth it!

There is just something addictive about this sweet drink. It is made with condensed milk, so it’s not the healthiest choice in the world, but it’s a must-try for everyone. 

Khanom bueang – Thai Crepes

Khanom bueang is sometimes referred to as Thai crepe, but they’re more of a mini-taco in terms of shape and size. There are various iterations in terms of size but are commonly filled with a hearty dollop of meringue and a salty filling. Usually, it’s either shredded coconut or Foi Thong, a salted egg yolk strand.

Thai basil fried minced pork (or chicken)

This is a classic dish that should not be skipped! If you are in the south where there is a larger Muslim population, then minced chicken would be used instead. The quality does vary but it’s something that you must try. Most Thai restaurants would offer this dish as well.

What NOT to eat Bangkok Street Food

This is personal advice, but given that Bangkok street food has all been sitting in a warm and humid environment for a while, there are some things that you should not eat:

• Dancing shrimp
• Anything raw

You know your own body best, but it’s good to avoid raw things. Some people also react badly to some of the street stand drinks, as the ice might not be the cleanest. I have known of people who’ve had food poisoning from the three things mentioned!

Best local Thai restaurant in Bangkok

One of the biggest struggles for me in Bangkok is finding a good restaurant close to where I was at the time. The city is pretty spread out and going out of the way to eat before returning back to the schedule at hand isn’t convenient. On my first trip, we did end up eating at random places here and there. Now that I’ve visited again, I’m happy to say that I’ve a few good places to recommend in most major areas:

Around Nana BTS

I discovered this gem via googling restaurants in the area and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the meal was. Prai Raya is a famous small chain in Phuket that has expanded to Bangkok, and I’m super glad they did. The restaurant itself looks like a colonial villa with Portuguese tiles.

We ordered their signature crab meat yellow coconut curry noodle, a pepper sauce slow cook ribs and rice, and a coconut to share. The portion sizes are very generous, with big chunks of crab meat in the curry and crispy pork ribs. The total came to 883 baht for 2, all in all not bad for a meal.

Address: 59 Soi Sukhumvit 8, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110

Opening times: 10:30 – 22:30

Terminal 21 Food Court

If you are stuck on what to eat, Terminal 21 might or might not be the answer since you will have a million choices, but you’d still have to make a choice. The food court in the airport-themed shopping mall is legendary for its affordable prices and variety, with crowd favourites like chicken rice, mango sticky rice, and pork knuckles.

I had ended up there more often than not if I’m in the urban downtown, because who can say no to mango sticky rice? They do have a system to order, with patrons paying for credits in a card and using it for purchases. Once you are done, simply go back to the counter to get the remainder.

Address: next to Asok BTS

Opening times: unsure of the exact time but likely 10:00 – 22:00

Around Ekkamai and Thong Lor

Wattana panich beef broth*.

Nestled between the Ekkamoi Station and the canal, Wattana Panee is housed in a row of old Chinese shophouse with a traditional neon sign of its Chinese and Thai name by the front.

The little restaurant is seemingly indistinguishable from other tiny eateries around Bangkok until you get closer. If the shimmering bowl of beef stew at the front of the shop doesn’t grab your attention, then I’m not sure what will. The bowl of delicious beef swimming in broth has been continually cooking for over four decades and serves up the most tender meat I’ve ever tasted. The borth itself is heavenly and not laden with herbs like some of the other Chinese noodle soups of its peers. Its own richness was already enough.

Next to the beef stew are the goat stew, which are said to be even more tender. But since neither my companion nor me eat goat, we skipped the taste test for it. We ordered a bowl of noodle each with medium-sized noodles. It is pricier than some at 100 baht per bowl, but it is quite an experience to eat from a 50 year-old simmering broth.

PS portions are on the smaller side, so order extra if you’re hungry

Address: 336 338 Ekkamai Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Opening times: 9:00 – 19:30

Here Hai is not too far from Wattana Panich and it’s known for its crab meat dishes. It’s been recommended by Michelin Guide for 3 years in a roll and there is always a queue in front of the small shop front. Their signature is the crab meat fried rice, but they also have various other crab meat and shrimp dishes, and some vegetable dishes, too.

As a solo diner, I ordered the small size of their signature fried rice and a thai tea, and both are absolutely divine. The portion is very generous, and it took me longer than expected to finish it. But although the restaurant is packed, it is air-conditioned and quite clean, so the dining environment is also quite pleasant.

You can reserve a table on Line and also order Grab food!

Address: 112, 1 Ekkamai Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Opening times: Tues – Sun 10:00 – 14:30; 15:30 – 17:00

Phed Mark is an eatery that specialise in one dish: Pad Khaprao. It’s a minced meat fried with chilli and holy basil dish with rice, usually topped with an egg . It almost resemble a gas station and is immediately recognisable by the fiery fire logo with a chilli as a mouth. They have five different spice level and a choice between pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian, and even wagyu beef.

There isn’t a lot of seating available, with one table along the window and one big communal table. Most of their order seems to be for takeaway on Grab food, which might also be an option for you to try.

A generous-sized plate will set you back around 110baht upwards, depending on your choice of meat. I couldn’t finish mine and kind of struggled with level 1 spice, but then again, I had terrible spice tolerance!

Address: 300 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110

Opening times: 10:00 – 19:30

Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice

When you get off the Thong Lor BTS Station and headed up the main street, you’ll see a huge shop selling mango sticky rice. And that’s Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice! They sell mango sticky rice in three different sizes as well as mangos on their own, and the prices are actually quite reasonable despite their fame.

I had the smallest size one for 100 baht, which has half a mango with sticky rice, with the coconut milk and fried monk beans coming in separate sachet. The mango are sweet and fresh, and the portions are rather generous. Overall, if you pass by it, I’ll recommend you getting it to try.

Address: 1 Thong Lo Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Opening times: 6:00 – 22:00

Nhong Rim Khlong

Nhong Rim Khlong is on the canal side of Ekkamai and Thong Lor and a good place to dine for groups. They serve some classic Thai dishes like stir fried morning glory, garlic shrimps, and other seafood favourites.

The dishes are meant to share, so as a solo diner, it was a bit weird for me to eat a whole plate of garlic shrimp with rice. But it was good!

Address: 51 Ekkamai 23 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Opening times: Mon – Sat: 8:30 – 16:00

Sit and Wonder

We found this restaurant when we were staying at Ekkamai. It’s a great affordable and atmospheric choice, with a Thai and western menu. I ordered a Thai sausage fried rice and lemongrass drink and they are both delicious.

Address: 119 ถนน สุขุมวิท 57 Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110泰國

Opening times: 11:00 – 23:00

Nearest station: Thong Lo BTS

Around Pratunam

Kaiton pratunam 紅大哥水門雞飯.

One of the most famous places for chicken rice is Kaiton Pratunam. Expect to be queueing for a while because it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. However, the restaurant has kept the price of chicken rice at 40 baht, which is extremely affordable.

Opening times：Mon – Sat 05:30-14:00, 17:00-02:00

Bamee Sawang

Only a few shops down from Kaiton Pratunam (and less if you are standing in the queue), Bamee Sawang is equally affordable. Although the portion size is on the small side, the food is delicious. I had a wonton dry noodle and my friend had a pork knuckle rice at 120 Baht altogether. It is also air-coned, unlike Kaiton Pratunam.

Address: 982 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400泰國

Around Old Bangkok

Krua apsorn.

For a comprehensive Thai menu and dishes of all budgets, Krua Apsorn near the Democracy Monument is perfect. The air-conditioned interior is a reprieve from the heat outside and was a great rest point between temple hopping.

I ordered garlic shrimp with rice, while my mum ordered pad thai and they are both delicious. They also have curry dishes and other Thai fare , they are more pricey and suited for sharing.

Address: 169 Dinso Rd, บวรนิเวศ, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening times: 10:30 – 20:00

Thipsamai Pad Thai

The Pad Thai place to visit, Thipsamai Pad Thai spots a long queue just like Kaiton Chicken Rice. With cooking stations placed outside, diners can take in the mouth-watering scent of Pad Thai and watch the skillful chefs work the wok to dish up the food. The restaurant only opens during the night from 5pm , so make sure you plan your visit and budget in some time to queue.

Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening times: 17:00 – 02:00

In Chatuchak

345 by yorwor.

On my first visit to Chatuchak, we ended up eating at a random vendor and my fried rice was kind of meh. On my second visit, we opted for 345 by Yorwor at section 3 for some quality food. It is, however, more expensive.

We ordered their Pad Thai which was amazing, but their other signature of pork with rice wasn’t very good. But there is a good seating area and the indoor portion has air-condition too.

Address: Section 3 Soi 45 in Chatuchak Market

Opening times: unclear

Around Victoria Monument

Boat noodles doy kuay teow reua*.

Boat noodles are meant to be cheap, tasty, and flavourful. Boat Noodles Doy Kuay Teow Reua hit all 3 spots. It’s located along a small canal about 10 minutes walk from the Victoria Monument BTS. The restaurant is bigger than I expected, with tables of various sizes under a patchwork of metal roof.

There are plenty of locals and I joined the queue and was directed to a seat in 5-10 minutes. You need to order on a little slip of paper and I asked a waitress to help me. Although I did end up with 3 bowls of noodles instead of 2, but it’s overall not that bad.

I had their tom yum beef, tom yum pork, and regular pork. These small-size boat noodles are good for 4-5 generous chopstick-fuls, and given my lack of spice tolerance, I barely lasted through both tom yum.

To pay, you wave at a waiter or waitress, who will count the bowls and drinks/cups on the table and give you a written note. You just have to take that and pay at the cashier!

Address: Ratchawithi 18 Alley, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

Opening times: 8:00 – 17:00

Hi, my name is Nam. I am 24 and spent half my life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. I believe there's endless experience and beauty in the world and this is me chronicling how to experience the best at the best price.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad Blocker Detected!

TravelFoodExpert

32 Must-Eat Restaurants In Bangkok 2024 – Thai & International

Home » 32 Must-Eat Restaurants In Bangkok 2024 – Thai & International

In this article about the must-eat restaurants in Bangkok, we dive deeper into the best eateries in the city. All of the recommended restaurants were visited by ourselves and we can fairly say that this article is perfect for those who are planning to visit Bangkok for its food scene. As this article is a long read, we try to keep things simple for you as a reader.

Looking for must-eat restaurants in Bangkok? Keep reading!

We divided the list into several sections. By tapping on one of the following green links, you get directed to the designated section. Keep in mind that the recommendations are not listed in a particular order. Under each recommended restaurant, you find one or several food-related links that helps you find more amazing food. At the bottom of the article, you can find a map with all the must-try restaurants in Bangkok we recommend. It’s good to know that all these restaurants and many others are listed in our food app, which we give more information about at the end of this long read. With that being said, let’s jump to our results.

1. Must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that serve local Thai food.

2. Must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that serve mid-range Thai food.

3. Must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that serve Thai desserts.

4. Must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that serve international food.

5. Map of must-try restaurants in Bangkok.

The must-eat restaurants in Bangkok are:

Must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that serve local Thai food

Jay Fai is a must-eat restaurant in Bangkok for the simple fact that it’s a local restaurant with a Michelin Star. The owner of the restaurant, the older lady named Fai (Jay means Auntie) is arguably the most famous Thai chef in the country, especially after Netflix’s Street Food, she gained quite the fame. For decades, she serves impressive Thai food made with all her passion. Famous dishes such as the Crab Omelette (1,000 THB) and the Yellow Crab Curry (1,000 THP), are impressively made over her stoves, no electricity is used. As she works with hot cooking oil, she wears ski goggles to protect her from spitting hot oil. All these details and the fact that the food tastes phenomenal with the best quality crab meat possible are the ingredients for a successful business and make it one of our favourite must-eat restaurants in Bangkok!

2. Pochana 55

The Thai food scene in Bangkok is heavily influenced by the Chinese, as Chinese merchants settled a long time ago before Bangkok was the capital city. A capital the size of Bangkok obviously has every type of Thai food available, however, Thai-Chinese food is most common in Bangkok, especially in Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown). Pochana 55 is not located in Chinatown but is one of the specialists in the city when it comes to delicious Thai-Chinese food. Absolute highlights are Duck Pad Krapow, Fried Beef with Black Pepper and Fried Clam with Brown Chili. Dishes are available at around 150 – 200 THB. Pochana 55, which is located close to Thonglor BTS Station, is open almost all night long and is, therefore, one of the favourite local eateries for many for a late-night meal.

3. Here Hai

This relatively new restaurant had a clear goal as soon as the doors of the restaurant were open: serving the best crab fried rice in Bangkok. Well, we can easily confirm that they are a top contester, and I personally admit that it’s the most exciting version I’ve tried in this chaotic city. First of all, the portions are large and come with a lot of crab meat. The fried rice itself is nicely salty and this as a whole is super-satisfying to eat. The crab fried rice is so popular that it comes in different sizes including an insanely large family version. Aside from its signature dish, there are several other impressive and unique seafood dishes to be found on the menu. We recommend you try their Stir-Fried Mantis Shrimp with Garlic & Pepper (360 THB) and their Stir-Fried Scallop with Holy Basil (300 THB). A regular plate of Crab Fried Rice costs you 340 THB.

When it comes to Tom Yum soups, there are two restaurants in the city that compete against each other to serve the best tom yum soup in Bangkok. As Pe Aor serves all sorts of versions of the tom yum soup, including ones with lobster, we selected only Pe Aor for this article. For a slightly more authentic version, you must try the soup at Tom yum Goong Banglamphu. Why is the soup from Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu more authentic? First of all, it’s served in a street food “restaurant”, right in the middle of the street. Second of all, the owner of Pe Aor told us that he has to change its recipe slightly to make the soup more likeable for foreigners, simply because the original recipe was too spicy for the Westerner’s taste palette.

Nonetheless, the soup tastes phenomenal and the variety of seafood options is something every customer loves. We highly recommend you to go for the Lobster in Love (350 THB), which is the best value-for-money option and it includes a small lobster. Smaller versions such as the Tom Yum with Prawn, Mussel and Boiled Egg (80 THB) and the Tom Yum with Freshwater Prawn (60 THB) are the popular options for those who visit Pe Aor alone.

5. Polo Fried Chicken

As the name of this local eatery already suggests, Polo Fried Chicken is specialized in fried chicken. When you ask around for fried chicken in Bangkok, locals point you straight to this restaurant. The fried chicken itself comes in two sizes and half a chicken only costs you 130 THB. The meat is succulent, the skin is nicely crisp and the cherry on the cake is the fried garlic that comes with it. For those who are scared to try out new cuisines, especially a cuisine with all those exotic spices like the Thai gastronomy, Polo Fried Chicken is ideal as it has some dishes that match perfectly to what Westerners are custom to. Another recommended fried dish is the Pla Tub Tim Todd (250 THB), which is a deep-fried ruby fish with that tasty fried garlic added to it as well. Both fried dishes go perfectly with one of the tasty, yet spicy and sour Thai salads, such as the Yum Pla Duk Foo (100 THB), which is a spicy Thai salad with fried catfish.

6. Wattana Panich

Wattana Panich is like many of these must-eat restaurants in Bangkok, an institution. Most of the recommended local eateries are in business for decades and recipes go from one generation to the next. These kinds of places are gems and locals who live nearby know exactly where to get these affordable, tasty Thai dishes. Wattana Panich is specialized in beef noodles and is awarded many recognitions. Similar to the majority of these recommended local restaurants, the interior can definitely use a make-over. But it’s not the atmosphere people come for. Right in front of the restaurant, almost on the street, is a huge pan with beef broth that never stops boiling. The fragrance of this heavenly broth can be smelled dozens of meters from the street. The signature Beef Noodles (100 THB) are the bestseller but for those who want something special, go for the Goat Stewed Soup (300 THB).

7. Thip Samai

Many foreigners think that Pad Thai is the most popular Thai food the country has to offer. But that’s because of a solid PR campaign during a rice shortage and a boost of nationalism during World War II. The most popular Thai dishes among Thai are Som Tam (papaya salad) and Pad Kra Pao (holy basil stir-fry with a fried egg). Pad Thai on the other hand, is mostly popular among tourists and the foreigners who tend to stay longer in Thailand quickly pick other favourites such as Khao Soi and Pad Kra Pao. With that being said, Pad Thai is still popular and it’s not that Thai doesn’t eat Pad Thai.

The most famous Pad Thai restaurant can be found in Bangkok, namely Thip Samai. It’s located almost next to Jay Fai, the most famous Thai restaurant in Bangkok we discussed earlier. In this street, you can find all sorts of somewhat legendary Thai restaurants. When at Thip Samai, we recommend you go for their Superb Pad Thai with Large Prawns (200 THB), although there is a regular version available as well for only 90 THB. When opting for the Superb version, you get two huge, juicy prawns with it and it’s not that you eat Thailand’s most famous Pad Thai on a daily basis.

