Bangkok Food Guide: Where To Eat

BANGKOK | It’s no secret that Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise. Bangkok has a reputation as one of the best cities in the world for food, and it’s one that’s well deserved.

You can read more about specific foods and dishes that I enjoyed in my article, ‘What To Eat In Thailand‘. The focus of this Bangkok food guide is to help you find some of the best places to eat and drink in Bangkok.

In this Bangkok Food Guide, updated as at May 2023, I’ll tell you the places to visit to try these dishes. There’s a mixture of traditional street food spots that have been perfecting single dishes for generations, new spots by young chefs who are putting their own, contemporary spin on Thai food, and everything in between.

I’ve placed the tips in alphabetical order, and they’re all worth checking out. Are any of your favourites listed below? Are there any places that you think should be on my Bangkok food guide?


100 Mahaseth

Visit chefs Chalee Kader and Chaichat ‘Randy’ Noprapa’s restaurant, 100 Mahaseth. for cooking some of the best contemporary Thai food in town.

It’s a ‘nose-to-tail’ and ‘root-to-fruit’ restaurant, focusing on modern takes on the Isaan food heritage of Thailand’s north-east. Ingredients are of the highest quality, sourced from local farmers and producers across the country. As much as possible is done on site, including dry aging and fermenting.

a Coffee Roaster by li-bra-ry

a Coffee Roaster by li-bra-ry is a coffee roastery and café in Bangkok’s trendy ‘Warehouse 30’. They have a reputation for brewing some of the best coffee you’ll enjoy in the city.

There’s the signature house blend, along with a rotating selection of single origin beans. All beans are roasted on-site. Coffee is brewed any way you like, with an array of hot and cold filter and espresso drinks on offer. There’s also a small menu of brunch items and sweets.

As.is

As.is is a specialty coffee shop and roastery offering some of the best coffee in Bangkok. Ethically sourced beans come from independent growers in Chaing Mai, and are used to brew As.is’ wide selection of espresso and filter coffees.

If you’re hungry, As.is offers a small selection of eat in and grab and go items.

Ba Hao 八號

Ba Hao 八號 is a small bar in Bangkok’s Chinatown, in a converted 1950s shophouse, inspired by 1970s Hong Kong.

Visit for Cantonese inspired cocktails and bar snacks, with threads of Thai influence weaved throughout. In particular, the Yaowaraj cuisine that developed in Bangkok’s Chinatown as Chinese immigrants moved into the neighbourhood.

Bar Scofflaws

Bar Scofflaws is a low-lit speakeasy-type bar, named after the cocktail that originated in France in 1924, as part of a movement to “scoff” at the law banning alcohol. It’s also a subtle dig at the restrictive alcohol laws currently in place in Thailand.

Visit for interesting takes on the classics, and exciting house creations made using local produce with exemplary technique.

BKK Social Club

Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok you’ll find BKK Social Club. The bar, which is number 10 on the “World’s 50 Best Bars” list, is inspired by the vibrant bar scene of 1970s and 1980s Buenos Aires. Drinks and snacks draw upon Argentina and wider Latin America for influences, with some Thai influences too.

Charmgang

Charmgang is a restaurant by ex-Nahm chefs Aruss “Jai” Lerlerstkull, Atcharaporn “Aew” Kiatthanawat, Geravich “Mew” Mesaengnilverakul, and visual designer Saran Yen Panya. It’s about serving authentic Thai flavours and recipes that are becoming harder to find, but presented in modern ways.

It’s a homage to Thailand’s culinary history and culture, with a particular focus on curries, grilled items, and dips. The menu changes monthly, with each chef specialising in one of the three focuses.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market, which opened in 1942, is the largest market in Thailand. There are distinct sections of the market to help make navigating the sprawling space easier.

Food and beverage can be found in sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, 27. Head over for almost 100 vendors selling an assortment of fresh fruit, Thai milk tea, street food, and other tasty delights.

Coffeeology

Coffeeology is a small chain of Bangkok cafes that source their beans from their own farms, and roast in-house, controlling the entire bean to cup process. The result is excellent coffee.

Order an unsweetened espresso or filter based drink to get the full experience of the beans. There’s also a wide selection of flavoured coffee drinks if you’re after something different, along with a small selection of cookies, pastries, and cakes.

Err Urban Rustic Thai

At Err Urban Rustic Thai, chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones have created a Thai street food influenced menu. Bold, rustic dishes designed to share, inspired by Thailand’s diverse regions.

Err maintains a close relationship with local farmers and producers throughout Thailand. Everything they do is centred around the pillars of minimal-waste, sustainability, and local produce.

Factory Coffee

For some of the best coffee in Bangkok, head to Factory Coffee. The modern roastery and café, has a minimalist warehouse aesthetic, and is very popular with locals. Beans are ethically soured from around the world, and roasted on site. There’s every kind of espresso and filter based coffee you could want, from the classics through to house creations.

