The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Bangkok

If you're seeking an authentic taste of Southern Thailand that’s more approachable than the elusive Sorn, check out this humble air-conditioned shack on the town's outskirts. The menu brims with regional delights like stir-fried malindjo leaves with eggs, pork in shrimp paste with stink beans, and, of course, gaeng tai pla (fermented fish organ curry). The kitchen delivers an intensely flavorful and spicy experience of Southern Thailand that’s as close as you can get without flying to Hat Yai. Note: The second branch mentioned here outshines the first.

Consider this market your ultimate Thai food paradise. In addition to a fresh produce section, it offers an array of cooked dishes and desserts available in the open-air food court. For central Thai cuisine, make sure to stop by the Samran Gaeng Thai stall, and treat yourself to a bowl of shaved ice afterward. Other must-try items include cooked seafood, pork satay, fresh durian, and ripe mangoes. 

Once a popular stall at the now-closed Chatuchak Weekend Market, Prik-Yuak has relocated to a cozy, air-conditioned spot on Pradipat Road, nestled in a neighborhood filled with hidden cafes and bars. Despite the upscale setting, the kitchen continues to uphold its reputation for quality; dishes like kanom jeen sao nam (rice vermicelli with fresh coconut milk), rice with shrimp paste, and the humble kai pullo (five-spice pork belly and egg stew, reminiscent of school lunches) remain as delightful as ever.

Gaeng pa, known as “jungle curry,” is one of Thailand's spiciest offerings, boasting a devoted following as evidenced by the always-busy tables at this renowned spot in the Dusit district. Here, you'll find an array of options for this intense, coconut milk-free dish, including frog, snail, quail, and wild boar, alongside the usual chicken, beef, and fish meatballs. Complement your meal with stir-fried catfish in chili paste and river snails sautéed with green peppercorns and wild ginger. And if you're a fan of durian, don't miss the durian ice cream with sticky rice for dessert.

Krua Apsorn boasts several locations throughout Bangkok's charming, historic neighborhoods, making it an ideal stop for a hearty Thai meal while exploring the area. The indulgent crab omelet is a must-try; enhance your order with stir-fried crab with string beans and yellow chilies, river prawns sautéed in garlic, and a bowl of sour lotus stem and prawn soup. Be sure to indulge in the signature coconut sorbet for dessert. If possible, visit the Samsen Road location, where the chef, Pa Dang, spends the most time.

Traditional Thai kanom bueang, or crispy crepes, are vastly different from the typical street-side crepes found throughout Bangkok. Made from mung bean flour, these delicate shells are filled with sweet ingredients like eggs, freshly grated young coconut, foi thong (egg floss), and candied persimmon. For a savory twist, options include dried shrimp, grated coconut, a hint of makrut lime leaves, and shallots. Be prepared for a wait, as this spot is renowned for crafting perfectly crisp crepes, but luckily, there are chairs available for those eager to enjoy their snack after standing in line.

This delightful old-school cafe has been a staple for over 60 years, maintaining its vintage charm even with several locations. Enjoy freshly brewed Thai-style coffee served with condensed milk and complimentary Chinese tea at round marble-topped tables, or opt for one of the trendy drinks like an iced latte. If you're feeling peckish, indulge in the delectably greasy Chinese Western breakfast of fried eggs and Chinese sausages served in a pan, accompanied by kanom pang yad sai (stuffed bread) filled with Chinese sausage and butter.

Situated behind one of Bangkok’s former Thai boxing stadiums, Likhit is renowned for its grilled chicken. The delightfully lean birds are grilled to perfection, smoky yet slightly dry (in a good way), and are served with two dips that the owner, Boonkhem Silathulee, encourages you to blend together. The extensive menu features dishes like papaya salad, laap, and sticky rice, giving the place a distinct northeastern flair.