Crispy pork can be eaten as a stand-alone dish or put as an ingredient in other dishes such as noodles (soups). Finding good crispy pork can be a challenge as you want the outside of the pork belly to be crisp while the inside is still succulent. There is one legendary restaurant in Bangkok that does this perfectly, although there are other competitors nowadays in the market. Mr Jo is the most famous crispy pork restaurant in the city and is absolutely worth the visit. The restaurant even got listed in the Michelin guide. Because of its fame, the restaurant is crowded and visitors often have to wait in line. A small plate of crispy pork costs you 55 THB, but you can also order by the kilogram (550 THB)!

9. Sanguansri

Before visiting Thailand and especially when you do have not much knowledge of Thai gastronomy, you think Thai cuisine is all about curries. In reality, curries are not that often eaten by Thai, especially as the Isaan cuisine (the Northeast part of Thailand) is one of the most popular cuisines among Thai and curries are not part of that. But there are amazing curries to be found in Thailand’s capital. One of the most popular ones is Sanguansri, a local eatery close to Phloen Chit BTS. The signature dish is the Green Curry, which comes with chicken. However, every Thursday, the Green Curry is served with Beef and on that day, the restaurant is completely packed. Expect a creamy, rich and slightly spicy green curry that is among the best we’ve ever tried.

10. Soei Restaurant

Listed in many of our articles and others as among the best local restaurants in Bangkok, Soei Restaurant is exactly the type of restaurant you must visit. What makes Soei Restaurant so unique? The restaurant does not have any fancy looks, it’s all about proper food. The meals are packed with flavour, prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked professionally. The owner checks every dish for quality before it’s served. The menu is exciting and you won’t find the dishes served here somewhere else. There are five dishes we recommend you to try: Mackerel in Dried Red Curry (100 THB), Stir-Fried Soft-Shell Crab in Curry Powder (400 THB), Pla Goong (500 THB) which is a Thai shrimp salad, Thai Shrimp Ceviche with a Twist (200 THB) and their most famous dish: Fried Mackerel Cheeks (100 THB). For the latter, you must make a reservation as this dish is often sold out.

11. Nai Mong Hoi Thod

As mentioned earlier, the food scene in Bangkok is heavily influenced by the Chinese. One of the best food areas in Bangkok is Yaowarat, home to countless exciting local eateries and even street food vendors. One of the more famous local restaurants is Nai Mong Hoi Thod who is specialized in Hoi Thod (crispy fried oyster omelette). Simply put it this way: you can’t find any tastier version in the city than the one at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, and trust us, we’ve tried many of these greasy yet super tasty omelettes. The omelettes here come in different sizes and a standard version Crispy Oyster Omelette, which is the bestseller, costs 100 THB. You can combine oysters and mussels along with crispy and spongy omelettes.

12. Aey Seafood

When it comes to local Thai seafood restaurants, Aey Seafood is one of our personal favourites. In recent years, the restaurant got a well-deserved transformation. The menu was slimmed down and the interior get refreshed. Although the menu is somewhat limited compared to other Thai seafood restaurants, what’s being served tastes phenomenal. The fact that every day, people wait in front of the restaurant until it opens its doors at five o’clock in the afternoon, proves that Aey Seafood is still a local favourite. Highlights of the menu are the Stir-fried Crab in Curry Powder (480 THB), Scallops Baked in Butter & Garlic (120 THB), Boiled Cockles (130 THB), Deep-Fried Sea Bass in Fish Sauce (390 THB) and Baked Tiger Prawns with Glass Noodle (240 THB). We love the fact that there are smaller dishes and larger dishes so you can combine them easily to your preference.

13. Somtum Der

As mentioned earlier, Som Tam, or Papaya Salad, is arguable to most eaten Thai dish among Thai. This hugely popular sour and spice salad made with green papaya originates from the Laotian cuisine and is adopted by the Isaan region with their own influence. There are countless versions to discover, but the most popular versions are the Som Tam Thai and the Som Tam Pla Ra. The latter version is made with fermented fish, an adventurous ingredient, not every foreigner is fond of. At Som Tum Der, which has several branches in Bangkok and is recommended by the Michelin Guide, you can discover fifteen different versions of papaya salad. The Spicy Papaya Salad with Deep-Fried Catfish (95 THB) is one of our favourites as it’s in fact a next-level Som Tam Thai with catfish. The sourness and spiciness of Som Tum go perfectly with grilled meats, so we recommend you to choose one of the following specialities when ordering papaya salad here: Grilled Coconut Milk Marinated Pork Skewers (110 THB), House Special Grilled Marinated Pork (95 THB), Deep-Fried Spicy Minced Pork (95 THB) or Der Styled Deep Fried Chicken (85 THB).

14. Nakhon Sanook

Nakhon Sanook is specialized in Khao Moo Grob, which is plain white rice served with crispy pork and topped with a delicious sweet gravy called Siu Haau sauce, which originated from China. There are several popular Khao Moo Grob specialists to be found in the city, but our favourite is Nakhon Sanook as their sauce is simply amazing. A plate of Khao Moo Grob costs you 60 THB and there are different versions to be found, which vary with the type of meat you want extra with. An extra nice detail is that you eat at an aluminium table in a small alley!

15. On Lok Yun

On Lok Yun is one of the most popular local breakfast restaurants in Bangkok. The restaurant is more than 80 years old and is a family-run business serving Asian-style breakfast options such as Scrambled Egg with Bacon, Ham and Chinese Sausage (55 THB), Egg Custard Bread (28 THB) which is a well-known dish served in Malaysia and Singapore also known as Kaya and French Toast (35 THB). The whole atmosphere of this old yet hugely popular local eatery is quite the experience as you have breakfast with locals away from touristic attractions. The restaurant is particularly popular among Singaporeans, but the food served here matches the Westerners’ taste palette too!

16. Tee’s Yen Ta Fo

Yen Ta Fo soup is a spicy and sour soup made from fermented red beans which give the soup that distinctive red colour. One of the best versions can be found at Tee’s Yen Ta Fo, which has one street food shop close to Jay Fai and Thip Samai and a proper, air-conditioned restaurant not that far from it. One of the popular Thai dishes, especially during lunch, is noodle soup. There are countless versions of noodle soups to discover, which we highly recommend you do. If you want to taste something unique, go for the Red Tofu Spicy Noodle Soup (60 THB) or the Red Tofu Spicy Soup with Seafood (200 THB). Be warned, the soups are spicy. For the full Thai food experience, we recommend you to visit the street food shop instead of the restaurant as you devour your red soup right in the middle of a chaotic street.

17. Prachak Pet Yang

Many must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that we recommend have often been in business for several decades but no restaurant is as long in business as Prachak Pet Yang. Mr Prachak brought the centuries-old Cantonese duck recipe over from China in 1878 and today, it’s served by the fourth generation of the family. This famous eatery is widely known for its delicious roasted duck which comes as a stand-alone dish – Roasted Duck (100 THB) – or as part of a larger meal, for example, the Egg Noodle with Shrimp Wonton, Roast Duck and Mixed Meats (120 THB). Prachak Pet Yang is yet another place that’s heavily influenced by the Chinese gastronomy, with dishes that put the emphasis on salty and sweet, rather than the extreme spiciness the Thai cuisine sometimes is known for.

18. Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle

The last must-eat restaurant that serves local Thai food that we recommend is Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle, one of our favourite street food places in Yaowarat (Chinatown). This legendary street food vendor is in business for over eighty years and perfected its recipe over all these years for their famous fishball egg noodles. While other restaurants that serve their typical food for decades often move to a proper restaurant instead of selling the food on the street, Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle chooses to keep things the way they are, which we absolutely love. This hugely popular place is located in a small alley near Yaowarat road, and right after opening during sunset, the majority of the tables are filled with hungry customers as well as locals waiting for their takeaway orders. The service is quick and within minutes, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of noodles. Not only does represent Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle everything that Thai street food stands for, but the noodles are also heavenly too. Their signature Fish Ball Egg Noodle only costs you 40 THB, however, we guarantee you will go for a second.

Must eat Thai restaurants in Bangkok

19. khua kling pad sod.

The spiciest Thai food comes from the Southern region and in Bangkok, you can find a few amazing Southern Thai restaurants. Among them is Khua Kling Pak Sod, which is a family-run business with several branches in the city. The restaurants are all well decorated in a colonial style and the food is clean, served beautifully and packed with flavours. Although the Southern Thai cuisine is the spiciest, there are plenty of non-spicy dishes to discover and the menu of Khua Kling Pak Sod displays clearly which ones are spicy and which are not. The signature dish is the Khua Kling, which is a stir-fried dry curry that is seriously spicy. Other highly recommended dishes are Kai Pa Loh Kha Moo (280 THB) and Nua Pu Pad Prik Kee Noo Sua (480 THB). If you’re into something with a large amount of heat but also exciting flavours you won’t easily find elsewhere, head over to Khua Kling Pak Sod.

20. PraiRaya

One of the most popular Thai restaurants in Phuket named PraiRaya has also a branch in Bangkok and is located near Nana BTS Station. The restaurant itself is inside a beautiful old colonial building and offers typical Southern Thai food. Although some Southern Thai food options are usually extremely spicy, there are some signature options available that are not spicy at all.

The signature dish is the Fresh Crabmeat with Yellow Curry (400 THB) and is usually eaten with Khanom Jeen, a white rice noodle, however, plain white rice can be opted for as well. It is this dish that made PraiRaya so popular in Phuket and the version in Bangkok tastes the exact same with plenty of crab meat. Another best-seller is the Steamed Pork Belly with Pepper (250 THB), which are super soft pieces of pork belly covered in a black-peppery sauce, which is not that spicy. Keep in mind that in Asia, they love to keep the pork belly soft, whereas, in Europe, we tend to bake out the fat. An absolute delicious seafood option is the Deep-Fried Sea Prawn with Tamarind Sauce (480 THB), which are enormous prawns covered in a sweet dressing topped with fried garlic and onion. In our opinion, PraiRaya deserves more credit for the food they serve, but that has maybe to do with the neighbourhood they are located in.

21. ERR Urban Rustic Thai

ERR Urban Rustic Thai is an exciting restaurant serving delicious Thai food from all the regions with finesse. The menu is curated by Bo.Ian, which is one of the higher-end Thai restaurants in the city. ERR Urban Rustic Thai on the other hand, is less formal while you can still enjoy some of the most creative Thai dishes the city has to offer. Combine these two aspects and you have a perfect restaurant for travellers as reservations are needed. Highlights of the menu are: 

(a.) Geng Krua Si Krong Moo (395 THB), which is a Southern Thai curry with pork ribs,

(b.) Moo Hong (295 THB), which is Braised Southern-style pork belly,

(c.) Yum Kai Dao (145 THB), which is a Thai fragrant salad with deep-fried egg and the

(d.) Naem (220 THB), which are Grilled Northern style skewers made from fermented pork.

The dishes are smaller than you are used to, which makes it to share and order a bit more than you are used to. But there is one dish that you absolutely must try and that is the Nang Kai Tort (250 THB), which is the signature crispy chicken skin with homemade Sriracha sauce.

22. Ginger Farm Kitchen

Ginger Farm Kitchen is a restaurant that we visited quite often to get that fragrant taste the Northern Thai cuisine is so famed for. After its success in Chiang Mai, the owners started opening up several branches in Bangkok. With their creative menu, they’ve put the emphasis on homegrown, organic vegetables accompanied by high-quality ingredients. The result: proper clean, tasteful food and a menu large enough to keep even regular customers excited.

Some of our favourite dishes are the Northern Style Poung Jackfruit Salad (225 THB), Khao Soi Northern Style Noodle (165 THB), Grilled Marinated Beef Tenderloin (225 THB) and the fusion Spaghetti with crab Paste and Bacon (195 THB). But as said, there is plenty of other deliciousness to discover.

Must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that serve Thai desserts

23. kor panich.

Mango Sticky Rice is by far the most popular Thai dessert among travellers and that’s for a very good reason. The so-called Nam Dok Mai mango is the king of all mangos that are juicy, sweet and taste like perfection during mango season. A bad mango will ruin this dessert completely, so the key is to find a Mango Sticky Rice seller who sells only ripe Nam Dok Mai mangos. There are a handful of popular vendors to go to and one of them is Kor Panich, which is probably the most famous vendor in the city and definitely the oldest.

Established in 1947, this legendary dessert shop offers a variety of Thai sweets but their mango sticky rice is the most famous. With their Royal Kitchen recipe and quality ingredients imported from all over the country, Kor Panich takes Mango Sticky Rice in Bangkok to the next level. The mango sticky rice at Kor Panich costs 100 THB and they also serve sticky rice with sweet Thai custard and the unusual dried fish with sugar version (both 50 THB).

24. Natthaphon Coconut Ice Cream

Simply put it this way: Natthaphon Coconut Ice Cream serves the best coconut ice cream in the city. Located inside a small house right in the middle of a residential area, you won’t expect to find something unique here. In the room next to the shop, they make all sorts of ice cream, including their famous coconut ice cream, completely pure from one specific ingredient. For example, the mango ice cream is made from one hundred per cent pure mango, without any artificial flavour enhancers or whatsoever. That rule applies to all the ice cream including the coconut version. One scoop costs either 30 or 40 THB and the ice cream is more like a sorbet. There are several flavours to discover, but the coconut version is by far the best seller. Natthaphon Coconut Ice Cream is located relatively close to famous restaurants that are earlier mentioned in this article, so you can combine both visits, however, the shop is already closed at 17:00.

25. Tub Tim Grob Shop

Although travellers are more familiar with the Thai dessert mango sticky rice, locals often choose Tub Tim Grob instead. Tub Tim Grob is a treat made with sweetened coconut milk and shaved ice mixed with jellied coconut flesh, water chestnut and eye-catching crunchy red rubies, which are water chestnuts coated with tapioca flour. The result is a sweet, ice-cold dessert. One of the best versions can be found at Chatuchak Weekend Market and one Tub Tim Grob goes for only 40 THB.

Must-eat restaurants in Bangkok that serve international food

26. gaggan anand.

Whereas Jay Fai gained popularity as the best local restaurant in Bangkok thanks to Michelin and Netflix, Gaggan got its fame thanks to the same channels but as the best restaurant in Asia. Gaggan is a chef from India with a fascinating background and after getting all the required experience in Europe, he opened up his restaurant in Bangkok. And with success. Gaggan was awarded two Michelin stars and awarded as the best restaurant in Southeast Asia. In August 2019, he closed his restaurant and ended an important chapter in his life. In November 2019, Gaggan opened his new restaurant named Gaggan Anand Restaurant with a fresh new start.

Many things changed, but some things stayed the same, including his iconic emoji menu. Gaggan is among the best food experiences you can get in Bangkok, although there is plenty of competition nowadays. Visitors can enjoy either the Dinner Tasting Menu or the Lunch Tasting Menu, both come with a high price tag. If you’re up for something special and of course willing to pay for it, an experience you will never forget in your life, then make a reservation and enjoy the creations of this culinary genius.

27. Artisan Craft Burgers

When craving a burger, you are lucky to be in Bangkok as the burger scene is top-notch. Many foreigners open up burger restaurants that stick to the magic rules of classic burgers, meaning that they grind their own meat with the 80/20 ratio (80% top-quality meat, 20% fat), make their own buns, perfection their fries and keep topping simple, yet original. There are gourmet burgers and smash burgers and everything in between to be found in the capital. One restaurant stands out as they do everything perfect and that is Artisan Craft Burgers. But the competition is fierce and preferences and flavour are always subjective. The Signature Artisan Burger (280 THB) is the bestseller and aside from that it’s a heavenly burger, the fries including their homemade sauces are what make the picture complete. Burger-lovers should most definitely check out other restaurants too, of which the link to our well-read article is listed below.

28. Tacos and Salsa

While the burger scene is booming, the Tex-Mex and Mexican food scene can use a boost. There are a handful of excellent Mexican restaurants, but ask an expat about his favourite Mexican go-to and there is always some sort of negative feedback. Luckily, there is Tacos and Salsa, which is hugely popular in the expat scene and seems to do everything well. The quality is concision, the food is well-flavoured and the sauces are spicy and it has a good variety of Tex-Mex options, all for a decent price. Personal favourites are the Quesadilla Chicken Tanga (250 THB), Soft Tacos (250 THB), Chorizo Sopes (220 THB) and of course their California Burrito (300 THB).

Note: unfortunately, one of the branches was shut down during the pandemic. The only branch that is open is the one in On Nut. Hopefully, the other branches will reopen soon.