If you’re really into coffee, you can sign up for one of Factory’s classes and workshops, run almost every day, on site.

Hair of the Dog

With two locations in Bangkok, Hair of the Dog is a great place to visit if you’re into craft beer. Each location has 13 rotating taps. and hundreds of bottles from the world’s best craft breweries.

If you’re at the Phrom Phong location, you’ll find cocktail bar, The Clinic, upstairs.

Hia Tai Kee

Hia Tai Kee is one one of the few remaining traditional shophouse-style coffee shops in Bangkok. Little has changed since it opened in 1952. Advertisements, photos, and newspaper clippings from the cafe’s past line the walls.

On the menu, you’ll find traditional Thai breakfast dishes, along with Thai takes on classic Western breakfast items.

Jay Fai

Street food spot Jay Fai, named after founder Supinya “Jay Fai” Junsuta, was founded in the 1980s. The place skyrocketed in recognition after receiving a Michelin Star in the 2018 guide, and being the focus of the 2019 Bangkok episode of the Netflix series, “Street Food”.

The focus is on wok-cooked seafood dishes, using top quality market fresh produce. Each dish is cooked to order by the sole cook, Jay Fai.

Jeh O Chula

Jeh O Chula opened in 1967, selling khao tom (Thai rice soup) and ped palo (stewed duck). You can still order these dishes, but today they’re best known for selling one of Bangkok’s best bowls of tom yum.

Specifically, it’s their Mama O-ho Tom Yum that’s a must try. The soup started its life as a staff meal, perfected over time by the current owners, the grandchildren of the original founder.

Kor Panit

Kor Panit (also translated as Kor Panich) was opened by two former Grand Palace royal chefs in 1932. It was one of the first places to sell kao niew mamuang, aka mango sticky rice to everyday Bangkok locals.

The family recipe used today is the same as it’s always been. A combination of mango with glutinous sweet rice, topped with coconut milk and crisp yellow mung beans.

Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice

A newer place to try mango sticky rice is at Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice. They’re considered to have one of the best versions in town, sourcing the finest ingredients from independent Thai farmers. It’s my favourite place in Bangkok for the iconic dessert.

MASH Craft Brews & Bites

MASH Craft Brews & Bites is the place to visit if you’re in Bangkok and looking for some quality craft beer and burgers. Across MASH’s 16 taps and in the fridges, you’ll find a mix of local and international craft beers. If you’re not in the mood for beer, there’s also a small wine, spirit, and cocktail list.

Nai Mong Hoi Thod

If you ask locals where to find the best oyster omelette in Bangkok, Nai Mong Hoi Thod is a name you’ll hear repeated often. The Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Chinatown hole has been going strong for over 30 years, frying its signature egg and rice flour mixture in lard with a whole lot of oysters.

You can get both a crispy and regular version of the classic Thai street food dish at Hai Mong Hoi Thod. My advice? Get both.

Natthaphon Coconut Ice Cream

Run by the third generation of the family that started the business, Natthapon Coconut Ice Cream have been making ice-cream from the same location for over 60 years. There’s popular flavours like Thai milk tea, coconut, and coffee, along with a rotating selection of seasonal flavours

You can enjoy your ice-cream on its own, or with your choice of a variety of toppings like shredded coconut, aloe vera jelly, and coconut sticky rice.

Om’s Living Room

Om’s Living Room is a tiny craft beer bar located in the residential backstreets of Silom. Across the 12 taps, you’ll mostly find beers from local independent Thai brewers, plus a few taps dedicated to crafty imports, and a “mainstream” tap pouring Singha, Asahi Superdry, and the like.

Or Tor Kor Market

Or Tor Kor Market is one of the world’s top fresh markets. Visit for fresh tropical fruits like mangosteen, durian, and lychees. Once done, head over to the cooked food section, which spans several “alleys” and a food court.

There’s vendors selling assorted curries, soups, and nam priks (chili sauces and dips). There’s an array of dried, fried and steamed products, and skewers being grilled over charcoal.

Phed Mark

Phed Mark is a small restaurant specialising in pad kaprao, one of Thailand’s most popular dishes. Pad kaprao is a dish consisting of protein stir fried with Thai holy basil, garlic, and chillies. It’s served over rice, and usually topped with a fried egg. The main seasonings are soy sauce, Thai fish sauce, oyster sauce, cane sugar, and bird’s eye chili.

At Phed Mark, there’s a few protein choices on offer, including a vegetarian option, and several levels of spice to choose from. It’s my favourite place for pad kaprao in Bangkok.

Sanguan Sri

Sanguan Sri opened in 1970, and harkens back to a different era. Miss Sanguansri ran the restaurant until she passed away aged almost 100, several years ago. She left no heirs, passing the restaurant down to her staff, many of who have been here since the start.

