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While I do live in Bangkok, I cannot take credit for all these recommendations. Most of which, were recommended to me by various friends, travelers, residents, food bloggers, etc during my time in the city. Now, I’m passing along the favor and have compiled a list of all my favorite bites in Bangkok so that you too can benefit from my persistentant questioning of anyone who knows and loves Thai food.
This post will be continuously updated with my favorite eats around the city as I continue to explore the corners of Bangkok most tourists don’t get to see. These are the places that I feel like are overlooked. While yes, Jay Fai and her famous crab omelettes are exceptional, there is so much more to eat in this city; why waste time in a 3-hour queue?
These Are The Best Places To Eat in Bangkok, Thailand
Spoiler. Not a single one is on or near Khao San Road. Most of this list is Thai food, but Bangkok is one of the rare cities in SE Asia where you can get a damn good smash burger or pizza as well. I don’t blame you for going global in this city.
You can literally walk outside and find 1,000 amazing places to eat in Bangkok just by walking the neighborhood you’re in, but that is part of what can make eating in this city so overwhelming. That’s where the list comes in. This is a great place to start if you’re not feeling like navigating by nose.
Note: It’s not in order. I couldn’t possibly accurately rank each place as they are all so drastically different. At the end of this blog post, I have a quick section for those looking for the top 5 places to eat in Bangkok to have a diverse look at the culinary offerings of the city.
1. Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
- Neighborhood: Chinatown adjacent.
- Price Point: $
- Ranking: 10/10.
- Must-Order: Fried noodles with chicken, bacon, and runny egg.
I’m starting with one of the most affordable and mouth-watering meals I’ve yet to eat in Bangkok. Like many shops, this place pretty much serves only two items, and they are both delicious. Fried noodles (like deep-fried in a very light batter) and topped with your choice of other items. Runny egg is customary, and I highly recommend it. You can also get some delicious fried wontons here.
Chinatown is bursting with street food. And restaurants. The streets surrounding Yaowarat are a foodie haven. I will not be including ALL of the street eats from Chinatown on this list. But you should pop into Weng (Hong Kong Noodle + crab fried rice), Rong Klan Nuea (beef noodle soup), Khao Moo Daeng Si Morakot (crispy pork + rice, there are two very similar places next door but don’t choose the wrong one), Gu Long Bao (delicious affordable bao, they even have vegan ones), and Urai Braised Goose.
2. Ubon Chaew Horn
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $
- Ranking: 8/10
- Must-Order: Sun-dried fried beef, pork neck with rice powder
This is a true local joint. There isn’t a lick of English on the menu, and its pages are filled with bitter soup, laab topped with bile, cartilage, and offal. This is where you try real Thai food. I recommend a sour soup with beef, sticky rice, and fried beef pieces that were sun-dried for a day after being marinated in fish sauce and spices. Don’t forget to drink a large 80 baht beer while you’re here. Expect Thai-level spice.
Part of the joy is the under-the-bridge ambiance.
3. Phed Phed Lhay
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 9/10
- Must-Order: Strawberry Som Tam, Pork Chop, fried chicken skin, hot pot, anything on the menu.
Another truly local joint where, if you happen to be foreign, you’ll probably be the only one in there. If you get a table that is. This spot fills up quickly and has a tendency to be on a long wait. For good reason. I mean, strawberry Som Tam?? You won’t find that unique combination anywhere else.
4. Piranya@Siam
- Neighborhood: Siam
- Price Point: $
- Ranking: 8/10
- Must-Order: Tom Yum Noodle and crispy shrimp balls.
They have a very small, unassuming spot, but you can tell by the who’s who on the photos covering the wall that it’s famous. It’s also delicious and not too spicy if you are struggling with other places on this list.
5. Pho Mo Fai
- Neighborhood: Thon Buri
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 8/10
- Must-Order: Hot pot + homemade ice cream, a winning combination
From the line, you’ll be able to tell this is a Thai favorite. I enjoy the Chinese pork sausage and anything shrimp in the hot pot. All the ice cream is tasty, too.
Keep in mind that they are closed for a few days during the week before you make the adventure over to Thon Buri.
