If you’re headed to Bangkok, get ready to gain a pound or two because the Thai food is delicious. With a plethora of markets, local fare, and hidden gems, figuring out where to eat in Bangkok can be confusing. So we’ve helped to make it easy! We’ve broken it up into five restaurant or location types, with specific restaurants or spots to head to and outlined dishes to look out for. Eat your way through Thailand’s capital city with our ultimate foodie guide to what and where to eat in Bangkok.
Markets and Stalls for Street Food
(image via edwin.11, Flickr)
Markets are an essential part of daily life in Bangkok. You’ll find a mix of food, clothing, household goods and pretty much everything in between. Each night market features different stalls and vendors, which means you can eat dinner at a market for a week and never have the same thing twice. Stop by a market bar for a refreshing beer with a side of people watching, pick up various street foods, or spot flea market treasures. Bangkok street food gets you the most bang for your baht!
What and Where to Eat in Bangkok:
JJ Green for cocktails, Thai street food, food truck eats and Western food.
Chatuchak for red ruby, a Thai dessert of water chestnuts and glutinous rice flour, freshly squeezed juices, mango desserts and BBQ meats.
Talad Neon for ‘instaworthy’ eats like liquid nitrogen desserts, cheese-slathered seafood, and even glittery beverages.
Chinatown (Yaowarat) for Chinese and Thai fusion dishes. Indulge in Chinese-style roasted duck, fried rice, grilled skewers and more.
Short on time? Hit up a few markets in one day with a day tour.
Affordable and Local Thai Restaurants
(image via Instagram)
Wondering what to eat in Bangkok that won’t break your vacation budget? Make your way to one of these local shops, especially if you’re hoping to avoid a crowded marketplace. Savor Thai or Thai fusion dishes at these local-approved joints.
What and Where to Eat to Bangkok:
Soei for flavorful Bangkok food. A meal should run you about 200 – 300 THB a person (under $10 USD) or closer to 500 THB (roughly $15 USD) if you’re really hungry. Seasoning like chili, lemongrass, green onions, and sweet basil bring out the essence of fresh seafood and curries.
Mit Ko Yuan for what many call ‘the best tom yum goong in Bangkok’. Stop in this older shophouse for vibrantly colored tom yum goong; a soup consisting of mushrooms, cilantro, and prawns.
Som Tam Nua for casual but tasty dining when you’re out and about. Located in Siam Square, a main shopping and fashion hub, it’s a popular dining option for those looking for a bite between browsing. The papaya salad and barbecued pork are favored meal options.
Goh Loon Nom Jeen Hailam for homemade Hainanese noodles and herbal mutton stew. If you aren’t familiar, Hainan is a Chinese province but you can find tasty Hainanese food right in Bangkok.
Authentic Eats
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It’s often said that you can tell how good restaurant by how crowded it is, these spots prove that theory to be true! Sample traditional food in these restaurants that Bangkok-natives give a thumbs up.
What and Where to Eat in Bangkok:
Thip Samai for the ‘best pad thai in Bangkok’. Be prepared for long wait times, but rest assured- it’s well worth it. Known as a Thai institution, their pad thai and orange juice is a must-try.
Rod Dee Det for beloved Thai food touted as one of the best in Bangkok. Enjoy beef noodle soup, chicken curry rice, and sweet pork. It’s pretty no frills but what it lacks in decor, it makes up for in flavor.
Somtum Der Restaurant for mouth-watering papaya salad using ingredients such as salted egg, barbequed chicken, and blue crab.
Sud Yod Kuay Teow Reua for ‘boat noodles’; originally served from boats on Bangkok’s network of canals, find Bangkok’s best boat noodles at this restaurant.
Fine Dining
(image via Instagram)
Treat yourself to a night of fine dining in Bangkok. Try next level Thai, French and fusion cuisine that will make for an unforgettable evening.
What and Where to Eat in Bangkok:
Le Du for delightful, seasonal, Thai food in Bangkok. Le Du was named as one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017, and the title is well deserved as Le Du incorporates the terrain of Bangkok into their culinary creations. Order the poached oysters with spicy green mango relish and a glass of wine from their list compiled by an expert sommelier.
Le Normandie Bangkok for imaginative French cuisines while taking in views of the Chao Phraya River. Dine in elegant surroundings while enjoying the creative cuisine.
Nahm for robust flavors of garlic, shrimp paste and chilies melded together for a sophisticated palate. Nahm goes back to basics, serving up curries, soups and stir-frys not often seen in modern Thai restaurants.
Savelberg for a modern French menu with a touch of Dutch influence. Chef Henk Savelberg heralds from the Netherlands where he was awarded a Michelin star. He brings his expertise to Bangkok with Savelberg.
Cute Cafes
(image via Instagram)
Sightseeing works up an appetite, so be sure to replenish your energy with some caffeine and a dessert or snack at one of Bangkok’s adorable cafes.
What and Where to Eat in Bangkok:
Karmakamet Diner for the Instagram-worthy ‘The Strawberry in the Clouds’ dessert; strawberry shortcake is covered by a huge balloon of rainbow cotton candy. After that sugar rush, try the crab pasta or croque madame. Don’t forget to admire the charming and rustic environment. Check out the vintage bottles, flowers and retro baskets hanging from the ceiling.
Petite Audrey for the Thai Tea Crepe Cake, a millefeuille style cake in a Thai tea flavor. Layers of thin crepes are smothered in a Thai tea glaze. Look around the restaurant to see decor inspired by the Audrey Hepburn classic, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’.
Featherstone Bistro Cafe and Lifestyle Shop for the eclectic atmosphere, Signature Sparkling Apothecary drinks or a great cup of coffee. Settle into the cozy Featherstone Bistro Cafe and feel like you’re savoring a meal in a friend’s living room.
Vanilla Bake Shop for freshly baked goods, buttery pastries, and handcrafted desserts in a quaint shop. Those with a sweet tooth will want to order the Lychee Lavender Sundae Cream Float, a floral and creamy treat in a fun, pink hue.
With this list of what and where to eat in Bangkok, it’s clear that the city is a foodie paradise! Just be sure to pack a pair of stretchy pants for the inevitable food baby!
