Bangkok Food Trip: 19 Restaurants Worth Traveling For [UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023]

Lively, chaotic, and endlessly exciting, Bangkok is a destination everyone must visit at least once in his life. It’s a food lover’s paradise—the ultimate destination for food in Asia, in my opinion. I have scoured the night markets of Taiwan, devoured everything in sight in Japan and Vietnam, and ate my way around delicious Penang, but when I’m alone craving for something hearty, tasty, and unforgettable, I find myself longing for Bangkok.

best restaurants in bangkok
You can spend a week just eating your way around the city and go home still feeling like you’ve barely scratched the surface. You walk down the streets and sample street food, and you think it’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever tried; but in a matter of hours, you will find yet again another one that seems way better—and it never ends. I’m always excited when I have upcoming trips to Thailand because of the food, so below, I have compiled my top 14 places to eat in Bangkok. How many of these have you tried? Can you add more recommendations for my next trips? Enjoy!


1 | Gaggan

best restaurants in bangkok

First things first: the original Gaggan closed its doors last August 2019 and reopened in a new location. My experience was in the "old Gaggan", but I still feel like it still needs to be in this list because Chef Anand Gaggan ... well, is still the same chef handling the other restaurant. Eating at the old Gaggan, holder of 2 Michelin stars and number 4 at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019, was a life-changing experience. The 25-course emoji menu is composed of beautiful, intricate, mind-fucking, perfectly executed dishes. I went here for my 32nd birthday—a meal of a lifetime, and I’m glad I had experienced it before it closed.


best restaurants in bangkok



Gaggan Anand (the new one!)
68 Sukhumvit 31, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongton-Neu, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand
Reservations: +66 98 883 1022/+66 66 98 883 1028/Whatsapp: +66 66 98 883 1028 
Email: reservations@gaggananand.com
Expect to pay: 12,000 baht and up


2 | Nai Ek Roll Noodles

best restaurants in bangkok
Sometimes the most plain-looking dishes are the most delicious. Such is the case of this guay chub (rolled rice noodles) from Nai Ek, a street food institution in Chinatown (open since 1989). In this very busy shop, they serve the noodles chewy and smooth—like al dente pasta. They swim in a peppery broth that is sure to make you break into a sweat, but it’s so good you will be unable to stop slurping. Best of all? The small bowl (which is big enough, in my opinion) is just 50 baht! The crispy pork doesn’t lose its texture even when soaked in the broth—it’s so tasty you will end up ordering an extra platter of it. Believe me, this dish is the first thing you would want to try in Chinatown. (Also, we banged the table upon first slurp, we were so shocked at how good it is.)

best restaurants in bangkok

Nai Ek
442 Soi Yaowarat 9, Bangkok, Thailand
7:30AM - 1:30AM
Expect to pay: 50 - 150 baht


3 | Supanniga Eating Room

best restaurants in bangkok
If you want a taste of traditional Thai home recipes, pop into Supanniga Eating Room and sample their hearty offerings. Their menu is composed of regional, home-style heirloom dishes, the kind that was passed on from generation to generation—or should I say, from grandma to grandma. I am obsessed with their light and tasty Crispy Leaf Fish Salad, dressed simply with fish sauce and lime, giving the salad a bright pop of flavor. The Isaan-style (northeastern Thai) Pork Steak and Panang Beef Shank Curry are both delicious and perfect for sharing. Supanniga has a number of branches around Bangkok (including a dinner cruise), but we went to the flagship one in Thonglor.

best restaurants in bangkok

Supanniga Eating Room (Thonglor)
160/11 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok, Thailand
11:30AM - 2:30PM, 5:30PM - 11:00PM
Expect to pay: 500 baht and up


4 | Kuay Teow Khae


There’s nothing like grabbing a stool in a sidewalk eatery in Bangkok—the quality of street food here is really just different. At Kuay Teow Khae, expect to be satiated with huge bowls of Tom Yum Kuay Teow, not to be confused with Tom Yum Kung, which is the prawn soup we all know. Get the big bowl (60 baht) so you can get all the toppings: crispy pork, red barbecue pork, ground pork, egg, greens, pork meatball, fried garlic, and cilantro. I recommend you try it dry ("haeng")—they serve the soup separately and this way, you get to taste all those toppings undiluted, including the lovely spicy sauce. You can choose which noodles you want too!

Kuay Teow Khae
Convent Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 81 436 4466
7:00AM - 2:00PM 
Expect to pay: 60 - 150 baht


5 | Wattana Panich

best restaurants in bangkok
When friends ask me where to eat in Bangkok, I can’t recommend Wattana Panich enough. Known for their “40-year-old soup”, Wattana Panich is a popular beef noodle restaurant in the Ekkamai district. Locals and tourists flock here to sample their soups and stews. The restaurant uses an ancient cooking method, where the cook just keeps adding ingredients to the remaining stew, allowing the flavor to deepen and develop. The broth they serve is fragrant, complex, and ridiculously good—hints of star anise, cilantro, and a whole bunch of Chinese herbs can be tasted. The beef is literally melt-in-the-mouth. I can’t assure you that you would be satisfied with just one bowl—I had two (plus rice, LOL).