29. Aoringo

With a large Japanese community, as many expats from large Japanese companies live and work in Bangkok, you can expect exciting Japanese restaurants in Thailand’s capital. Aoringo is the place to go for Japanese curries. If you want to taste something extraordinary, definitely go for their Deep-Fried Soft Shell Crab (380 THB). Other more common options are Japanese Yakiniku (300 THB) and the Deep-Fried Pork Loin (280 THB). The soft-shall crab version has that unique flavour that none of the other curries can replicate. The Yakiniku is garlicky and the grill flavour makes it super savoury. While the deep-fried pork loin is a classic Japanese combination. Which of the three do you choose?

30. Broccoli Revolution

Vegetarian and vegan restaurants pop up everywhere as the demand for these restaurants increases significantly. Broccoli Revolution is not new to the vegetarian food scene. It is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants you can find in the city. The menu is original and even for a non-vegetarian like myself, the food is exciting and flavorful. Some of the exciting foods we tried:

• Broccoli Quinoa Charcoal Burger (290 THB)
• Pitaya Bowl (350 THB)
• Tortilla Pizza (250 THB)
• Kayanthee Thoke (180 THB)

One of our favourite sushi restaurants is located in Sukhumvit Soi 31, between Phrom Phong and Asoke. This hugely popular eatery serves beautiful presented and great tasting sushi rolls. Due to its popularity, it’s often completely full during lunch and dinner hours. What makes this place unique is that it’s a low key restaurant, the prices are acceptable and the quality of the sushi is outstanding. Bangkok is home to many sushi restaurants, in different price classes. We believe that Isao is the perfect sushi restaurant with top quality rolls for a good price. Highlights of the menu include Jackie (450 THB), Dragon (450 THB), Sushi Sandwich (350 THB), Crunchy (320 THB) and Volcano (300 THB).

32. Limoncello

Bangkok is home to many amazing Italian restaurants, including some that specialized in pizza. There is always a huge debate about where you can find the best pizza in town. One thing is for sure, Limoncello is one of the popular Italian restaurants in the city and is in business for quite some time. The pasta and pizzas taste divine and the food itself won’t break the bank. For many expats and tourists, Limoncello is your go-to for proper Italian food and that’s why it deserves a spot on this list. Highlights of the menu include the Limoncello Pizza (450 THB), Spaghetti Alla Marinara (430 THB) and the Pizza Zanotti (590 THB). Make sure to leave some room for dessert with their impressive Tiramisu (230 THB).

For more information about this must-eat restaurant in Bangkok, such as the exact location, menu, opening times, recommended dishes and other TopTravelFoods users’ opinions, check out the TopTravelFoods review page of Limoncello.

Map of all the must-try restaurants in Bangkok

A map will follow soon. 

Relevant articles:

This article will be updated in the upcoming weeks and many more of the must-eat restaurants in Bangkok will be added soon. 

Share this article

17 Best Places To Eat And Drink In Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand, otherwise known as The Land of Smiles, has so much to offer the world — not least of which is the country's beautiful cuisine, which has seen an explosion of popularity in recent years. And what's not to love? Thai cuisine is adept at meeting the needs of various eaters; it's easy to go gluten-free or vegetarian, and Thai cooking is notoriously dairy free. If you've become as consumed by Thai tastes as us, you probably hope to one day get right to the source and experience this amazing cuisine in its home country.

And that's just what we did. During a recent tour of Thailand, we went right to the country's capital to explore all of the street food stands we could find. Bangkok is famous for its night markets and a wide array of food courts that offer both traditional Thai dishes as well as foods influenced by immigrants from neighboring countries. Along the way, we made sure to peek into some exceptional cocktail bars and dig for as many hidden gems as we could find. Enjoy this guide to eating and drinking in Bangkok.

From the World's 50 Best to the Michelin Guide, there doesn't seem to be a culinary awards organization out there that has yet to recognize the Sukhumvit-based Sorn restaurant for its exciting, innovative approach to revitalizing Southern Thai cuisine. The restaurant is at the top of its game when it comes to creating renewed expressions of traditional Thai dishes , which it does by bringing inventive, sometimes completely undiscovered ingredients to the dining table.

Through 22 courses, diners at Sorn may try completely new varieties of guava, cultivated from years of breeding that culminate at the moment when the tangy, florally sweet fruit hits your tongue. They may be exposed to sandfish, a small sea creature the size of an anchovy but with less of a fishy flavor. A meal at Sorn starts with an individual focus on small plates but gradually ascends to a shared affair, merging artistic exploration with a shared sense of cultural values.

Or Tor Kor Market

All fine dining establishments considered, more likely than not, you're going to end up eating most of Bangkok's meals from street food vendors in various markets and stalls across the city. Not only is it affordable, but it's the easiest way to get right to the heart of what local Thai people eat on the daily. Few places offer as robust and reliable choices as Or Tor Kor Market, located off Kamphaeng Phet Road in the Chatuchak neighborhood.

That said, what locals informed us about, Or Tor Kor is considered a higher-end market. However, take that with a grain of salt, as even a premium food hall cost is worth it when you factor in the exchange rate. Or Tor Kor mostly serves as a fresh farmer's market for fruits and produce, seafood, meat, and spices (among other things). There is a well-organized and very clean food court in the heart of it all, where duck noodles, curries, and som tam are plentiful. Along the way to it, you'll pass other prepared food sections serving Thai crepes, various satays, and other usual street foods. Most importantly, regional Thai foods from farther north and from the south are easier to find here, which is especially good to know if your travel doesn't include destinations other than Bangkok.

Ranking at number 79 on the World's Best Bars , and number 19 in Asia , Vesper is one exceptional place for cocktails when dining and drinking in Bangkok. The establishment is apparently named after James Bond's favorite martini cocktail, and, true to that claim, the interior is swanky enough to make you feel that you, too, are one of cinema's suavest characters. Despite the vibe (and a moderate, "Smart Casual" dress code), Vesper couldn't be a more welcoming place if it tried. Here is a place that recognizes that gathering people is its purpose for being. That's not always the case with high-end bars making international waves.

The current rotational menu at Vesper is a case study in contrast. Classic cocktails, like The Libre, are treated with reverence through well-thought bases, like Appleton's 12-year rum, before being imparted with the harmonious disparity of sweet and sour tamarind cordial with Frenet and cola. For North Americans traveling to Thailand, you'll find that the heat and humidity turn up the craving for familiar, thirst-quenching tastes that are actually oceans away. Like a margarita, for example. Vesper delivers. Featured beverages transcend borders, such as the Grilled Babycorn Margarita (jalapeño, grapefruit, lime, and grilled corn-infused Don Julio Blanco). Likewise, a non-alcoholic menu transcends the idea of what a bar can be.

For many hungry eaters, Thai cuisine and street food are inseparable. But there is a finer side to the nation's food as well, and establishments like Saawaan urge diners to consider the bold, innovative ideas that talented chefs can deliver from Thai techniques and ingredients. The thoughtful touches begin with the ambiance. Unlike the country around it, the interior is dark; severe wood panels deck the floor. But the black walls are hung with gold clouds, floating parallels to the shining, gold-wrapped buildings of Bangkok's Grand Palace.

From this lead, the quality of the food follows. The Michelin 1-star Saawaan offers a tasting menu that rotates with the Thai seasons but always follows disciplined principles of fresh sourcing and informed Thai cooking. A recent menu offering explores numerous preparation methods: a melange of raw oyster, scallop, and yellowtail tuna precedes tangy fermented Surat Thani river prawns atop well-crafted rice noodles. Further down the offering list, native torch ginger offers a botanic complement to charcoal-grilled guinea fowl. The luminous colors of khao yum salad explode beneath it all, calling the vibrant tropical environment of Thailand right into the dining room.

In today's world, finding a quality café has never been easier. But locating a place that takes matcha as seriously as MTCH isn't so simple. Several locations can be found across Bangkok, each one offering a profound take on green tea. During a recent visit to Bangkok, we stopped at the Ari location, where hōjicha green tea was also available for sale.

White walls, wooden benches, and long fluorescent lights wash the matcha counter in neutral tones, making the stark green of your chosen tea all the more vivid. Dried matcha choices vary between cafés. Each pour is carefully measured in quantity and temperature, which helps even the uninitiated matcha drinker recognize the fruity, herbal, floral, mineral, or grassy notes that blossom from a well-poured cup of matcha. Iced and hot lattes are available, but we highly recommend taking the chance to try the bold tastes of matcha fully realized.

The Bamboo Bar

Another World's Best inclusion, The Bamboo Bar, is the hotel cocktail lounge at Mandarin Orange Bangkok. While you won't find fresh fruit hanging from every tree in the hotel lobby, at the bar, bamboo is in more than name. Furniture, walls, and even the serving area are embedded with bamboo. Tiger print accents adorn couch pillows and push your eye line toward gilded lamps. With such a bold approach in such a historic venue, you might think the tasteful jungle design is doing the heavy lifting here.

Let's just say this: Cocktails at The Bamboo Bar would be as good if the bartenders served them out of the back alley. Signatures are available, but we recommend going with the Elements menu. It's a clever play on the varied climates of Thailand, from the rivers to the mountains to the cityscape — and yes — the rainforest. There are innovations in every biome; Under the Sea highlights Matusalem Platino white rum and a vegetal seaweed framboise brightened by pineapple and balanced with cucumber bitters; One Cloud Nine (Bulliet bourbon, mountain herbs, and white port) and simultaneously grounded and heady. Your love for this bar will grow faster than bamboo shoots.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

If there is one market that captures the fully vibrant energy of Bangkok, it's Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest in the entire country of Thailand. It doesn't qualify as one of the city's famous night markets (it's only open until 6 p.m.), but Chatuchak has all you need to make a visit to BKK feel complete. Despite being roof-covered, an extensive grid of shops sells everything under the sun. While you explore, there are plenty of stalls to order food or (especially) coconut ice cream.

Among our favorites at Chatuchak Market are Hey Garlic, a stand selling skewered pieces of grilled garlic bread that taste like clouds of buttery, salty, piquant goodness. If you need something to cool off with, look for the "ice stick" vendor, who's taken your favorite childhood hobby of freezing random beverages into popsicles and made a full career out of it. Tom yum is a common staple among the stalls, and if you can find it, the shop selling moo yang (honey-roasted pork) is the hidden gem of the market.

Krua Apsorn

Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Krua Apsorn is part of a contemporary class of older, less fine dining-focused establishments, which are being recognized more by the organization in recent years. For folks who appreciate Thai food cooked in a homey atmosphere, one of the several locations of Krua Apsorn will be a perfect pick. The restaurant has been open for two decades, and in that time, chef Pa Dang and her family have served everyday folks and the Thai royal family alike.

When visiting Krua Apsorn, we suggest going for the stir-fried crab with yellow chilies. The mud crab meat has even more seaborne sweetness than the blue crabs we're used to eating, but the tingling peppers make for a well-rounded plate. If you can't shake the heat from this dish, order up a coconut sorbet. In fact, order one regardless of whether or not you've had something spicy. There are many vegetarian options as well, and you will be hard-pressed to find a better deep-fried tofu anywhere in the world.

Tropic City

A bartending duo from Sweden may have founded Tropic City, but that doesn't mean that the watering hole is any less in-touch with its home city of Bangkok. In fact, located in the artist sector of Charoen Krung, Tropic City couldn't fit anywhere better than its current location. The creativity on display at TC has helped it ascend even higher in the eyes of the international cocktail community. The regular events hosted at the bar are also a good draw for locals, as well.

Inquiries about the cocktail menu at Tropic City reveal that the creative vision for the bar is in flux, though we'd guess that the overarching theme (everything you would expect to taste in a tiki cup) will remain the same. The Change of Air (Thai parsley-infused Beefeater gin, mezcal, Fernet Branca, egg white, lemon, and elderflower) is a good example of what to expect at this buzzing, neon-pink hot spot.

Nang Loeng Market

Visiting Nang Loeng Market in Bangkok serves two purposes during a trip to The Big Mango. Not only is it a well-known place for some of the best street eats around, but it is also a historical landmark of the city. The market opened in 1900. It was intended as a food-products market that could serve a wide diversity of residents who were settling in Bangkok from all across Asia. As such, the delicacies that you'll find here — from China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and further — do more than keep you full; they display the diasporic history of Bangkok.

With iron-crusted fans struggling mightily to cool things down and tall, overarching wooden beams that seem to sag under humid weight, eating at Nag Loeng is an atmosphere that promises a true experience. The outer rim of vendors sells more traditional Thai dishes, like braised beef noodles, pink soup, and pad Thai, while deeper in the market, a wider range of influences becomes the norm. Thanks to food court seating, there are plenty of places to sit while sampling dish after dish.

After a few decades in business, it's safe to say we can't be the first to recommend Kor Panich. Nor will we be the last. Ours is just one more recommendation in the already mountain-high stack of tributes and suggestions that urge each and every traveler in Bangkok to visit this monumental institution.

What's so special about Kor Panich? There's some amazing taro root or banana coconut rice, but the mango sticky rice is world-renowned. It's certainly not hard to find good sticky rice in Bangkok, but there is history in how it's served at Kor Panich. Family has passed down the recipe for this dessert for over 80 years. Cooking with it results in a nutty, equatorial, and texturally perfect plate of coconut-soaked rice. Just-ripe mangoes offer a pleasant amount of tangy sweetness, and once it's all topped with coconut cream, it's impossible not to react with a strongly-worded expression, "Wow."

BKK Social Club

Maybe it's the rush of being in such a large capital city, the incredible fashion sense of so many people walking the streets, or the energy of sightseers wanting to make the most of their time here; Bangkok has an undercurrent of excitement rolling through it. One that makes you want to out the Bat Signal to your friends for a night out on the town. But since most wayfarers don't travel in packs, that can be sort of hard if you're far from home. It was in this sort of circumstance that we found ourselves at BKK Social Club.

Placed in the Four Seasons Bangkok, walking into BKK Social Club is like jet-setting to another place without ever hopping on a plane. The atmosphere is modeled to give you more of a Buenos Aires vibe. White-jacketed bartenders sling cocktails with international influence, like the Abierto (Cynar, pink peppercorn-basil-grapefruit cordial, basil, soda), while maintaining service so friendly it's like they saw the signal lighting up the sky.

Chote Chitr

Chote Chitr is another of the capital's historic staples and has been serving food for close to a century. The restaurant is slightly hidden in an area called Old Bangkok or Prang Phuthorn. Here, the preserved architecture gives you an idea of what the city looked like in a more historic era. Despite the retrograded Rattanakosin-period environment and the fact that Chote Chitr has been serving victuals for so long, the food doesn't feel antiquated. Instead, it's authentic in a way that is fresh for our modern times.

Among the most championed dishes from the chalk-written menu at Chote Chitr is mee krob, a form of sweet and sour crispy vermicelli that comes with chicken or prawns. Another highly praised dish is the banana flower salad with toasted chilis. It has a botanic, herbal spiciness uncommon among the tingling capsaicin-loaded profiles of other Thai salads. The service and experience match the home-cooked tastes. There are some roaming house dogs that might direct a hopeful sniff toward your tabletop and were only a pair of people working the joint during this trip. That said, patience and curiosity pay off at Chote Chitr.

What culinary figure has had a more inspiring rise in the past half-decade than Supinya Junsuta of the self-named Jay Fai restaurant? Once regarded as a well-known street food cook but now treated with the respect of a Michelin-starred chef (which she is), Junsuta is a banner example of how a less pretentious approach to culinary accolades can develop into justified grassroots growth.

But what is Jay Fai these days? Street food? A full-service restaurant? Depends on your definition of either. One thing that hasn't changed is that even with the attention, the chef is still in the kitchen, goggled against the brash heat of roaring forges and flipping the wok as she personally cooks every dish.

The signature golden-fried crab omelet is just as decadent as the word says; it's also the priciest street food dish you're likely to buy in Bangkok. We heard a lot of complaints about this. But stopping to consider that the sizeable quantity of lump crab meat would fetch just as much or more at a Western seafood restaurant — while potentially being cooked by less talented senses — should remind diners to check their privilege. It only takes one taste of the tom yum — acidic, sour, and umami-laden with each spoonful — to make it clear that Jay Fai's taste and passion for food deserve the five-hour waitlist. In the meantime, get there early, see some sights, build up your appetite, and don't miss your number being called.

Tanee Khao Moo Daeng

Khao moo dang is a simple dish of rice and barbecued pork. It is essentially Thai char siu. However, there is a unique aspect to this dish that sets it apart. A red gravy sauce, which is a little sweet and a little savory, often dresses the pork cutlet. Oh, and in Thailand, char siu also comes with some of the best crispy pork bellies you'll ever try.