Jeh o’ Chula is one of the most famous foodie spots in Chinatown. But after queuing for over an hour, I was honestly a little let down by the food. Beauty and the Pot is an INCREDIBLE hot pot place with MaLa hotpot and collagen broth. It’s a little pricier but totally worth it.
6. Lhao Lhao
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $
- Ranking: 10/10
- Must-Order: Crispy pork + Kale, Sour Soup with pork meatballs, fried rice with crab.
Lhau Lhau is one of those multi-level local places that seem to get busier as the night goes on. It’s great for groups, has excellent seafood, cheap(ish) beer, and is one of my go-to places in Bangkok.
7. Kenny’s
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 10/10
- Must-Order: Gambas and Laarb Pizza.
Kenny’s isn’t exactly Thai food. But it’s not NOT Thai food. A casual date night spot that gets quite busy, the pizza here is to die for. Not necessarily traditional. The magic is in the Thai fusion pies. Also, the Gambas have no business being as good as they are.
If you’re looking for the *best* pizza in Bangkok, Across 100 is probably top of that list. But it is more on the expensive side. While we’re on the subject of crazy good food that’s not Thai in Bangkok, Smizzle has the best smash burgers in the city. Larder is an icon when it comes to breakfast food and charcuterie fixings.
8. Ong Tong
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 9/10
- Must-Order: Khao Soi of any kind.
Located just off the Ari BTS station on the main drag is this busy and Instagram-famous joint that has been recognized by the Michelin guide in recent years. I’ve heard the quality has dropped a little as the volume has gone up, but I still really enjoyed the dry Khao Soi noodles and anything else that I’ve ordered here. It is a little on the pricey side when it comes to the traditional Northern Thai curry dish.
Insider Tip: At some point in your Bangkok travels, you have to try “Kaya Toast”. This pale green coconut/pandan-flavored custard is a staple in Southeast Asia. You’ll most commonly find it in Malaysia (and Singapore), but it has taken over Thailand as well. There are entire shops and street carts dedicated to Kaya Toast.
9. Lay Lao
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 9/10
- Must-Order: Crab fried rice, pork neck.
I’ve never eaten anything that wasn’t delicious and deeply satisfying at Lay Lao. This place, too, is Michelin-recognized and serves a huge list of Eastern Thai dishes. I’ve eaten here no less than 10 times in the last 6 months alone, and even though it can be on the pricier side, it’s always packed. Because it’s worth it.
10. Konchong Konprung
- Neighborhood: Saphan Kwai
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 7/10
- Must-Order: crispy chicken in red Shaoxing sauce, and preserved plum drink
This is Chinese/Thai comfort food. And unlike most places on this list, there’s really only one or two things worth ordering here. This is a Bib Gourmand (formerly) spot, and while the quality may have slipped somewhat, the crispy chicken in red Shaoxing sauce is to die for. A frosty glass of plum is a perfect final touch.
11. Saphan Kwai Authentic Basil Restaurant
- Neighborhood: Saphan Kwai
- Price Point: $
- Ranking: 9/10
- Must-Order: The classic Pad Ka Pao
The “iconic” spot is Original Pad Kra Pao 1993. And while both are incredibly tasty, I personally prefer Saphan Kwai Authentic Basil Restaurant. Why? Because it’s not touristy, spicier, and the owner is so kind. Try them both and see which you prefer. If you’re looking for a fun Pad Ka Pao variation, try Rodchad Kaprow. It’s near the tourist areas of Bangkok, so very convenient, and they do a fried chicken version that is to die for.
12. Jong Dim Sum
- Neighborhood: Saphan Kwai
- Price Point: $
- Ranking: 9/10
- Must-Order: Har Gow, Pork Fried Noodles, custard bun, and a large coffee (it’s delicious, sweet, and HUGE).
Jong is a Thai/Chinese Dim Sum joint. This means it’s neither traditionally Thai nor Chinese Dim Sum. But it is totally delicious. It’s my guilty pleasure/hangover spot. Everything on the menu is fabulous, including the free Pandon tea, and I prefer to eat upstairs.