While roast pork and duck can be found almost anywhere in Bangkok, the century-old Jib Kee will make you forget all the others. The pork is irresistibly crispy and rich, while the duck is both fragrant and meaty. Dining at this open-air shophouse feels like stepping back into Bangkok's history, surrounded by octogenarian servers and a similarly aged clientele. Be sure to order the stewed duck soup as a perfect complement to your rice.

Nai Hong is a humble setup in a hard-to-find alley, specializing in one stellar dish: kuaytiaw khua kai, wide rice noodles stir-fried in lard over coals with chicken and egg. For the full experience, ask the staff to fetch a beer from the nearby mini-mart, and you’ll have a quintessential Bangkok Chinatown meal.

This delightful and lively market feels like a snapshot of Bangkok from 80 years ago. It’s an excellent spot for lunch, featuring a network of vendors and Mytouries that offer dishes — colorful desserts, rich curries, subtly sweet snacks, and rare noodle varieties — that are becoming increasingly scarce in modern Bangkok.

Don’t be misled by the Chinese name; Kim Leng is actually a fantastic spot for authentic Thai home cooking. At the entrance, you'll find ready-to-eat items like chili pastes and crispy fried fish. However, the main attraction here is the mee krob (crispy Thai vermicelli) alongside tom som with fish fillets, hor mok (steamed fish cakes with curry), and a winged bean salad topped with toasted coconut.

If you're ready to endure the queues, this iconic establishment is the most renowned — though not always the best — place in Bangkok for phat Thai. To showcase your Bangkok expertise, order the variant made with “shrimp oil,” which is actually the flavorful fat from the shrimp’s head, and balance the richness with a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.

A Michelin star has transformed this previously low-profile shophouse Mytoury into one of Bangkok’s most renowned dining spots. The focus here is on indulgence, with seafood-laden stir-fries, massive crab-filled omelets, and rich soups crafted by owner Supinya Junsuta, affectionately known as Jay Fai. Nowadays, expect to wait for hours; arriving as early as 10 a.m. can help you avoid the frustration of watching others savor their meals.

Once the top spot for the best sticky rice paired with ripe, sweet mangoes, Kor Panich remains a beloved institution decades later. While Bangkok now boasts numerous options, this small shop at Prang Phuthorn mainly serves takeout, but patrons can still enjoy the iconic mango sticky rice at the singular table inside.

A true classic, Chote Chitr is a quaint Mytoury that has stood the test of time for nearly a century amidst the historic architecture of Prang Phuthorn. Operated by the same family for three generations, it is renowned for its traditional mee krob (crispy vermicelli) served with chicken and shrimp. Other favorites include the signature banana flower salad with coconut milk and toasted chilies, and deep-fried grouper paired with a zesty mango salad. Chote Chitr offers a delightful experience in a charming Rattanakosin-era wooden shophouse setting.

This charming little ice cream shop in the historic Prang Phuthorn area of old Bangkok breathes new life into Thai tropical fruits. Nataporn Ice Cream offers unique flavors such as durian, mango, and coconut juice granita, paired with Thai-style toppings like candied palm seeds, yam, toasted peanuts, corn, red beans, and millet. Enjoy your treat seated among the wooden furniture while taking in views of the communal courtyard.

Nestled on the outskirts of Bangkok’s Chinatown, On Lok Yun has gained fame as a popular selfie spot, featuring wooden booths, cracked floor tiles, and stained walls. Guests love capturing the essence of an all-day old-style Western breakfast, complete with hearty servings of fried eggs, ham, and Chinese sausages. A major highlight is the restaurant’s signature pillowy white bread, served with generous portions of butter, condensed milk, and gaya, a sweet egg-based spread.

While some long-established Muslim Thai restaurants have sadly closed due to COVID, this cozy Mytoury along a bustling road continues to thrive. Known for its wide-ranging halal menu and warm hospitality, Ahmad is especially famous for its goat biryani, spicy oxtail soup, and beef satay. A lesser-known gem here is the delightful mango sticky rice. To beat the lunch crowd, aim to arrive before noon.