And few do this crackling piece of meat like Tanee Khao Moo Daeng, a hawker stall just south of the Lat Phrao suburb. It's a long process to get this pork belly to the divine texture it will exhibit when your crunch down on it. The vendors at Tanee Khao Moo Daeng cook the bellies all night long, rendering fat into a crust so gold it might sneak into Fort Knox. The meat beneath the layer is sublime in flavor and feel. In place of rice, consider ordering your char sui with egg noodles dyed pink from bean paste, along with a half-boiled egg.

Jek Pui has had a pop in fame with food travelers recently, thanks to a feature in the Netflix food show "Street Food: Asia." Yet the hawker stand, known for its several curries, is beloved by locals who know it as "Musical Chairs," thanks to the lack of tables outside. Instead, you'll order your curry from the cooks, who ladle it out of large stockpots, and then try and find an open stool. The plastic seats open randomly as diners finish their food and carry on with the day.

Eating a Jek Pui is a quick affair. In fact, most are coming for takeaway meals. While visiting the stall, we sampled the green curry rice with chicken, which was smooth and mild. The red curry with beef was a touch spicier. A braised egg was plated for a smothering effect over that heat, and all in all, this was a delightfully fuss-free meal.

Yaowarat (Chinatown Market)

Many tourists visiting Bangkok do so for an opportunity to walk through one of the oldest, largest, and most well-known Chinatowns outside of China. Yaowarat Road is the main thoroughfare through Bangkok Chinatown, and it is studded with shops, stands, and hawkers stalls of all sizes and flavors.

We won't recommend any particular stalls to visit in Yaowarat as there are too many to count, and, honestly, we were too dazed by the food to take notes. Instead, there are a few foods, in particular, you should look for. Patonggo, a Thai-style Chinese donut, can be found in many grilled and fried forms and shouldn't be passed up. The dim sum choices you'll find on Yaowarat are unparalleled and make it hard not to stop every 30 seconds. You should also keep your eyes peeled for whole grilled crabs, Chinese fish balls, and a peppery-broth rice noodle soup called guay jub.

Bangkok Food: 13 Best Foods To Eat In Bangkok

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

From green papaya salad to mango sticky rice, and from tom yum soup to the famous Thai crepes, this is the very best of Bangkok food!

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand. 

Thailand is famous for its busy, bustling cities, and paradise beaches and islands. Lush nature, national parks, waterfalls that’ll take your breath away. All packed with heritage and a rich cultural history: its affinity with Buddhism, its countless temples. 

But if there’s one thing Thailand is celebrated for, it’s food. Bangkok food in particular is some of the tastiest in South East Asia, and no trip to this corner of the world is complete without tasting it.

To give you an insight into the food culture here, this blog post is all about what to eat in Bangkok. This is a culinary odyssey like no other.

Zero in on the sprawling mecca of Bangkok, and you won’t just find cultural landmarks and spectacular temples, thriving nightlife and, er, spicy neighbourhoods. 

You’ll also find some pretty phenomenal delicacies, including local grub and traditional dishes. Bangkok street food is up there with the best in the world. Some must have dishes as tom yum goong, som tum and the infamous pad thai.

Feeling hungry yet? Good, that’s the whole point. Keep on reading to discover exactly what to eat in Bangkok.

If you want to tick as many delicacies and traditional dishes as you can off at once, head on over to my blog on Bangkok’s best food tours after you’ve read this one. 

Are you a fellow foodie who likes to get to know a place by their taste buds? Check out my food guides of Hanoi , Istanbul , Rome , M arrakesh and Tokyo !

Are you planning an amazing holiday to Bangkok? If so, you may want to book your hotels and tours asap to ensure availability. Here are some links to quickly help plan your trip!

Best hotels and apartments in Bangkok:

• Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai (top rated 5* hotel)
• dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok (top rated 4* hotel)
• Old Capital Bike Inn (top rated 3* hotel)

Best activities and tours in Bangkok :

• Incredible Food Walking Tour with Tastings
• Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour
• Bangkok: Midnight Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk

What to Eat in Bangkok

Khao niew mamuang (mango with sticky rice).

Speaking of mangoes, make your first stop in Bangkok to absolutely anywhere where you can get your mitts on some khao niew mamuang – aka mango sticky rice.

This is a sweet dish, consisting of coconut milk cooked slowly with a mixture of sugar and salt. The concoction is poured over some freshly prepared sticky rice, and once it’s settled, slices of ripe, peeled mango are placed on top.

If you have something of a sweet tooth, I can guarantee this is a dish for you.

Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup)

I can’t talk about Bangkok food without mentioning tom yum goong . I’d be breaking an unwritten rule. Tom Yung Goong is pretty much a must when trying Thai food; it’s one of the country’s most famous dishes, in fact.

Tom Yum Goong is a delicious combination of lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal ginger, chillies and shrimp, all cooked together in one super tasty broth. Goong actually refers to the shrimp part, but tom yum can be made with prawn, chicken, or even just veggies, so no biggie if shrimp isn’t your thing.

Tom Yum is one of the most popular dishes to cook too. If you fancy giving it a go yourself, then check out this awesome cooking class where you get to make it as well as other dishes such as Pad-Thai and Som Tum.

Som Tum (green papaya salad)

This is another classic. If you’re not sure what to eat in Bangkok, it’s a pretty safe bet. Som Tum, or green papaya salad, is a mix of fresh green papaya, carrots, chillies, peanuts, tomatoes and sticky rice. 

It’s then dressed with a mouthwatering mix of garlic, fish sauce, tamarind juice, lime, and a touch of sugar to sweeten things up. Super fresh, light, and tasty. Be warned though, this dish can be super super spicy unless you ask them to tone it down.

Kuay Teow Reua (pork noodle soup)

Kuay Teow Reua is a noodle soup dish made with pork. The broth is infused with the classic Thai blend of garlic and chillies, though the exact recipe will depend on where you go, and can often be customised.

This is a traditional Thai dish, so there’s bound to be a bit of variation – it actually used to be served on boats, which is why it’s more commonly known as Boat Noodles.

Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles)

You’ll likely be familiar with pad thai . You’ve probably had it at various Asian-fusion restaurants here in the UK, or elsewhere in Europe.

However, you’ve not had a proper pad thai until you’ve experienced a, well, Thai one. See, this is where the dish originates from, and no one does it like the locals. 

Here, pad thai means thin rice noodles, stir-fried with tofu, meat or seafood (sometimes a combination of one or more), plus eggs, beansprouts, and dry roasted peanuts. The sauce typically mixes tamarind paste, fish sauce, garlic, chillies and sugar. 

Don’t write off pad thai just because you can get it at home – you’ll regret it. 

Khanom Bueang (Thai crepes)

Street food isn’t always savoury, you know. You can grab a great dessert at the same time. I’d recommend Khanom Beuang, or Thai crepes as they’re known in English. 

While these actually look a little like tacos, you won’t find them packed with meat, veg or beans (though you can get a filling combining chopped shrimps with shredded coconut). Instead, Thai crepes are packed with shredded coconut, roasted peanuts, and then topped with sweet-tasting whipped cream. It’s definitely enough to make your mouth water. 

Kaeng Mus Sa Mun (Massaman Curry) 

Thailand is absolutely a world hotspot when it comes to curry. But your choice here will be far from limited to the Thai green or red curries you might’ve had at home.

Kaeng mus sa mun, otherwise known as massaman curry, is a local favourite. This is a tasty combination of prawn, tender meats or tofu, cooked with a blend of potatoes, onions, coconut milk and of course, the key ingredient, massaman curry paste. Finally, it’s served up with a portion of rice. 

Spiced, comforting, flavourful. It ticks all the boxes. This is definitely one of my favourite dishes in Bangkok.

Pla Pao (Thai grilled fish)

If you want to get your seafood fix in Thailand, look no further than pla pao. In this recipe, a whole fish is gutted and stuffed with lemongrass and lime leaves, then covered with a salt crust and grilled over charcoal.

Already sounds like a whole lot of flavour, right? We’re not stopping there – it’s also served with a complementary chilli and lime dipping sauce. Bangkok food doesn’t get much better than this.

Khao Kha Moo (slow-cooked pork)

Khao kha moo, also known as Pork Trotters Rice, consists of slow-cooked pork leg, boiled so slowly in a stew of soy sauce and cinnamon that it becomes tender enough to slip from the bone. It’s then served with rice, plus a helping of either steamed vegetables or boiled eggs.

This is one of my favourites, and I’m not alone – it’s one of Thailand’s most famous dishes, and it’s a must-have if you’re trying to decide what to eat in Bangkok.

Kanom Pang Ping Wan (sweet toast)

Another one for the sweet toothed, kanom pang ping wan is a dish consisting of buttered, lightly toasted bread, topped with the good stuff: custards, creams, and fruits. 

This is a must-try if you’re perusing the street food stalls. Plus, a lot of vendors will allow you to choose your own toppings so you can effectively make your dream dessert. 

Pad Ka Prao (stir-fried meat and basil)

Basil is the key ingredient in pad ka prao. What might seem like an ordinary plate of rice and meat, usually pork, is actually a recipe bursting with flavour that’ll blow your mind, and your tastebuds. 

The meat is stir-fried in with the basil – plus a healthy helping of garlic and chillies – before being served with rice and fried eggs. Highly recommend.

Kuay Teow Neua (beef noodle soup)

Braised beef so tender it’s practically falling apart, served with a bed of broth and rice noodles. If it sounds delicious, that’s because it is – this is kuay teow neua, otherwise known as beef noodle soup.

While quite similar to kuay teow reua (pork noodle soup), I’d still recommend taking the time to try both. They’re both delicacies loved in Thailand, and the different meats actually make quite an impact on the overall taste of the recipe. 

And if you’re brave enough: durian

Look, I can’t talk about Bangkok food without mentioning durian. Like it or not, it’s one of South East Asia’s most famous fruits, and I’d recommend braving it while you’re in the region.

Forget Adam, Eve and the apple. Durian is a much better candidate for a forbidden fruit – this is because durian has a pretty infamous, potent, terrible scent. That, and the fact it is actually a forbidden fruit in a lot of places and banned.

It’s pretty controversial even in Thailand, where it’s commonplace and easy to find. While you can quite easily find durian or packets of dried durian throughout the street food stalls, there are lots of places where it’s banned altogether. Including hotels, so be clear on the rules where you’re staying .

By the way, I’m not exaggerating the smell: it really is foul, which explains all of the bans. While some people absolutely love durian, the taste is also fairly polarising, and it’s not a dish loved by too many people. However, it’s an experience, and you may as well give it a try!

If you’re looking for durian, you can usually find it on this floating market tour which is also one of the top places to see in the city too.

And there you have it, the very best of Bangkok’s food scene. If you’ve already visited this part of Thailand, what were your favourite dishes? Have I missed anything out?

Drop your own favourites in the comments and, as always, if you’re in the planning process of an adventure of your own, I hope you have fun!

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Georgie Cunningham is a freelance content writer and strategist based in Bristol. When she’s not writing (or thinking about) content, she’s writing fiction, travelling, or chasing after her crazy cocker spaniel, Cosmo.

2 thoughts on “Bangkok Food: 13 Best Foods To Eat In Bangkok”

Bangkok’s food scene is a tantalizing journey of flavors! From street-side delights to gourmet wonders, you have given the best culinary adventure like no other.

Thank you so much, I appreciate the comment!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Insider Guide What to Eat in Bangkok – 16 Must-Try Dishes

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 3 May, 2024

Bangkok is a foodie paradise packed full of flavor. Do you love trying new foods or have no clue what to eat in Bangkok?

When it comes to exploring a new city, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than through its food. And if you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, get your taste buds ready for a vibrant and diverse culinary scene.

From street food vendors serving up mouthwatering dishes to bustling markets offering a variety of traditional Thai food and modern delicacies, Bangkok has something to satisfy every craving. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to eat in Bangkok.

In this Bangkok food guide, we’ll dive into the must-try dishes and hidden gems of Bangkok’s food scene so you can plan your next food adventure with ease and confidence. So grab your chopsticks, and let’s dig in!

These top Bangkok food tours cover a lot of ground in a short time and really help you get a taste of Thailand.

#1 – Bangkok Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk Essential Experience This great street food tour of Bangkok in a Tuk Tuk packs several “must-dos” into one fun night of food, culture, and sights aboard a quintessential & colorful Tuk Tuk!

Check Availability

#2 – Private Guide to Bangkok Short on time? This is the BEST way to see Bangkok. A private guide will take you to a list of attractions you pick or ask to go to some Bangkok hidden gems or best restaurants in Bangkok. The guide can explain the Thai food, history, Thai culture and more.

#3 – Tasting Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour 15+ Tastings You can’t visit Thailand and not try the delicious street food. A local guide will bring you to the best spots & help you dive into Thai food culture! Book this one early in your trip!

Must Try Thai Food in Bangkok

1. Som Tam – Papaya Salad

There’s nothing quite like a plate of Som Tam on a hot, sunny day. Also known as Papaya Salad, Som Tam is the Thai version of one of Southeast Asia’s most refreshing salads. It’s a little bit crunchy, a little bit spicy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

The main ingredient in Papaya Salad is, of course, papaya. This juicy fruit is shredded and tossed with tomatoes, garlic, cabbage, and bean sprouts. For a kick, chopped-up Thai chilis are added. Unlike other versions of Papaya Salad, the Thai version is loaded with peanuts and fresh lime and drizzled with fish sauce and palm sugar to finish.

Often known as spicy papaya salad, make sure to tell the chef how many chilis you would like or tell them “no spicy” if you can not handle spice. Adam loves spice and can handle it, and he always orders it with two chilis.

Available in almost every Thai restaurant (and in street food stalls around the city), Som Tam is a dish you have to try when visiting Thailand.

2. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is the quintessential noodle dish that’s known all over Thailand and is probably the most well-known traditional Thai dish around the world.

From five-star restaurants to family-run, hole-in-the-wall food stalls, Pad Thai is served practically everywhere in Bangkok. Some of the best Pad Thai in Bangkok can be found on the street, as in the above photo.

A generous portion of rice noodles is cooked and then stir-fried in a wok. Shrimp, pork, or chicken is then added for protein before being mixed with peanuts, scrambled eggs, and bean sprouts. It can be topped with a variety of condiments, like lime, green onions, soy sauce, and chili peppers.

You can order Pad Thai with or without meat. Most restaurants and street vendors have the price for Pad Thai, and then there is a small charge to add eggs and another small charge to add protein. Sometimes called Phat Thai, it is one of the cheapest foods in Bangkok, and it will fill you up.

If you are a picky eater and wondering what to eat in Bangkok, Pad Thai should be one of the first foods to try in Thailand. It is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand for a reason.

Related Article: Top 35 Things to Do In Thailand

Is Bangkok Street Food Safe?

YES! We have eaten street food all over the world, and some of the best street food in the world in Bangkok. Whenever friends ask us what to eat in Bangkok, we tell them to just head out on the street there is delicious food all around!

Consider going on a food tour in Bangkok. This way, you know the vendors visited have been vetted by the tour company and offer some of the best Bangkok food items. We love this Bangkok food tour . It combines food, temples, markets, and ride in a famous Thailand Tuk Tuk.

Read our street food safety guide for more tips and things to look for when eating street food. Food markets are a great place to try several Bangkok must eat dishes in one place at a cheap price.

3. Isaan Sausage

Sai Krok Isan, or Isaan Sausage, is a fermented sausage that can be found in food markets all around Bangkok. You might see them hanging up in links or skewered on wooden sticks.

These stubby, plump sausages are made with pork, garlic, and sticky rice. In the markets, they are usually smoked and grilled right there and served in a plastic bag with fresh green chilis, slices of ginger, and white cabbage.

Their succulent yet sour flavor is unlike other sausages you can get in the US or other Western countries. Mixed with ginger and fresh chilis, Issan Sausage has more of a tropical herb flavor.

4. Crispy Pork Belly (Khao Moo Krob)

There are hundreds of Thai street food stalls in Bangkok that serve Khao Moo Krob. However, it’s much more difficult to find an authentic barbecue shop that makes it the way the dish is supposed to be served.

First and foremost, the pork belly should be lean. If there is too much fat, the dish will be very greasy and oily when fried.

When cooked correctly, Khao Moo Krob is a delectably mouthwatering dish that is guaranteed to delight any meat lover. The crackling of the skin is crispy and light, and the meat underneath is juicy and succulent.

The pork belly might be served on a plate with several vegetables and topped with a rich broth or sauce. On the other hand, you can always order it by itself with a hoisin or mustard dipping sauce on the side.

5. Mango Sticky Rice

If you have a sweet tooth, you absolutely have to try Mango Sticky Rice. This is a traditional Thai dessert, although you’ll find it in most countries throughout Asia. We first had it when we were on our honeymoon in Thailand . Let’s just say it was love at first sight, lol.