Visit for a selection of signature classic Thai curries and other home-style dishes, plus several rotating daily specials. Portions are small and affordable, allowing you to order a few different things.

Sarinthip Thai Dessert Shop Taladplu

Sarinthip Thai Dessert Shop Taladplu is a family-run stall that’s been making traditional khanom beurng (thai crepes) for four generations.

Unlike Western-style crepes, the batter is fried, forming a light, thin, crispy casing for the fillings. Choose from a sweet version with shredded coconut and foi thong (golden egg yolk threads), and a savoury option filled with shrimp paste.

Small Dinner Club

Small Dinner Club is a 12 seater chef’s table restaurant by owner/head chef Sareen Rojanametin, that challenges preconceptions about Thai food and ingredients, opening up new perspectives on what’s possible, and stoking a sense of discovery.

You’re given the name of the dish as it arrives, its inspiration, and nothing more. After you’ve had a few bites, Sareen and his team ask you questions and give you more details about the dish – ingredients, techniques, and the story behind the dish.

It’s one of the most exciting and unique dining experiences in Bangkok.

Talat Phlu Dessert Shop

Talat Phlu Dessert Shop has been around since 1989, and has been consistently popular with locals ever since. The formula is simple. An assortment of quality traditional Thai desserts, made using family recipes passed down through the generations, at affordable prices.

The Commons (Thonglor)

The Commons is a small semi-outdoor retail space in Bangkok’s Khet Watthana neighbourhood, spread across four levels, with a focus on local, independent retail and dining.

On the ground floor, it’s an open food court with quality international and Thai cuisine. Buenazo, a Peruvian restaurant with a socially conscious ethos, is well worth checking out. If you’re a fan of craft beer, be sure to visit The Beer Cap.

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

The Originals Mae On’s Curry Over Rice at Saphan Han is a curry rice stall that’s been popular with Bangkok locals for over 50 years. Visit for an assortment of tasty curries, stir fry dishes, and a few other things, served with rice.

The food is designed to share, with servings sizes being manageable (and prices low), to allow diners to try a few different things. Everything is cooked by the one chef, who hails from the lower northern Thai province of Phichit.

Toy Kuay Teow Ruea Boat Noodles

Toy Kuay Teow Ruea is one of Bangkok’s original boat noodle spots, located directly on the canal close to the city’s Victory Monument

15 bhat gets you a small bowl of noodles containing your choice of tender, slow cooked beef or pork, meatballs, greens, and noodles, inside a rich, dark broth infused with a fragrant mix of Thai spices and chillies.

Tub Tim Krob Siam

There are many places in Bangkok where you can find the popular dessert, tub tim krob. Tub Tim Krob Siam, which has been in operation for over 50 years, is one of the best. Tapioca flour coated water chestnut pearls, which resemble pomegranate seeds, float in a mixture of crushed ice and coconut milk. Start with the basic, and add one or more of the toppings on offer.

Vesper Cocktail Bar

Vesper Cocktail Bar is an “Asia’s 50 Best” award-winning bar, offering broadly European inspired cocktails, with nods to the bar’s Thai surrounds. Classics are available on request, and there’s also a small selection non-alcoholic cocktails, red and white wine, and bubbles.

If you’re in the mood for a bite, Vesper offers a handful of bar snacks.

Yasothon Duck Larb

Yasothon Duck Larb is a great place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy Issan-style Thai dishes. The restaurant is set up along the street with small tables and stools lining either side of the kitchen and counter. It’s full of locals, and has a wonderful, lively atmosphere.

Everything is in Thai by default, but an English menu is available on request. On it, you’ll find the same dishes as the Thai menu, with nothing toned down. The signature duck larb is a must try.

Yentafo Convent

Yen ta fo is a Thai soup recognisable for its bright pink, sweet, savoury, and sour broth. Yentafo Convent have been serving up the dish for over 40 years, which many rate as one of the best versions in town.

There’s two noodle options on the menu. Yen ta fo, and clear broth minced pork and seafood bowl. Both come as a small or large serve, with your choice of flat rice vermicelli, egg noodles, rice noodles, or flat rice noodles.

โรงเบียร์สหประชาชื่น United Peoples Brewery

โรงเบียร์สหประชาชื่น United Peoples Brewery is one of the best places in Bangkok for lovers of craft beer. On tap and in the fridges, you’ll find an assortment of mostly Thai beers, covering all kinds of styles.

If you’re not a beer fan, there’s a good selection of ciders and meads, including some experimental options. If you’re hungry, there’s a substantial menu filled with Thai and Western style pub food that goes great with beer.


Have you been to Bangkok before? What are your favourite things to eat there, and your favourite place to eat them? What would you add to this Bangkok Food Guide?

Check out my guide of What To Eat In Thailand for a rundown of the best local dishes and things to eat in Bangkok.

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