Eathai brings the best of Bangkok's street food indoors, free from the sweltering heat. Nestled in the stylish Central Embassy basement, this themed food court has gained popularity for its tasty selection and budget-friendly prices, all within a cool and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to sample the fish-ball noodles and the Vietnamese rice vermicelli topped with grilled pork, along with their desserts and iced teas. The space also features Bangkok Bold Kitchen, a recent Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee and a branch of the Bangkok Bold Cooking School.

Few dishes capture the essence of Thai Chinese cuisine as perfectly as the signature offering at this semi-open shophouse Mytoury in Bangkok's Chinatown: hoi thod. This dish features a crispy, egg-based batter topped with succulent mussels. For those with a more adventurous palate, there's or suan, where the batter remains slightly soft and is garnished with oysters, or or lua, known for its crispy, shard-like batter.

This quaint khao gaeng (curry rice) stall, known for its lengthy name, has been delighting diners for 50 years with a concise menu. Options include stir-fries like the beloved catfish in chili paste, various curries such as the rare gaeng kii lek (cassia leaf curry), and an array of chili dips. Opening bright and early at 7:30 a.m., it's a go-to spot for office workers. While the deep-fried son-in-law eggs and salted egg yolk mixed with pork and crab are showstoppers, the true crowd favorites are the simple yet delicious salted pork and sweet pork.

While it may not be upscale or featured on global food lists, Sa-nguan Sri has been cherished by locals for over 40 years. This small, bustling Mytoury, showing its age, is where many renowned chefs honed their skills in both modern and traditional Thai cuisine. Diners can enjoy a nostalgic experience with dishes like green curry with fish balls, kai palo (braised eggs with pork belly), and crispy fish preserves. If you visit between March and May, don't miss the delightful khao chae (Thai summer rice).

Tep Bar highlights traditional Thai culture with live music and a drink menu featuring ya dong (Thai herbal whiskey) alongside cocktails infused with classic Thai flavors and local craft beers. Its commitment to traditional vibes and ingredients has made it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

While many Thai restaurants in Bangkok shine with a few standout dishes, it’s rare to find one where every item on the menu is exceptional. At this chic establishment, which specializes in the herb-centric and seafood-rich cuisine from the eastern seaboard, you’ll struggle to find anything less than delightful. Be sure to try the crispy fried fish, generously topped with garlic and turmeric, as well as the boldly flavored stir-fry of chicken thighs with Siamese cardamom.

The vicinity of Sam Yan Market, now popular among university students, was once renowned for its seafood dining options. These culinary landmarks were frequently run by Thai Chinese chefs skilled in combining fresh Thai ingredients with Chinese techniques like steaming and stir-frying. While many iconic restaurants have relocated to trendier areas, Nakorn Phochana endures, serving the beloved stir-fried curried crab, tom yum (spicy lemongrass) soup, and langoustine tails that have delighted patrons for half a century. Don’t miss their unique fried rice with Chinese olives, enhanced with fresh chilies, cashews, and lime slices.

Renowned for its authentic recipes and efficient kitchen management, Nom Jit Kai Yang remains the top choice for a satisfying Isan meal. Their selection of som tam (papaya salad) showcases the finest traditional preparations, ranging from simple versions to more elaborate ones featuring Isan’s signature pla ra (preserved fish).

Despite its placement in a dimly lit alley, Charmgang (which translates roughly to 'curry bowl') has steadily built a devoted clientele through word of mouth over the past three years. Operated by three chefs formerly trained under David Thompson at the Michelin-starred Nahm, the ever-changing monthly menu features Thai dishes that have been modernized. Diners can expect innovative starters like grilled scallop salad served on rice crackers, alongside a constantly evolving selection of chile dips. Naturally, the curries remain consistently delectable.

Took Lae Dee (translating to 'Cheap and Good') serves as Bangkok’s all-day diner. Visitors flock here for a mix of Thai, Asian, and Western dishes at any hour. It's the perfect spot after a night out or when jet lag has you yearning for something hearty, such as a burger, fried rice with crispy chicken drumstick and egg, or pad kra praw (spicy meat and basil stir-fried rice). Aim for a counter seat to watch the lively open kitchen in action.