In Bangkok, you can order Mango Sticky Rice year-round. However, it’s most flavorful during the mango season, which lasts from April to June.

It’s made with glutinous rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk. The sweetened coconut milk is cooked and absorbed into the rice, which gives it a very thick and creamy texture. The dessert is then topped with peeled mango for added flavor and sweetness. In some places, you might also find the dish served with crispy yellow mung beans.

6. Moo Ping Grilled Skewers of Pork

No matter where you go in Bangkok, you’ll smell the mouthwatering aroma of barbecued meat. Although there are hundreds of booths selling different grilled and skewered meats, the most famous of them all is Moo Ping.

Moo Ping is made from seasoned pork butt or shoulder. The pork is marinated in a savory sauce of garlic, cilantro, sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce. It’s then sliced, skewered, and grilled over an open charcoal grill for added flavor and crispiness.

While the pork is cooking, it’s brushed with coconut milk to keep the pork moist. This glaze also adds a sweet coating to the meat. The result is a juicy, charred pork skewer that is slightly sweet.

You can eat the roast pork meat on its own or dip it in a herby vinegar sauce.

7. Thai Iced Coffee

Known to the locals as “Oliang,” Thai Iced Coffee is a delicious beverage that tastes more like a dessert than it does a drink. Although it is often confused with Vietnamese iced coffee, Thai Iced Coffee is actually very different.

The brewing process starts with black iced coffee, which is strained using Tungdtom , a Thai coffee filter. The coffee is then steeped for ten minutes before being served. There are many different versions of Thai Iced Coffee, but the most common one is coffee with evaporated milk or sweetened sugar.

In Bangkok, you can find Thai Iced Coffee at almost every coffee shop, cafe, and even mobile coffee street carts. I love it but just be warned that it is really sweet. They add a good amount of condensed milk. If you like tea, try the Iced Thai Tea.

8. Fried Insects

I am sure that when you were researching what to eat in Thailand, you weren’t expecting to see or even consider eating insects in Thailand or maybe even eating scorpions.

Although they might not sound like the most appealing thing to eat in Bangkok, insects are practically sold at every food market in the city. Not for the faint of heart, these protein-filled snacks can be ordered with your meal or eaten alone.

Most street food stalls will sell anywhere from five to ten different types of bugs. You’ll find crickets, worms, water bugs, grasshoppers, scorpions, cockroaches, and even spiders! These bugs are often sold deep-fried, which gives them a crunchy, crispy texture.

Once you order a bag of your favorite friend insects, the vendor will spritz them with soy sauce and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.

My insider tip is to start with the fried crickets. These are really easy to eat and actually taste good. From here, work your way up the bug cart. But whatever you do, DO NOT eat the water beetle…that was the most disgusting thing ever.

The flavor of each bug varies, depending on the size as well as the type. Grasshoppers usually take on the flavor of the spices they are cooked in, so it’s a great option if you haven’t tried insects before.

On the other hand, silkworms, bamboo worms, and cockroaches are usually meatier and have more of a bug-like flavor. I only ate a fried grasshopper, while Adam ate the entire bug cart. Yes, he ate one of each insect on the cart.

If you are on the hunt to eat bugs in Bangkok, head to Khao San Road. Here you can easily find them. If you are traveling to Thailand on a budget, fried insects are not the cheapest thing to eat in Bangkok.

Durian has a reputation around the world as one of the most disgusting fruits known to humans. That’s because this giant, spiky fruit has a very foul odor.

Many people describe the smell of durian like rotten eggs, raw sewage, or even expired cheese. One whiff of durian, and you won’t believe that it’s actually edible! Although you might need refined tastebuds to enjoy the flavor, it’s worth a sample if you’re an adventurous eater.

Some people will tell you not to let its stench deter you from trying it because it doesn’t taste anything like it smells and claim it has a custard-like texture with hints of hazelnut and apricot. However, we thought it tasted like a rotting onion in a dirty old sock.

Durian is one of those things you have to eat for yourself and let your tastebuds decide how it tastes. Some people love it and others don’t.

Just be careful where you eat them! Due to their strong smell, durian is often prohibited in public spaces. When taking a taxi in Thailand and other public transportation, you will see no durian stickers.

10. Thai Pancake

For a sweet treat, order a Thai Pancake or Roti while visiting Bangkok. Although it looks like a crepe and is sometimes called Thai crepes, Thai Pancakes are much more elaborate and decadent.

The Thai Pancake dough is flattened and cooked on a hot griddle. Ingredients may vary, but they are usually filled with banana, Nutella, coconut, eggs, or raisins. Once the pancake has been thoroughly cooked, it’s topped with sugar or condensed milk before being chopped into bite-size bits.

The dough is quite flaky, but the fruity ingredients give it a soft, sweet flavor. It’s a Bangkok street food that you can find in almost every neighborhood.

11. Thai Green Curry

No trip to Bangkok would be complete without a hearty dish of Thai Green Curry. Made from a base of coconut milk and fresh green chilis. Green Curry tends to be sweeter in flavor compared to other curries found in Thailand. It also has a distinctive green color from the skins and seeds of the green chilis.

The ingredients in each curry will vary, but chicken, shrimp, fish balls, or beef are usually added. The dish may also have eggplant, peas, basil, or other aromatic vegetables. As with most curries, you can also customize the level of spiciness, depending on your preference.

Green curry is typically eaten with white rice, although it can be served alone or with noodles. We love curry so much that we often put it on our eggs at breakfast. My go-to is Thai green curry chicken medium spice.

12. Pad Ka Prao (Pad Krapow)

Translated to “stir-fried holy basil,” Pad Ka Prao is one of the most popular street foods in Thailand. There are dozens of varieties and ingredients, but the method of stir-frying is the same throughout every dish.

The ingredients are fairly simple and consist of stir-fried pork, chicken, beef, or seafood mixed with basil and garlic. Before being served with a bowl of rice, it’s smothered in soy sauce, fish sauce, cane sugar, and chili oil.

Meat is the main ingredient; however, vegetables can be added for extra flavor. Anything from asparagus and baby corn to onions and bamboo shoots can be added to the dish.

13. Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelet)

This mouthwatering oyster omelet is one of the most unique things to try in Bangkok. One of our favorite places to sample this savory snack is Nai Mong Hoi Thod , for the best Hoy Tod in Bangkok.

This dish is also known as Hoy Tod (Hoi Tod)and can be made with either oysters or mussels. You can’t go wrong either way, although the oyster Hoy Tod is something uniquely special to this region.

The fresh oysters are lightly battered and fried, although they remain gooey and soft on the inside. It’s then mixed with egg and herbs before being served piping hot on a plate.

14. Quail Eggs

Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious breakfast or a midday snack, fried quail eggs are a go-to street food in Bangkok. Unlike chicken eggs, quail eggs have a larger yolk, which makes them richer and more flavorful.

The tiny eggs are cracked and fried in a Khanom Krok pan like this , which looks like a cast iron muffin pan. The bottom of each egg becomes light and crispy, which is juxtaposed against the creamy inside of the middle. After they are cooked, the eggs are dusted with chili oil and other seasonings.

This street food snack is served with a toothpick and can be eaten on the go.

15. Tom Yum Soup

The herby tropical flavors of Tom Yum Soup make it one of the most flavorful dishes in Bangkok. Commonly eaten for lunch, you can find different variations of Tom Yum Soup all over the country.

The key to a good Tom Yum Soup is the broth. It’s a unique blend of hot and sour flavors made from garlic, roasted chilis, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. The soup is then topped with shrimp or pork and garnished with even more fresh herbs and vegetables.

Other variations include Tom Yum Nam Khon, which is made with coconut milk or evaporated milk, or Tom Yum Kung, which is made with fresh prawns. Even on a hot day, Tom Yum Soup is a great choice for a light and flavorful lunch!

16. Yellow Egg Curry

If you need a break from the meat-heavy dishes in Bangkok, you can stop for a helping of Yellow Egg Curry. Originally from northern Thailand, Kaeng Lueang is layered with strong aromatic flavors and fragrant vegetables and herbs.

The base of the dish starts out like any other Thai curry. Sweet and milk yellow curry paste is mixed with coconut milk and vegetables and seasoned with red pepper and garlic. Then, eggs are cracked on top of the boiling liquid, which curdles and thickens the curry. Chicken can also be added, although it’s common to find Yellow Egg Curry without any meat.

Ordering Thai Food Insider Tips

Over our countless trips to Thailand and even living in Thailand for over a year, there are a few things we learned how to say in Thai that made going to restaurants in Thailand easier.

Here are a few helpful Thai phases & words:

• Hello – Sawadee ka/krap
• Thank you – Khob kun ka/krap
• The bill, please – Check bin ka
• Restroom – Hong Naam
• Delicious – Aroy
• Very Delicious – Aroy mak
• Spicy – Pet
• No/without – Mai
• No Spicy – Mai Ped
• Hot – Rohn
• Cold – Yen
• Allergic – Pae
• Rice – Khao
• Chicken – Gai
• Pork – Moo
• Beef – Neua
• Shrimp- Goong
• Vegetables – Pak
• Vegetarian – Mang sa wirat
• Vegan – Jey

Thai cuisine is known for being spicy. If you cannot handle any spice, make sure to always order everything with no spice. Even if it usually isn’t spicy, be on the safe side and say no spice.

Also, don’t forget to tip! Read our tipping in Thailand guide , which explains when it is appropriate to tip and a suggested tip amount.

Bangkok Street Food Guide

If you are like us and love street food, make sure to visit these areas of Bangkok that are known for having the best street food in Bangkok.

• Yaowarat Street in Chinatown – 24/7 but best at night. Try the Khao Pad Pu (Fried rice with crab)
• Khao San Road – Popular with backpackers & tourists but can be loud and rowdy
• Victory Monument – Best known for Thai Boat Noodles
• Ratchawat Market – Try roast duck and Kobe beef noodles
• Sukhumvit 38 – Really convenient location for tourists by BTS Skytrain Thong Lo Station
• Silom Soi 20 – Soi Prachum Market here, multicultural cuisines

We also love taking street food tours when traveling. Food tours help you explore a new cuisine with a local who can explain what you are eating, and the local guide can also help give you a lay of the land. It is like having a personal Bangkok restaurant guide.

We went on this Bangkok tour last time and loved it. It visits not only Chinatown but also another street food market area, the flower market, temples, and several other Bangkok attractions . To date it is one of our favorite tours. There is a reason it has over 2,000 five-star reviews on Viator .

Picky Eaters: What to Eat in Bangkok

Yes, it is true; some people don’t like Thai food and are really picky eaters. My mother is one of them. When my parents came to Thailand for two weeks , we started with 3 days in Bangkok . The photo above is our family trip to Thailand.

This is where my mother claimed Thai cuisine tasted like flowers. I think that means flavor, lol, but coming from cilantro, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, ginger, curry, etc. She didn’t want to eat anything with fish sauce or shrimp paste.

It wasn’t a big deal. I was just sad she didn’t try many foods in Bangkok and expand her palate. However, she survived and found things she liked. She often ate chicken & rice or fried rice with chicken breast. We didn’t have to go to McDonald’s that often.

My dad, on the other hand, ate EVERYTHING. I mean everything. He wanted to try anything and everything. He would go missing, and we would find him down an alley at a street cart eating squid on a stick. He also picked up a pair of chopsticks like he had been using since birth.

Beyond Bangkok: Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Best Thai Foods For Kids

If you are traveling to Thailand with kids and want to know food options in Thailand for kids they will actually eat, here are some simple Thai foods for kids or picky eaters:

• Thai Chicken & Rice – Khao Man Gai
• Thai Fried Rice – Khao Pad
• Thai Stir Fried Noodles – Pad Thai
• Chicken Satay – Sate Gai
• Mango Sticky Rice – Khao Neaow Mamuang
• 7 Eleven Ham & Cheese sandwiches
• Roast pork & rice
• Noodles with sweet sauce – Pad See Ew
• Thai Pancakes with Nutella
• Fresh Fruit Smoothies
• Spring Rolls
• Thai Steamed Dumplings

Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise with a diverse and vibrant food scene that caters to every palate. From the bustling street food stalls to high-end restaurants, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The key to navigating the endless options in Bangkok is to follow the locals, be adventurous, and savor each bite.

So, if you find yourself in Bangkok, make sure to fully immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of this incredible city. And remember, the journey of culinary exploration never truly ends, so keep your taste buds curious and your fork at the ready.

Enjoy the delicious chaos that is Bangkok.

Related Bangkok Travel Guides

• Top 20 Best Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand
• Koh Lipe Thailand – The Perfect Thai Island Escape
• Where to Stay in Bangkok – Ultimate Bangkok Neighborhood Guide
• 7 Must Know Thailand Travel Tips – A Guide by Expats in Thailand
• Sak Yant Tattoo – Getting a Tattoo by a Monk in Thailand

Bangkok's 12 best dishes: a bite-sized guide to Thai cuisine in the capital

Dec 29, 2021 • 5 min read

From pad thai and mee grorp to mataba and or sooan, these are the meals every visitor to Bangkok should try © Brostock / Getty Images

For a relatively small country, Thailand 's cuisine is astoundingly diverse, with dishes changing in form and flavour just about every time they cross a provincial border. Bangkok , by far Thailand’s largest city and a melting pot of people and food, is no exception to this diversity, and the city can lay claim to its own distinct cuisine.

The people of Bangkok are particularly fond of sweet flavors, and many dishes include freshwater fish, pork, coconut milk and palm sugar – common ingredients in the central Thai plains that surround the city. Easy access to the sea also means an abundance of seafood.

Immigrants from southern China have been influencing Thai cuisine for centuries, and it was most likely Chinese laborers and vendors who introduced the wok and several varieties of noodle dishes to Bangkok and the rest of Thailand. Likewise, Muslims are thought to have first visited Thailand during the late 14th century, bringing along with them a meat- and dried-spice-based cuisine that eventually made its way to Bangkok.

Another significant influence on the Bangkok’s kitchens stems from the royal court, which has been producing sophisticated and refined takes on central Thai dishes for nearly 300 years. And in more recent years, immigrants from Thailand’s rural corners have brought their dishes to the city, with some of them emerging as local staples.

Read on to learn about 12 of the most iconic Bangkok-style dishes, and where to try them.

Pat tai (pàt tai) is a staple dish in Bangkok 

Thailand’s most famous dish – a Bangkok street eat staple – takes the form of rice noodles stir-fried with dried and/or fresh shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu, egg, and seasonings, and is traditionally served with lime halves and a few stalks of Chinese chives and a sliced banana flower. Decades-old and perpetually packed Thip Samai is undoubtedly Bangkok’s most lauded destination for the dish.

Tom yam (đôm yam) is a delicious spicy soup 

Lemongrass, makrut lime leaf and lime juice give tom yam – often insufficiently translated as "Thai sour soup" – its characteristic aroma and tang; fresh chillies or an oily chilli paste provide it with its legendary sting. Tom yam is available just about everywhere in Bangkok, but it’s hard to beat the version at Krua Apsorn , a well-known shophouse restaurant in the city’s old district.

Gooay teeo reua (gŏo·ay đĕe·o reu·a) is a slow-cooked broth

Gŏo·ay đĕe·o reu·a  translates as "boat noodles", so-called because the small bowls were previously served from boats along the canals and rivers of Bangkok and central Thailand. Based around a dark, slow-cooked broth that unites meat, herbs, dried spices and sometimes blood, these pork- or beef-based bowls are among the most full-flavored – and perhaps intimidating – of all Thai noodle dishes. Try a bowl at land-bound Bharani .

Som tum (s ôm·đam ) originated in northeast Thailand

This dish – of thin, crunchy strips of papaya bruised with a mortar and pestle along with tomatoes, long beans, chillies, garlic, fish sauce, and lime – has its origins in Thailand’s rural northeast. When migrant laborers brought it to Bangkok, it became popular among city dwellers, who love the spicy hit it provides. Feel the burn for yourself at ramshackle streetside restaurant, Jay So .

Kanom beuang (kà·nŏm bêu·ang) is a sweet or savory snack

The old-school version of this tiny, taco-like snack is sold with two types of fillings: sweet, which combine rich strands of duck egg and preserved fruit, and savory, which include a spicy mixture of dried shrimp and pepper. It is served by street vendors in older parts of Bangkok, such as the stall at Nang Loeng Market .

Mee grorp (mèe gròrp) are traditional crispy noodles

Crispy noodles prepared the traditional way, via a former palace recipe that provides the dish with a uniquely fragrant, sweet/sour flavor, are a dying breed.  Poj Spa Kar , allegedly Bangkok’s oldest restaurant, continues to serve the dish.