If you’re craving takeout Dim Sum and want a mission, Dim Sum Zai is a hole-in-the-wall spot only open for 2 hours, 4 days a week, and has incredible dim sum staples. I didn’t give it its own spot on this list, as most people won’t be able to squeeze their narrow opening hours into their itinerary. But it deserves a mention.
13. No Bar Wine Bar
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $$$
- Ranking: 10/10
- Must-Order: Whatever’s on the rotating menu with some natural wine, of course.
I had to put one fancy Thai favorite on this list. Because your visit to Bangkok isn’t complete without paying a visit to one of its high-end yet non-pretentious eating institutions. No Bar Wine Bar, is exactly that, a wine bar. It specializes in natural wines with a symphony of flavors and feels like a chic house party, but with tables, of course. It lands itself on this list because it also serves phenomenal small Thai bites that are worth eating even if I wasn’t a huge fan of wine.
Feeling Fancy? I didn’t want to fill this guide on where to eat in Bangkok with bougie places the average traveler can’t afford. But living in Bangkok means I go out to fancy meals occasionally, and this is where a city like Bangkok really shines. Surf is excellent for seafood (and fries). Mod Kaew is a trendy natural wine bar with killer food, and CharmGang is also on the higher end.
14. Kalyana Restaurant
- Neighborhood: Victory Monument
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 7/10
- Must Order: Fermented Tea Leaf Salad, Shan Noodle, etc.
I had to include at least one Burmese restaurant on this list. Myanmar is one of my long-time favorite countries and cuisines. Granted, Myanmar food is as diverse as Thai food, so Myanmar cuisine means so many different things. Kalyana used to be my go-to for Mala Fries in addition to Burmese eats, but they recently got rid of those. I love that the menu separates each region of Myanmar so you know exactly where the dish you’re about to eat hails from.
15. Pak Nang
- Neighborhood: Ari
- Price Point: $$
- Ranking: 10/10
- Must-Order: Anything labeled as recommended.
I don’t want to recommend any one particular item at Pak Nang because I haven’t yet dug my way through the massive Southern Thai Menu they have. Pak Nang is like your Grandma’s house meets chic restaurant. The decor is perfect and the food is SPICY (all caps). Like the hottest meal I have ever eaten. Be warned. It’s known to have some of the most authentic Southern Thai eats in Bangkok. They also offer a few craft cocktails with Thai ingredients.
16. Boat Noodle Alley
- Neighborhood: Victory Monument
- Price Point: $
- Ranking: 8/10
- Must-Order: ALL THE BOAT NOODLES
Boat Noodles are a traditional Thai noodle soup featuring small, flavorful portions of rice noodles in a rich broth flavored with spices and often thickened with pig’s blood. This alleyway near the canal serves endless little bowls all day and into the night for 18 baht each. I happily will eat 6-10 of them myself. The small sizes also allow you to sample the different varieties, namely: Nam Tok (beef/pork with coagulated blood broth), Tom Yum (spicy and sour broth), and Yen Ta Fo (pink, fermented tofu broth).
Insider Tip: This is a bit of a local hideaway, and again, not Thai, but Devil’s Curry is just around the corner from boat noodle alley, and if you’re a spicy food lover or just craving some heavier katsu-fare after your small bowls of soup…pop in for a DELICIOUS pork katsu with spicy curry. Heed their spice warnings, though, and choose wisely.
Short on Time: Here’s What I Think You CAN’T Miss When Eating in Bangkok
- Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
- Ubon Chaew Horn
- Lhau Lhau
- Boat Noodle Alley
- Phed Phed
- Pak Nang (if you can handle the heat)
Map of My Favorite Places to Eat in Bangkok
The truth is, everyone is going to have a different opinion on the best places to eat in Bangkok. But I have eaten at all of these spots and wrote them down as my most memorable meals in Thailand. I’d love for you to experience the joy this food brought me too.
I will try to keep this list of Best Bangkok eats as up to date as possible during my time in Thailand. Bon appétit and happy eating!
Save This Blog Post of Best Bangkok Eats For Later!