This charming little shophouse on Charoen Krung Road, named after a traditional three-wheeled rickshaw, is run by the husband-and-wife duo Napol (Joe) Jantraget and Saki Hoshino. Despite its size, Sam Lor has made a significant impact on the dining scene. The menu, focused on kap klaem and Thai drinking favorites, features both seasonal tasting menus and a la carte dishes that highlight the freshest market offerings (don’t miss chef Jantraget’s exceptional Thai-style omelet). Additionally, chef Hoshino creates innovative desserts that blend Thai, Japanese, and Western flavors, such as matcha and sweet potato mille-feuille or pink guava cake. Note: Reservations are recommended for the set menu.

A beloved noodle dish in Bangkok is yen ta fo, featuring noodles in a subtly sweet broth, tinted pink from fermented tofu and filled with fish balls. While it can be found almost everywhere, true noodle enthusiasts agree that the finest rendition is at this street stall, where the grumpy owner dictates exactly how and where to sit (couples are advised not to face each other).

Located in the former space of the much-missed Soul Food Mahanakorn, Err carries on the legacy of exceptional casual Thai dining. Led by Dylan Jones and Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava from the Food Trust (formerly of Bo.lan), Err offers beloved dishes such as Chicken Movie (crispy chicken skin with homemade Sriracha) and Isan-style sausages, along with classic Thai drinks like ya dong (herbal spirit) and sato (rice beer).

Operated by the heirs of Thailand’s renowned cartoonist and columnist, the late Prayoon Chanyavongs, Taling Pling offers cherished Thai family recipes in a vibrant, contemporary setting. While the restaurant has several branches in Bangkok, locals favor the original for its specialties like namprik rong reur (chile paste with salted egg), stir-fried dok kajorn with eggs, lemongrass salad topped with crispy fish, rice vermicelli in coconut milk, and custard apple ice cream.

Chef David Thompson’s newest project elevates his passion for traditional Thai recipes from the 1900s. At Aksorn (which means “alphabet”), he sources dishes from funeral books that commemorate the deceased, especially those of notable society women from the 1940s to 1970s. This restaurant aims to reflect a pivotal time in Thai history when quality food transitioned from the wealthy elite's kitchens to the general public. The venue aligns perfectly with this theme, located on the top floor of the original Central Department Store, opened in 1950 and now a significant mixed-use complex.

Mae Waree is likely the only spot in Bangkok where you can indulge in mango and sticky rice any hour of the day, all year round. Situated right at the corner of the bustling Soi Thonglor, this place offers ready-to-eat sets (including a whole peeled mango and a small portion of sticky rice topped with coconut cream) for just 130 baht (about $3.40). Additionally, you'll find a variety of other Thai desserts on display, such as kanom chan, egg floss, and sticky rice with banana.

For an extraordinary afternoon tea experience, secure a table on the sheltered veranda of the historic Authors’ Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. This iconic venue showcases memorabilia from famous writers who have stayed at the hotel, including Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, James Michener, and Noel Coward. Guests can choose from three afternoon tea sets, complete with a variety of finger foods. Don’t miss the freshly baked scones, served with clotted cream and rose petal jam.

Among Bangkok's upscale Thai dining options, Sorn stands out as perhaps the most talked-about, boasting two Michelin stars and a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Even prior to receiving such acclaim, chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri’s intimate 20-seat venue was consistently full, attracting locals with its creative five-course sharing menus inspired by Southern Thai cuisine. While the offerings shift with the seasons, the Gems on Crab Stick—a large steamed crab leg served with crab roe and chile paste—remains a beloved staple. To dine at Sorn, international guests must email for reservations; after demand soared, the restaurant now allows bookings only one month in advance, enhancing its reputation as one of Bangkok's hardest tables to reserve.