The best bamee (bà·mèe) is served in Bangkok's Chinatown 

Although these Chinese-style wheat and egg noodles, typically served with slices of roast pork, a handful of greens and/or wontons, are ubiquitous in Bangkok, not every bowl is created equal. For something exceptional, head to Bangkok’s Chinatown, where numerous restaurants and streetside stalls sell the dish.

Gooay teeo kooa gai (gŏo·ay đĕe·o kôo·a gài) is a delicious Bangkok noodle dish

Wide rice noodles fried with little more than egg, chicken, preserved squid, and garlic oil is a dish rarely seen outside of Bangkok, and one that’s at its delicious peak as sold from street stalls and restaurants in Bangkok’s Chinatown. 

Or sooan (or sòo·an) is a sticky oyster dish

Another Bangkok Chinatown staple, this dish combines a sticky, eggy batter topped with just-cooked oysters. Shophouse-based restaurant Nai Mong Hoi Thod does what is arguably Bangkok’s best take on this dish.

Head to the old quarter for the best kow mok (kôw mòk)

Biryani or spiced rice, a dish found across the Muslim world, also has a foothold in Thailand. In Bangkok the dish is typically made with chicken and is served with a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce and a bowl of chicken broth. Find it in Bangkok's old quarter at Karim Roti-Mataba .

Sate (sà·đé) can be found in Chinatown

Grilled skewers of meat, a staple in Southeast Asia’s Muslim countries, probably came to Thailand via Malaysia or Indonesia . Today, the slightly sweet peanut-based dipping sauce that accompanies them is often mistakenly associated with Thai cooking outside of Thailand. Sate is available streetside in Bangkok's Chinatown.

Choose from sweet or savory mataba (má·tà·bà)

Known as murtabak in Malaysia and Indonesia, these are thin sheets of dough that have been stuffed with a savory (minced chicken or beef with egg and seasoned with curry powder) or sweet (egg and slices of banana) filling and fried until crispy. Try this at classic Bangkok-style shophouse restaurant, Karim Roti-Mataba .

This article was first published May 29, 2018 and updated Dec 29, 2021.

Explore related stories

Mar 1, 2024 • 12 min read

Want to plan your next adventure around the world’s most incredible dishes and destinations? We’ve got you covered.

Feb 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Nov 26, 2023 • 14 min read

Nov 24, 2023 • 5 min read

Jan 3, 2022 • 4 min read

Feb 12, 2021 • 4 min read

Oct 23, 2020 • 3 min read

Aug 17, 2020 • 2 min read

Apr 6, 2020 • 2 min read

Mar 18, 2020 • 2 min read

• Czech Republic
• Budapest, Hungary
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Complete Japan Travel Guide
• Kanto Region (Tokyo, Hakone)
• Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto)
• Kansai Wide (Wakayama)
• Chugoku Region (Hiroshima)
• Chubu Japan
• Hokkaido Japan
• Kyushu Japan
• Jeju Island, South Korea
• KLOOK Promo Code & Voucher (2024 May)
• Agoda Promo Code

Bangkok Food Guide: Where and What To Eat in Bangkok

Last updated on May 17th, 2024

If you’re visiting Bangkok and enjoy Thai food as much as we do, then this Bangkok food guide with a list of must-eat food and the best restaurant will be very useful to help you decide where and what to eat when visiting the city.

Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest food cities. When looking for the best Thai food, Bangkok is always the best place to try the most authentic Thai dishes in the country . From Thai curry rice, Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, Mango Sticky Rice, and many more, there is so sure something suits your taste bud.

As food lovers, we enjoy the Thai food in Bangkok so much and are always excited to come back to the city just for food. From local Thai food to street food , there is an extensive range of Thai food to eat when visiting Bangkok. Travelers might be overwhelmed by the number of restaurants, food stalls, and street food vendors stretching along the streets of Bangkok. Everywhere you walk around the city, you’ll be tempted by something delicious.

To make it as well-rounded as possible, we are going to share some of the best food in Bangkok that you should not miss in the city. We’ll also list out some of the best restaurants serving up the most delicious food for you to try when visiting the city.

Here is the Bangkok food guide for all the must-eat food in the city .

Table of Contents

Bangkok Food Guide: What To Eat

The list of the best food in Bangkok is long and compressive. Here is a quick view of this Bangkok food guide for the best Thai food in Bangkok to help you decide where and what to eat.

Bangkok Food Guide for the Must-Try Bangkok Food Place:

• Tom Yam Mama Noodles from Jeh O Chula
• Tom Yum Pork Noodle from Rung Rueang

Braised Pork Trotter (Khao Kha Moo)

• Peppery Noodle Soup (Kuay chap)
• Pad Thai from Thip Sa Mai
• Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) from Go-Ang Pratunam
• Crab Omelette (Kai Jeaw Poo) from Jay Fai
• Fried Rice with Crab Meat (Khao Pad Poo) from Here Hai

Spicy Pork Spine Soup (Leng Saap)

• Yaowarat Street Food and Seafood Restaurant

Yaowarat T&K Seafood Restaurant

After you dessert, tom yam mama noodles.

Located near Chulalongkorn University, Jeh O Chula used to be popular amongst students. But this shop gain its popularity after being featured in the Michelin Guide Big Gourmand for exceptionally good food at a reasonable price. Local foodies and foreign tourists flock over to slurp down a bowl of Tom Yum Mama Noodles. So be prepared to wait for hours.

The shop is open daily from 17:00 but their signature “Tom Yum Mama” is only available after 10:30 pm to 2:00 am. The favorite place for Bangkok late-night supper!

The hearty bowl is filled with mama instant noodles and generous toppings such as seafood, well-marinated handmade meatballs, a bright orange yolk, and some fresh greens in an iconic savory broth. The tom yum broth is so addictive and appetizing. Definitely flavorful and pleasant. High recommended for a bowl of authentic Thai noodle soup.

Jeh O Chula – Michelin Guide Big Gourmand

Besides the mama noodles, Jeh O Chula also serves numerous top-notch street food snacks such as Thai-style shrimp omelet, crispy roast pork belly, pork neck, morning glory, and more. Overall all the food is excellent and locally priced. Do order the Thai-style marinated spicy salmon with herb and garlic, it is very fresh!

Pro Tips: Being the long wait time, I would suggest reserving online at Klook with a shorter waiting time. The price is slightly higher but no need to wait in line if booked through Klook.

Jeh O Chula in Siam (Michelin Guide 2020) Address: 113 Khwaeng Rong Muang, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330. Business Hours: Daily from 16:30 to 00:00. Tom Yum Mama is only available after 22:30. Getting there: The nearest metro station is the National Stadium BTS station. Price Range: About THB250 for a bowl of mama noodles.

Tom Yum Pork Noodle

For over 50 years, Rung Rueang is best known for its Tom Yum pork noodles in Bangkok . It is a local’s favorite shop and has been rewarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand in Bangkok.

Rung Rueang is always packed with locals and that’s how you know it’s good! During the weekday, you can even see those working in Sukhumvit queuing for a table during lunch hour.

The bowl of tom yum pork noodles is served with their homemade fish balls, and tasty pork minces. Foodies can also opt to add on the pork liver and intestine. The broth has been cooked for hours and it’s so thick and full of flavors. With the choice of noodles topped with quality ingredients, giving you the best in each bowl.

For more information about the food: Rung Rueang: Bangkok Michelin Bib Gourmand Pork Noodles

Rung Rueang Pork Noodles Address: 10/3 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. Business Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Getting there: Less than 5 minutes walk from the Phrom Phong BTS Station. Price Range: Less than THB100 for a bowl of noodles (Small – THB50, medium – THB60, Large – THB70).

Braised Pork Trotter (Khao Kha Moo) is one of the popular Thai street food dishes. You can find this tender sweet-salty pork leg stew all over the streets of Bangkok and all over the country.

The succulent pork leg is braised and then simmered for long hours in a broth made with Herb until the pork meat, skin, and fat are just melted in your mouth when you eat. The soft braised pork trotter is so tender, juicy, and flavorful. Something to die for. It is normally served together with steamed rice with spicy and sour sauce, boiled eggs, and some pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

We highly recommended the authentic braised pork trotter from Charoen Saeng at Silom Road . The shop has been running for more than 50 years and it is hidden down an alley side street in downtown Bangkok. It can be hard to find but you will be surprised there are so many locals and tourists who come to Saeng Silom to eat this juicy pork leg. Get there early as the pork legs sold out pretty fast.

Charoen Saeng Silom Address: 492/6 Soi Charoen Krung 49, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. Business Hours: Daily from 7:30 to 13:00. Getting there: About 5 minutes walk from BTS Saphan Taksin.

Peppery Noodle Soup (Kuay Chap)

Also known as Peppery Noodle Soup, Kuay Chap is another must-try food in Bangkok if you are comfortable with eating pork innards. This unique noodles dish is loaded with tasty peppery broth with a side of rice noodle rolls. While mixed in with the noodles are crispy pork belly and pork offal such as pork liver, pork intestines, pork kidney, and pork lung.

Two main types of Kuay Jab are commonly found in Bangkok.

• Kuay Chap Nam Sai (clear soup) is the Thai version of pepper pork soup. It is made from pork bones with lots of pepper so it has a strong aromatic pork flavor. The best Kuay Jab Nam Sai can be found in Yaowarat (Chinatown).
• Kuay Chap Nam Kon (dark soup) is a dark brown, thicker soup broth. The soup has a mild Chinese spice braised flavor to it.

Sirichai Pork Leg & Seafood

Kuay Jap can be easily found around the streets of Bangkok. We tasted the mouthwatering Kuay Chab at the Sirichai Pork Leg and Seafood on Pracha Songkhro Road. The shop is famous for incredible Thai braised pork, but they also served the mind-blowing delicious kuay Chap.

The Kuay Chap here are wonderful, each with its own unique texture. It is cooked to tender perfection and excellent in taste. I personally prefer the Kuay Chab Nam Sai as the broth is intensely peppery. It is so flavorful that it doesn’t need any extra seasoning. The bowl is not entirely filled with offal though, as there are also come with pork meat and crispy pork belly.

Sirichai Pork Leg & Seafood Address: 40 Pracha Songkhro Rd, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400 Business Hours: Monday to Saturday from 16:00 until next day 6:00. Sunday from 16:00 until 00:00. Price Range: Depending on the order. Wide variety of seafood and Thai dishes available.

Kway Chap Uan Photchana

Another popular Kuay chap shop is “Guay Jub Ouan Pochana” or “Kway Chap Auon Pochana” located at Yaowarat. This tiny shop has been serving this street eater for over 50 years and was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

They are best known for serving handmade rolled noodles in thick aromatic peppery pork broth.

The rice noodles are chewy and tender and the fragrant, hot peppery soup here is to die for. It is simply bursting with peppery flavors and will make you want more and more. You’ll have to try it for yourself to see how good it is.

Kway Chap Uan Photchana Address: Address: 408 ถ. เยาวราช Chakkrawat, Chakkaphat, Bangkok 10100. Business Hours: Daily from 11:00 until 00:00. Closed on Monday. Price Range: About THB30-50 per bowl.

Pad Thai is definitely a dish that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Bangkok. The thick handfuls of dry rice noodles are stir-fried and then soaked in sauces. It is then added with other ingredients such as tofu, baby shrimp, leeks, and bean sprouts as per the recipe and tossed into the mixture before this tasty plate is served hot to you. Pad Thai goes great with a squeeze of lime and a spoon of ground peanuts. The condiments such as chili flakes and vinegar can be added to bring a perfect taste.

Pad Thai stalls are available around every city in Thailand. But if you need a further recommendation, locals suggest the Thip Sa Mai for the best Pad Thai in Bangkok . The original shop is located in the old town area but now you can find Thip Samai in many famous malls around Bangkok. Recommended Pad Thai with shrimp with or without egg cover. The Pad Thai is tasty and the price is very reasonable.

Pad Thai Thip Sa Mai Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Business Hours: Open daily from 10:00 until 00:00. Closed on Wednesday. Getting there: The shop is located on Maha Chai Road near Khao San Road. Price Range: Around 70 THB for a plate of Pad Thai.

Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai)

Established in 1960, Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice (Pink Shop) offers a Thai version of Hainanese-style chicken rice in Bangkok. It is the best well-known chicken rice shop among both locals and tourists. Besides, the shop is listed under Michelin Bib Gourmand for its quality food.

The location is convenient and situated within a 5-minute walk from the Platinum Fashion mall, making it a quick shopping break for some local food in Bangkok.

The chicken rice is a plate of light fluffy fragrant rice with perfectly poached chicken. The rice is cooked to perfection, and it is flavorful without being too oily. While the boneless chicken was succulent, moist, and tender. It is best paired with their homemade chili sauce which gave a nice touch to the rice and chicken.

The Go Ang chicken rice in Bangkok is reasonably priced, so make yourself a food visit if you are nearby!

For more information about the food: Bangkok Best Food: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice Address: 962 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Business Hours: Daily from 6:00 to 22:30. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the Platinum Fashion mall. Price Range: About THB40 for a plate of chicken rice.

Crab Omelette (Kai Jeaw Poo)

Thai crab omelette (Kai Jeaw Poo) is a very famous Bangkok street food thanks to the Jay Fai. This street-side Thai shop is a legendary food stall that awarded a Michelin Star in the Bangkok Michelin Guide for four years in a row (2018-2022). It is so popular and even getting featured in Netflix’s Street Food series!

The crispy golden-brown crab omelets are simply unparalleled! It comes at a price tag of THB 1,200 which is insane for street food. But you’ll understand what you’re paying for once you see the amount of crab meat stuffed into that omelette.

The owner, Supinya Junsuta, better known as Jay Fai cooks each dish on her own. So expect an incredibly long wait for a plate of this crab omelette. We’d highly recommend booking a table thought you might need to book it a few months ahead!

Jay Fai Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Getting there: 8 minutes walk from Sam Yot MRT station (Blue Line). Price Range: Expected at least THB 1,200 to taste the insane crab omelette.

Fried Rice with Crab Meat (Khao Pad Poo)

Located at the small shophouse on Ekamai road, Here Hai serves Bangkok’s best seafood fried rice and quality seafood dishes. You’ll be delighted to know that their seafood is as fresh as fresh can be. This eatery is popular among seafood lovers and awarded the Bangkok Michelin bib gourmand.

Their specialty is the crab meat fried rice (Khao Pad Poo) , another popular Thai dish in Bangkok. The plate of fried rice is loaded with numerous amounts of succulent crab meat. It is so delicious and lives up to expectations.

Besides the popular crab fried rice, the stir-fried mantis shrimp with garlic and pepper is also highly recommended. The food prices may be considered high for street food, but the ingredients are superb. Plus, the portions are large and it even comes in an XXL version that is enough for four to six people.

Here Hai Restaurant Address: 112, 1 Ekkamai Rd,Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Business Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 14:30 and 15:30 to 17:00. Closed on Wednesday. Getting there: About 20 minutes walk from BTS Ekkamai. Alternative, take a grab motor (THB20) to the shop! Price Range: Average THB500 for a plate of crab fried rice per person.

Known as “volcano ribs”, Leng Saap is a Thai dish of boiled pork spine bones served with spicy sauce. It is one of the trending food dishes in Bangkok and is popular among locals and visitors. Leng Saap can be found in the railway market in Bangkok but the more popular spots are at the Jodd Fairs Mae Klong Noodles (the new version of Ratchada Train Night Market).

A high mountain of pork spine is stacked to form a tower with spicy soup, dressed with chilies, herbs, and spice. It comes in four sizes, ranging from THB150 to THB 599, We ordered a medium portion which came flooded in chili and lime. The meat was really tender and mouthwatering!

Jodd Fair’s Mae Klong Noodles Address: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310. Getting there: 8 minutes walk from Sam Yot MRT station (Blue Line). Price Range: Range from THB 150 to THB599 depending on the size.

Yaowarat Street Food

Bangkok’s famous Chinatown, known as Yaowarat is a popular place for street food in Bangkok. In the daytime, you’ll find markets and some food shops, but the area is completely lit up by neon lights and street food carts at night!

Many street vendors will set up their food carts along the small alleys and boast of a thriving food scene. The street is full of food gem surprises and packed with delectable eats. You’ll discover a variety of Thai and Chinese street food with the food smells everywhere.

Don’t be afraid to explore down a dark side alley or follow the instinct of your nose when you smell something delicious. It was an experience sitting on the streets and eating the food just like locals.

Here are some of the recommended food to eat in Yaowarat Chinatown Bangkok:

• Roll Noodle Soup from Nai-Ek Roll Noodles.
• Fish Ball Egg Noodle from Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle.
• Cheng Teung Mhee Dessert from Aaii Waan Yen.
• Roll Noodle In Peppery Soup With Crispy Pork from Nay Lek Uan.

Bangkok Food Guide Tips : Mondays are the street cleaning day in Bangkok. Avoid visiting Yaowarat on Monday as many street food cart vendors take the day off.

T&K Seafood Restaurant is a must-try seafood restaurant if you are in Bangkok. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) and is always super packed with locals and visitors. You’ll recognize the staff by their bright green shirts and the crowd waiting in line.

We personally have been visiting Bangkok for years and always come back here for their amazing seafood. The food is cooked fresh and tasty with Thai authentic flavor. We recommended the tom yum soup, clay pot glass noodles with fresh river prawn, grilled crab, and steamed fish with lemon and garlic, so delicious!

The seafood was incredible with wide variety of dishes at attractive prices. The restaurant is always packed so please expected to wait in line to get a table.

T & K Seafood Address: 49, 51 Phadung Dao Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Business Hours: Daily from 16:00 to 00:00. Getting there: Coupled your trip with Yaowarat visit. Best to get there by taxi or Grab. Price Range: Average THB800 per person, depending on the food order.

For those with a sweet tooth, After You Dessert is the best option for a refreshing icy treat in Bangkok. It is a popular dessert cafe and gaining popularity among dessert lovers. So it is no surprise you are seeing many people waiting in line to get seats, especially on weekends.

The menu is attractive with a wide variety of unique dessert choices that you can also give a try when in Bangkok, such as flavor shaved ice, Shibuya Honey Toast, Nutella Toast, traditional Thai sweet Toast, and Western dessert options, like chocolate lava, brownie, or cookie dough topped with ice cream. It’s good if you go with a group so you can try different desserts.

Whenever I am in Bangkok, for sure I will try some of the unique desserts in After You. So far all the desserts I tried never disappoint me. My personal preference is Thailand’s unique mango sticky rice kakigori and Shibuya Honey Toast is amazing! The flavor of shaved ice was delectable and perfect for a sunny day in Bangkok. It is so satisfying and melts in your mouth.

After You Dessert Cafe Bangkok Getting there: There are aver 10 branches opened up around Bangkok. Get the one near you. Price Range: Average THB400 per person.

Overview: Bangkok Food Guide

All in all, we hope this Bangkok Food Guide is helpful when looking for where and what to eat in Bangkok . There are so many mouthwatering foods that you can eat when you explore the city. Enjoy a bowl of piping hot noodles, Pad Thai, Tum Yum, green curry and rice, green papaya salad, and many of the foods you’ll encounter when looking for what to eat in Bangkok.

For me, Thai food is always one of the ultimate joys of being in Bangkok. The atmosphere of dining on the streets and in the restaurant is amazing. I truly love Bangkok street food and never have an empty stomach when I am in Bangkok. If you love food, Bangkok is the best place for your ultimate food adventure!

Traveling to Bangkok? Here is the inspiration for Bangkok travel stories :

• Bangkok Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels

More detail on the food journey listed in the Bangkok Food Guide:

• Food Trip to Chinatown Bangkok: A Yaowarat Food Guide
• Rung Rueang: Bangkok Michelin Bib Gourmand Pork Noodles
• Bangkok Best Food: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

You Might Interested:

Khao Soi Mae Sai: The Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai

If you are in Chiang Mai, make sure to stop by Khao Soi Mae Sai...

Phuket Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog

Phuket Travel Guide Blog to help make the most out of your holiday gateway with...

Where To Stay in Bangkok: 8 Best Areas for Tourists

Have a look at our picks for the best areas and hotels if you are...

Things To Do in Koh Lipe Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Here is our in-depth Koh Lipe travel guide blog includes the perfect Koh Lipe itinerary...

Where To Stay in Koh Samui: Best Areas and Hotels

From the budget hostels, and mid-range boutique hotels to the luxury resorts, here are the...

Where to Stay in Phuket: Top 7 Areas with Best Hotels

Here is everything you need to know about the 7 best areas when looking for...

• Feature – Advertorial
• Feature – CookForFamily
• Feature – Eat Healthy SG
• Feature – Food Guide
• Feature – Interview
• Feature – Michelin
• Feature – Michelin Bib Gourmand
• Feature – Michelin Plate
• Feature – New & Hot
• Feature – Others
• Feature – Recipe
• Feature – Review
• Feature – World’s Best Restaurants
• Feature – Product
• Overseas – Australia
• Overseas – Melbourne
• Overseas – Bali
• Overseas – Bangkok
• Overseas – China
• Overseas – Beijing 北京
• Overseas – Shanghai
• Overseas – Europe
• Overseas – France
• Overseas – Greece
• Overseas – Hong Kong
• Overseas – Iceland
• Overseas – India
• Overseas – Italy
• Overseas – Jakarta
• Overseas – Japan
• Overseas – Fukuoka
• Overseas – Hokkaido
• Overseas – Osaka
• Overseas – Tokyo
• Overseas – Korea
• Overseas – Busan
• Overseas – London
• Overseas – Macau 澳門
• Overseas – Malaysia
• Overseas – Ipoh
• Overseas – Johor Bahru
• Overseas – Kuala Lumpur
• Overseas – Malacca
• Overseas – Penang
• Singapore – Central
• Singapore – East
• Singapore – North
• Singapore – Northeast
• Singapore – South
• Singapore – West
• Food – Buffet
• Food – Cafe
• Food – Chinese
• Food – Confectionary
• Food – Desserts
• Food – European
• Food – Fastfood
• Food – Hawker
• Food – Hong Kong
• Food – Indian
• Food – Indonesian
• Food – International
• Food – Italian
• Food – Japanese
• Food – Korean
• Food – Mediterranean / Latin American
• Food – Mexican
• Food – Peranakan
• Food – Salads & Health Food
• Food – Seafood
• Food – Singapore
• Food – Spanish
• Food – Sweets
• Food – Taiwanese
• Food – Thai
• Food – Turkish
• Food – Vegetarian
• Food – Vietnamese
• Food – Western
• About The Diary
• Advertising

Raffles City Singapore Food Guide – NEW Restaurants Include Guo Li…

10 Affordable Eats At $3 Or Less – Budget-Friendly Meals From…

10 Korean Ramyeon Places in Singapore – Top Picks For Slurp-Worthy…

10 Top Singapore Restaurants to Dine Your Way to the Skies…

Flame & Fern Cafe, JOHOR BAHRU – Industrial Charm And Brunch…

Ek Teng Phu Ki, BANGKOK – Must-Go. One Of Chinatown’s Oldest…

Xuan Cafe 轩•女皇烘焙, JOHOR BAHRU – Oriental Teahouse Café With Courtyard…

Cafe Gray Gristmill 그레이 그리스트밀 – Ultimate Coffee Destination At Garosu-gil,…

Anatta Bakery & Specialty Grocer – A Hidden Secret Bakery Behind…

The Masses – Delectable Crab Meat Pasta And Duck Confit With…

Betsubara Creamery & Cafe – Japanese Ice Cream Café At Tampines…

Hong Kong Stars Cafe 港星茶餐厅 – Nostalgic HK Movie-Themed Cafe With…

• Overseas - Bangkok

10 Bangkok Must-Try Food Places – For Tom Yum Mama, Peppery Kway Chap, And Michelin Crab Omelette

[Bangkok] With traveling restrictions significantly loosening up, Bangkok remains one of Singapore’s favourite location to head to for food, shopping, massages and more. (I am planning a trip myself, so look out for new Bangkok cafes to head to. Yeah!)

I do have some friends who have yet to visit Bangkok before, and they have asked for the “must-eats” there.

Well, I would say the Thai locals would have their own recommendations, but there are also those restaurants and eateries that are on the to-go-for check-list for a first-time tourists.

So here are 10 Bangkok Food Must Eat Food Places (that Singaporeans love to go for), especially if this is your first time especially the Land of Smiles: (included 2 cafes because these are really favourites)

Kway Chap Uan Photchana 408 Yaowarat Road, Khwaeng Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand Tel: +66 86 508 9979 Opening Hours: 11am – 3am (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon Google Maps – Guay Jub Ouan Pochana

Super Peppery Kway Chap At Yaowarat Chinatown Talk about Kway Chap in Bangkok, and “Guay Jub Ouan Pochana” or “Kway Chap Auon Pochana” which was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand is one of the most well-known names.

For Singaporeans, this name may sound so familiar. Kway Chap Uan Photchana (or Guay Jub Ouan Pochana) is located at Bangkok Chinatown’s most famous road, Yaowarat.

(While it is also known as the “Yaowarat Kway Chap”, it is not related to Singapore’s Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap at Kovan .)

For an inexpensive price, you can enjoy a serving of these chewy yet tender noodles in a fragrant, hot and peppery broth.

I can imagine why people would enjoy this, the soup is simply bursting with peppery flavours.

If you never had peppery soup before, this would probably be level 8 out of 10 on a scale, so much so that I think it can probably cure a blocked nose.

On the other, I felt that the overwhelmingness of it distracts the natural sweet flavours of the pork and innards. A pity because the pork belly pieces were really quite juicy and crispy.

Read more at: Guay Jub Ouan Pochana (Yaowarat, Bangkok)

P’Aor, Bangkok 冬陰功大龍蝦麵 68/51 Soi Phetchaburi 5, Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon Google Maps – P’Aor

Home of The Giant Lobster Tom Yum Soup Pee Aor (sometimes spelled P’Aor) is a restaurant that is famous for its tom yum soup. They claim they serve the “Best Tom Yum In Bangkok”.

Once you get a glimpse of the giant rock lobster and seafood soup that is their speciality, it is easy to see why.

Other than the whole rock lobster, you get squid, mussels, fish, prawns and in an unbelievably rich, creamy, sour tom yum soup.

The soup also comes with a mound of rice noodles in it which makes it a very filling meal that can easily be shared between four to six people depending on how much you can eat.

The shop itself is a no frills, classic Thai restaurant, tucked down Soi Petchaburi 5, behind Phaya Thai BTS Station.

The easiest way to access the road is to cut through the carpak at Phaya Thai Plaza which is right next to the BTS station.

Read more at: Pee Aor Restaurant (Soi Phetchaburi 5, Bangkok)

Jeh O Chula Banthat Thong Road, 113 Charat Muang Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (National Stadium BTS) 113 ถ.จรัญเมือง เขตปทุมวัน, Bangkok, Thailand 10330 Tel: +66 64 118 5888 Opening hours: 4:30pm – 12am (Mon – Sun) Google Maps – Jeh O Chula

Famous Tom Yum Mama At Supper Place Jeh O Chula also offers a variety of tasty cooked food dishes – our Singapore equivalent will be a zi-char shop.

(Thanks or no thanks to Singapore food blogs lol , this has become one of the must-visit institutions for Singaporean tourists such that there are also eateries back home wanting to recreate this.)

Customers are said to queue anything from between 20 minutes to 2 hours.

The star dish of Tom Yum Mama is available in Pork Ball version, Seafood, or All-In. The portion is good for sharing between 2 to 3 hungry people.

Somehow the Tom Yum soup base just tasted more appetising than the usual, mildly spicy, moderately thick, and zesty with lime slices. Took a sip and LOVED IT.

Read more at: Jeh O Chula (Soi Charat Muean, Bangkok)

Raan Jay Fai 327 Mahachai Road (at intersection with Samranrat Road) Bangkok, Thailand Tel: +66 2 223 9384 Opening Hours: 9am – 8:30pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon, Tues Google Maps – Raan Jay Fai

1 Michelin Star Bangkok Street Hawker Raan Jay Fai is the only street hawker awarded the Michelin Star in the inaugural Bangkok Michelin Guide , and also featured on Netflix’s Street Food.

The eatery is run by a 70-plus year old lady also called “Sister Mole”, known for her iconic over-sized goggles.

Main dishes sold included Tom Yum Goong, Poo Phad Yellow Curry, Homemade Prawn Cake, and Yum Woon-Sen – Thai spicy salad with glass noodles and mixed seafood.

Prices are more expensive than the average Thai eatery, but that isn’t stopping people from going early in the morning to get a queue number.

Its Thai Crab Omelette Kai-Jeaw Poo is the must-get, a massive roll of egg and lump crab meat that is also fried over hot coal fire.

Don’t forget about the Drunken Noodles which consists of flat rice noodles fried in hot & spicy sauce, and jumbo prawns marinated in wine. Frying it over coal fire meant that the noodles had more wok hei .

Read more at: Raan Jay Fai (Mahachai Road, Bangkok)

Thip Samai Pad Thai 313 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Thailand Tel: +66 2 226 6666 Opening Hours: 10am – 12am (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues Google Maps

Pad Thai Institution With Long Lines While you are at Raan Jay Fai , you may want to check out the famed Thip Samai known for its Pad Thai.

The eatery about 10 minute drive away from Chinatown has been around since 1966, and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

While you can find outlets in foodcourts at major shopping malls, the experience here is still quite difference.

The ‘kitchen’ is at the front of the eatery, with a few sections: Two were doing the initial frying (big fire big fire) over charcoal, a group of men carried out the assembling, while the guy nearest the road was fry-wrapping the noodles with egg – a bucket at the side, with operations like systematic clockwork.

I ordered the Pad Thai Haw Kai Goong Sot which came wrapped with egg.

The moderately thin layer of egg enveloped around the stir-fried noodles like a pillow, and when dug in was almost like unveiling a treasure chest. Though I could say it was a good plate of Pad Thai, but not an exceptional one.

Read more at: Thip Samai Pad Thai (Bangkok)

Polo Fried Chicken (Soi Polo) 137/1-3 Soi Polo, Th Withayu, Wireless Road, Lumphini, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: +66 2 655 8489 Opening Hours: 7am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Possibly Bangkok’s Best Fried Chicken Being in operations for more than 50 years, most come here for one main reason – the Kai Todd Fried Chicken, flavoured with black pepper and topped with crispy golden-brown garlic.

Savour this dish with sticky rice and som tum.

The tender juicy drumstick dipped with spicy sauce was a tasty experience hard to forget. The first bite was aroy mak mak !

Juicy and succulent, well marinated, and some parts lingering with oil. I found some parts of the chicken dry though, especially the breast meat.

Read more at: Polo Chicken (Khwaeng Lumphini, Bangkok)

Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam Poonam Market, 960-962, Phetchaburi Road, Soi 30, Pratunam, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: +66 81 779 7255 Opening Hours: 6am – 9pm (Mon – Sun) Google Maps – Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

Hainanese Style Chicken Rice Established in 1960 as a food stall specialising in Hainanese chicken rice in the Pratunam district of Bangkok, Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam quickly gained popularity among tourists.

Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice has been around for more than 60 years, and offers Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่), a Thai version of chicken rice that originated in Hainan, China.

Even though there are outlets in Singapore, the experience and food are quite different from what you get in Bangkok.

Some consider the Thai-style chicken rice less oily than the Singapore version.

The serving good for 1 person, consists of a small cup of rice topped with slices of poached chicken, served with a garnish of cucumber slices, a side soup of chicken broth, and small bowl of the black sauce.

I thought that while the chicken meat was more or less average, the rice was flavourful, fluffy, and not too oily.

Read more at: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice (Pratunam, Bangkok)

On Lok Yun ออน ล๊อก หยุ่น 72 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand Tel: +66 2 223 9621 Opening Hours: 6am – 2:30pm (Mon – Sun) Google Maps – On Lok Yun

Old-School Local Coffee & Breakfast Place With Taste Of Nostalgia Old-style café On Lok Yun (ออน ล๊อก หยุ่น) has become a popular breakfast spot with tourists (especially Singaporeans), and it is not difficult to understand why.

With faded photos on grey walls, old-school Milo tins in pale green wooden cabinets, classic coffee-shop furniture and bread fragrance lingering in the air, the coffee shop looks caught in time.

With a history of more than 80 years, people visit for their Thai-style American breakfast with items of Bread with Butter and Sugar, French Toast, and Egg Custard Bread with Kaya.

The Egg Custard Bread with Kaya is what I would return for again, as the nicely-grilled toasts were soft and light.

Read more at: On Lok Yun (Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok)

ROAST Coffee & Eatery 335 Thonglor Soi 17, Sukhumvit 55 Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 96 340 3029 Opening Hours: 10am – 7:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 7:30pm (Sat – Sun) Google Maps – The Commons

Hipster Cafe At The Commons Known For Extensive Brunch And Great Coffee Ask any millennial Singaporean who has been to Bangkok, and he/she would have visited Roast or put it in the itinerary somewhere.

The brainchild of Varatt Vichit-Vadakan, this all-day casual eatery is known for its relaxing ambience, extensive brunch dishes, and in-house roasted coffee.

Get to The Commons (won’t regret it) and you would spot industrial brick-and-glass décor, spacious with tall ceilings like a large dining hall of a house, great vibes buzzing with lively people. (There are other cafes and brunch places you can check out at The Commons as well.)

Its popular brunch dishes include the Eggs Benedict with ham or smoked salmon, Crab Cake Benedict, Roast Breakfast, American Pancakes, Roast Double Cheese Burger, and Huevos Rancheros aka Baked Eggs with tortilla.

Items were generally hearty, good for sharing,

Roast’s coffee which is supplied by sister brand Roots is every part a winner, roasted in-house, using single origin for its Filter Coffee.

After You Central World Plaza 7th floor, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: +66 2 252 5434 Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

For Their Shibuya Toast, Cakes And Kakigori Desserts With a tagline of “There’s always room for desserts”, there is always a queue for their sweet treats from shibuya honey toasts, buttermilk pancake, chocolate lava, brownies, to cakes like mille crepe.

The Shibuya Honey Toast comes in exciting-sounding flavours from Ferrero, nutella, sticky toffee, matcha, cheddar cheese, strawberry cream to chocolate toast.

The Shibuya Special Black Toast I had, indulgently topped with soft baked peanut cookie dough, melted peanut butter sauce and ice cream, was luxurious and delicious.

Look out for their seasonal flavours as well.

Their shops can be found at several major shopping malls in Bangkok, so there shouldn’t be a problem getting there.

Click HERE for other BANGKOK Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook , Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Ek teng phu ki, bangkok – must-go. one of chinatown’s oldest coffeeshops with retro-chic décor.

Bottomless 33, BANGKOK – NEW 3 Storey Café Gem With Red-Brick Façade At Soi Sukhumvit 33

Fatt Chicken 福鸡饭 BANGKOK – Tasty Hainanese Chicken Rice At EmSphere And Central World, Owned By Singaporean Chef

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Flame & Fern Cafe, JOHOR BAHRU – Industrial Charm And Brunch...

• Bangkok Tourism
• Bangkok Hotels
• Bangkok Bed and Breakfast
• Bangkok Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Bangkok
• Bangkok Restaurants
• Things to Do in Bangkok
• Bangkok Travel Forum
• Bangkok Photos
• Bangkok Map
• All Bangkok Hotels
• Bangkok Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Bangkok
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

MAiSEN in Emsphere - Bangkok Forum

• Asia    
• Thailand    
• Bangkok    

MAiSEN in Emsphere

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Thailand forums
• Bangkok forum

To start off, if you have not been to the lower gourmet, exciting, multi-sensory Emsphere and the lower food court it's a must see.

2 replies to this topic

Thank you for the update.

• Resorts in Bangkok 6:08 am
• Bangkok nightclubs that allow Indian origin people 5:56 am
• Mahanakhon Skywalk 5:22 am
• Bangkok to Hua Hin 4:03 am
• Jazz Clubs ik Bangkok 3:49 am
• How much money required in Bangkok for 4 night 3:36 am
• Music festivals Xmas and New year yesterday
• Terminal changes in DMK airport yesterday
• Mae Klong railway yesterday
• Pizza and vegetarian restaurants yesterday
• Hotel near Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday
• Advice for Bangkok trip yesterday
• Best way from airport to Sala Daeng station yesterday
• 5 star hotel for biz trip yesterday
• Bangkok to Phuket 10 replies
• Best massage in Bangkok 17 replies
• Best Area to stay in Bangkok? 40 replies
• Hotel close to Platinum Fashion Mall 9 replies
• What is the best area to stay in Bangkok 5 replies
• What is the best location to stay in Bangkok 15 replies
• Booking via Agoda 32 replies
• Best Bangkok Tailor (suits) 46 replies
• River Kwai and elephant ride 20 replies
• Bangkok Hotel with pool/jacuzzi/hot tub inside room/balcony 3 replies

Bangkok Hotels and Places to Stay

• FAQ FLIGHT Connections & DOMESTIC Arrivals
• FAQ What To See & Do
• FAQ DINING in Bangkok
• FAQ Floating Markets
• FAQ Potential scams
• FAQ - What are the IMPORTANT LAWS IN THAILAND that Travellers should be aware of?
• FAQ - What to eat in Bangkok?

Flowing Cents

10 Cities Around the World with Must-Try Street Food Scenes

Posted: May 20, 2024 | Last updated: May 20, 2024

Popular opinion states that there is no better way to get to know a place and its culture than through street food. The hustle and bustle of the cities and colorful food stalls are the places to visit a new town – because that’s where you get to eat the most delicious and adventurous food you can find without hurting your wallets too much. Fancy food is fun, but let’s explore a street food market sometime, right?

1. Bangkok, Thailand

If you find yourself in Bangkok, do yourself a favor and visit any street food market you see – usually identifiable by colorful lights, food stalls, and delicious smells. Every stall has specialties, from breakfast carts selling their sweet soymilk and bean curd to rice and poached chicken for lunch. Pad Thai is a must, as is the spicy tom yum soup, but don’t forget to indulge in some classics, like the mango sticky rice and crispy pork belly. 

2. Tokyo, Japan

Japanese people find it disheartening that foreigners think sushi is Japan’s best food. The grilled food scene in Tokyo begs to differ. Famous chefs list several restaurants that have extremely fresh ingredients in front of you to immerse you in the dining experience. Their technique of grilling traps so much flavor in the food, and paired with the sight of the beautiful Meguro River, you won’t forget the experience!

3. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexican food is easy to love and a favorite all over the world. But there’s nothing like having Mexican street food while visiting Mexico City. From grilled corn to tacos, Mexico is known for its food scene. Some must-visit markets in Mexico are  Mercado de la Merced or Mercado de Coyoacán if you want to taste authentic Mexican flavors, especially the street tacos topped with lime and salsa.

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaiian food is a delightful combination of different cuisines combined with local traditions. These combinations developed due to Hawaii being the home of many immigrants from the United States, Asia, and Latin America. Some of the delicious foods available include raw fish salads, tuna and octopus-based dishes, and flavors inspired by kimchi. Another popular trend in Hawaii is food trucks, so be sure to check those out!

5. Marrakech, Morocco

Everyone loves Moroccan food, but where better will you have it than in Marrakech itself? As soon as you step foot in a Moroccan street food market, your senses will be overwhelmed with fragrant spices, flaky pastries, and tender meats. Be sure to make your way around the city, trying everything they offer, from flaky baklava to the infamous semen (Moroccan pancakes).

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Since childhood, you may have been curious to try Turkish delights, but that is only one of the delicacies Istanbul, Turkey, has to offer regarding food. Simit – a cross between a pretzel and a bagel is the most famous food to try in Turkey. This freshly baked goody is dipped in molasses and topped with sesame seeds, and you will not regret tasting it.  And, of course, a visit to Turkey is  incomplete without  their famous kebabs.  

7. Hong Kong

A city that’s an amalgamation of people from so many areas of the world, you’re bound to find the best street foods here. No wonder Michelin dropped its first-ever street food guide in Hong Kong. If you’re adventurous with your food, try some infamous turkey kidneys and pig intestines. Or go down the classic road of steamed rice rolls soaked in soy, sesame, and hoisin sauce.

8. Paris, France

French food is known to be the most sophisticated and complex, but you will also find France famous for its humble food stalls.  Amongst them, there’s Paris’s favorite crepes, especially buckwheat crepes with gruyere, ham, and egg. They are perfectly  crispy around the edges yet soft in the middle.  And do try some freshly baked croissants on the streets!

9. Cairo, Egypt

Egyptian street food is famous, especially delicacies like shawarmas, falafels, and koftas – items that have entered the global markets. But in the heart of Cairo, you’ll find much more than your basic shawarma – amazing blends of rice, pasta, lentils, etc. And you must try the local kunafa with some hot tea to wash down the sweetness. With a wide range of teas, savory items, and the best desserts, you will not be disappointed with the food scene in Cairo!

10. Seoul, South Korea

As South Korea slowly takes over the music world, it’s also become famous for its street food. In LA, you will find many Korean restaurants serving street food and BBQ, but nothing is better than the original. Set aside a whole day in Seoul to try as many street foods as you can,   including Korean hotdogs, fish cakes, rice cakes, and, of course, Korean fried chicken.  

• Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.

Crime is at an all-time high in the United States, and people are fleeing the most dangerous cities in favor of safer places. Here are the top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States today.

• “Watch Your Wallet” 10 Tourist Traps Everyone Inevitably Experiences

When it comes to traveling, every city has its charms and its traps. However, some cities are more known for their tourist traps than others. In a popular thread on a social media platform, travelers were asked which cities they believed to be the biggest tourist traps. Here are the top 10 cities that made the list.

• “The Italian Countryside For Me” 10 Places To Move To If Money Were No Big Deal

The United States is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes, from towering mountain ranges to breathtaking coastlines. When asked where the most beautiful place in the United States is, users on an AskReddit thread had no shortage of stunning locations to share. Here are ten of the most popular responses:

• “Don’t Be A Mooch” 10 Things Canadians Will Judge You For If You Don’t Do

When it comes to travel trailers, there are a lot of different brands on the market. This article will discuss 10 of the best travel trailer brands on the market today. We will describe the features of each brand and give our top pick for the best product. So whether you need space for two people or the whole family, we have you covered.

• States People Are Leaving (And Where They’re Going)

It’s no secret that people are moving around the United States a lot lately. Ever since the rapid increase in housing prices and the rapid decrease of employment since the pandemic, people have been searching for more affordable places to go.  So where are all these people going? Let’s take a look at some of the states that are losing the most people and where they are ending up.

More for You

Scarlett Johansson said she was forced to hire legal counsel to deal with Sam Altman and OpenAI

“American Idol” Has a New Champion! Abi Carter Wins Season 22

Ex-UFC fighter Herrera dies aged 33

The No. 1 way to respond when your in-laws are rude to you, says Harvard-trained etiquette expert

Drumming Legends: The 25 All-Time Best

Sky win first game of season, Angel Reese sets WNBA record

Best Fossil Pokémon of All Time Ranked

Nikki Glaser Nails Why Ben Affleck Bombed At Tom Brady Roast

Simone Biles's New Floor Routine Is Set to a Taylor Swift Song and Fans Are Losing It

North Korea Reacts to 'Nuclear Threat' From US

How To Remove Duct Tape Residue

18 of the Most Profitable At-Home Business Ideas for Moms

Stephen Hawking once gave a simple answer as to whether there was a God

Why quitting can be a superpower that helps your mental health

Supreme Court Issues Overwhelming 8-1 Decision on Second Amendment Preservation Act, Sparking Heated Debate

Kevin Costner Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With 5 of His Children

Taylor Swift Thanks ‘Magical' Fans in Sweden for Breaking All-Time Stadium Attendance Record

'The Voice': Bryan Olesen moves John Legend to tears with emotional ballad in finale lead-up

70 weird things under $20 on Amazon that are legitimately amazing

50 Jobs That No Longer Exist

Bangkok Street Food

Popular dishes

Veggie Ramen

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

233 W Main St

Central, SC 29630

You Might Also Consider

3.8 miles away from Bangkok Street Food

Zaxby's already perfected chicken, so we headed to the sea! Our NEW butterflied fried shrimp is perfectly paired with a combination of Zax Sauce and cocktail sauce that we call: Zaxtail Sauce! read more

in Sandwiches, Seafood, Salad

McAlister’s Deli

3.2 miles away from Bangkok Street Food

Jason P. said "I have been here with my family numerous times. The food is always good, the service is prompt and professional, and the restaurant and bathrooms are always clean. This is one of the best values for the price anywhere in Clemson.…" read more

in Salad, Sandwiches, Delis

Amenities and More

Powered by Health Department Intelligence

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Bangkok Street Food .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

We were pleasantly surprised. Great flavor and authentic Pad Sew Ew shrimp Pad Thai chicken

Pad Thai, Chicken

Shrimp Pad Sew Ew, level 3. We were pleasantly surprised. Great Flavor and authentic

I would give this place all the stars. It's very clean, the staff are so kind and informative, and the food is delicious. We will be back. Soon!

This place was my favorite when I attended Clemson!! Food is the best in the Clemson area. Small restaurant with relaxing music. The lady who runs the shop was always so kind and generous! We adored her and will miss her very much!!

I am so happy our friends told us about this new place! It's adorable inside and out, the sweetest owners, who own and run the place, as well as greet, and cook! They do it all. The wife is so funny and sweet to everyone. They didn't have a Yelp page yet, so I made one to help them. But they do have many great Google reviews already! They are new and adding things to their menu daily. And now have new lunch special plates. This place is very authentic. I'm from CA and am used to authentic Thai food. This has different items on the menu -- more street food items you'd find in Bangkok. So rich in flavor! She said she brings ingredients back from Thailand. Their Thai iced drinks are delicious: we tried the Thai iced tea, Thai iced coffee, and Thai iced green -- all delicious! The Thai iced tea is an acquired taste but I've had it since I was young and love it. The iced Thai coffee is foamy and sweet like a liquid frap but a strong coffee taste- my fav! Green iced tea tastes like creamy sweet matcha. They also have Boba tea and others. We first went with friends and ordered: *R9- forgot the name but it's a ground chicken (or pork option) basil brown sauce w bell peppers and onions over rice. Delicious!! Flavorful and light. *spicy noodles w shrimp (it's similar to pad see ew but spicy). Was very good! *Friends for Pad see ew and the Larb w sticky rice- also good! On our second visit, my son and I tried the pad see ew- very good. Always a fav of mine and they make it great here- saucy and flavorful! We also tried the lunch special of the R9- and it was a smaller portion w a good amount of rice, and a small side salad w ginger miso dressing. Bursting w flavor! $10! And I added a Thai iced coffee on for an extra fee. Yum! My son tried the veggie ramen and loved it! Great broth. They have a few parking spots in their lot, or other street parking. It's casual inside but cute and colorful. A few tables on both sides when you walk in. They serve most things in to go Tupperware in case they're too busy to seat you. They're very helpful and accommodating. She loves kids and is sweet w them. I'm happy to see many orders coming in for them! Order at the counter, take a seat. Card or cash. Call by phone also for to go orders. Remember that it's not a fast food place and they are doing it all by themselves. So be patient and gracious. They still cook fast and it amazes me! All fresh too! This is our new go to spot. Grateful it's in central!

See all photos from Lauren S. for Bangkok Street Food

Great food and quality. We will definitely be back. Spice leve was absolutely perfect!

Chicken Pad See Ew was soo good!!!

Pretty good, great service. Fun little joint and I don't know if id go back on purpose per we but I wouldn't avoid it either!!

I love Thai food and will be coming back every time I visit my Mom. It's wonderful and very authentic. Give the ground chicken a chance too. It really does soak up the flavor better and is quality. The Pad See Eww was heavenly. Please get it

Forgot to take a pic it was so good

I cannot recommend this place enough!!! Naya is incredibly kind and the entire staff as so hard working and caring about the food they produce. I've never had a bad meal here. This is easily the best restaurant in Clemson, make sure you go!!

Bangkok spicy noodle (chicken) and pad Thai (shrimp). SO GOOD!!!

Absolutely FANTASTIC, DELICIOUS and authentic Thai food. We live in Anderson and will drive here every single time to eat Thai food b/c the Thai restaurant in Anderson is just aweful. This little gem is small inside, but you can order online to go. We will happily be back and frequently. We lived in Oceanside, CA for 9 years, and that was my first time eating Thai food & this is every bit as delicious. And the owner is very personable, funny and attentive. I love supporting small businesses and this is one I'll frequent.

Very authentic Thai restaurant. I waited til after my third visit to write since it's new. It's been solid every time w fresh ingredients. If the owners cant offer it fresh they take it off the menu so a few items weren't available like the pork belly but knowing everything is fresh and you can taste it. Even the tuna poke was excellent. My kids have ordered the pad that every time and love it. Drunken noodle is the go to. An easy 5 star especially for the area.

6 other reviews that are not currently recommended

3 Generaciones

Tanya R. said "Best service, food, and cleanliness. They have so many options for food on their menu and execute them perfectly with freshness and heat. This restaurant is truly family oriented and makes you feel like you are apart of the family…" read more

in Burgers, Mexican, Seafood

Jersey Mike’s Subs

3.7 miles away from Bangkok Street Food

Riley O. said "This staff is the bomb! As someone who has worked in quick-service, I understand how taxing it can be to want to interact with guests, but these people genuinely seem like they love talking with their guests. I have never had a bad…" read more

in Sandwiches, Fast Food, Delis

People Also Viewed

Bake and Cook Thai Restaurant

Bangkok Tokyo Restaurant

Kannika’s Thai Kitchen

Thai Lotus Anderson

Basil Thai Cuisine

Tuk Tuk Thai and Vietnamese Kitchen

Best of Central

Things to do in Central

Other Thai Restaurants Nearby

Find more Thai Restaurants near Bangkok Street Food

Browse Nearby

Things to Do

Dining in Central

Search for Reservations

Book a Table in Central