best restaurants in bangkok

Wattana Panich
336-338 Soi Sukhumvit 63, Bangkok, Thailand
10:00AM - 8:00PM
Expect to pay: 80 - 200 baht


6 | Madam Somtum


The Northeastern part of Thailand is known for its regional dishes collectively referred to as Isaan cuisine, and if you’ve never tried any of them, you’re totally missing out. Or perhaps you have, since som tum actually originated from there. At Madam Somtum, expect fresh meat salads and luscious meats. Their Laab Moo (minced pork salad) and Nam Tok Neua (waterfall beef salad) are punchy and studded with herbs, while the Gai Yang (grilled chicken) is juicy and bursting with flavors from the marinade. As for the som tum, you can even watch them make it in front of you! We ordered the Som Tum Tard which has the papaya som tum along with salted egg, rice noodles, kor moo yang (grilled pork neck), pork sausage, culantro, long beans, and pickled mustard greens! So tasty!

Madam Somtum
888/14 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand 
+66 64 862 4552
10:00AM - 10:00PM
Expect to pay: 200 - 300 baht


7 | Yasothon Duck Larb

Laab (or larb, or laap) is not very popular outside of Thailand, and I’ve been campaigning about this dish—a spicy salad with herbs and lime-fish sauce dressing—for ages because IT’S JUST SO FUCKING GOOD. At Yasothon Duck Larb, expect spicy, sour, delicious laab served with basil and crunchy vegetables. The sidewalk shop specializes in Isaan food (Northeast Thai) so you can find things like Nam Tok (spicy beef “waterfall” salad) and Gai Yang (grilled chicken) as well. I didn’t want rice but the laab was so spicy, I just had to order one—even the rice was great. The menu is extensive so you might want to try a variety (spicy salads, grilled meats, seafood). Dining here was one of my favorite moments in Bangkok.

Yasothon Duck Larb
519 Soi Sueksa Witthaya, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 81 754 9867
4:00PM - 10:00PM
Expect to pay: 150 - 250 baht


8 | Nai Soon Charoen Nakhon


I absolutely love duck and would eat some whenever I have the chance—especially if it’s not expensive as fuck as in high-end Chinese restaurants. That’s why when Gary of The Roaming Cook told me about Nai Soon, I almost got thankful that the noodle shop he was originally planning to show me that day was closed! These duck noodles are so comforting—the soup is just so good and savory and the pieces of duck liver make it even more luscious. You may order sliced roasted duck too and just eat it with rice, but I highly suggest you try… both! You may choose which noodles you prefer as well; try the sen yai, which are thick flat rice noodles!

Nai Soon Charoen Nakhon
280 Charoen Nakhon 12 Alley, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 2 437 9357
10:30AM - 7:00PM
Expect to pay: 100 - 250 baht


9 | Tom Yum Kung Banglamphu

Almost every Thai restaurant has tom yum in their menu, but a stroll to Bang Lamphu will make you realize that not all tom yum soups are created equal. The version at the Original Tom Yum Kung Bang Lamphu features fresh giant prawns, coconut strips (giving a bamboo shoot-like texture), shimeji mushrooms, and no added milk, resulting in a spicier flavor. What’s even more unique about their rendition is that they top it with all the shrimp head fat—it’s sinful, it’s glorious, it’s ugly, it’s delicious. When you visit, try other dishes too like Pad Kana Moo—stir-fried pork with Chinese broccoli. So garlicky and tasty!

Tom Yum Kung Banglamphu
198 Soi Kraisi, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
9:00AM - 8:00PM
Expect to pay: 200 - 300 baht


10 | Ongtong Khao Soi


For a taste of Northern Thai food in Bangkok, head over to Ari and try the offerings at the Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Ongtong Khao Soi. Originally from Chiang Mai, this eatery specializes in khao soi, the famous Northern-style curry noodle soup. Here, you can choose from a variety of meats and even order khao soi with rice instead of noodles. We got the pork version which was hearty and delicious; the broth wasn’t overly spicy and rich, so you can actually finish the bowl without being overwhelmed. We also ordered some Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), which comes with an addicting green chili dip and some cabbage; Northern Pork Belly Curry (Hung Lay); and an omelet. Everything was delicious.

Ongtong Khao Soi
31 Phahonyothin Soi 7,  Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 2 003 5254
9:00AM – 8:30PM
Expect to pay: 200 - 300 baht


11 | Sibsong Banna Noodle House


If you want a taste of khao soi in Bangkok, head over to Sibsong Banna Noodle House for a comforting bowl of this delicious Chiang Mai curry soup. While they don’t serve chicken leg over here (they gave me cut-up thigh parts instead), the curry itself is delicious—very creamy and just the right amount of heat. Both fried and blanched noodles are in there, just like a khao soi should. I liked their pickled mustard greens, but I do wish they have cilantro. They also have a beef option and one with offal. Like the previous eatery, expect a long line for lunch so I recommend you go by eleven.

Sibsong Banna Noodle House
18/1 Si Lom 3, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 86 334 1489
7:00AM - 2:30PM
Expect to pay: 100 - 200 baht


12 | Baan Phad Thai

Pad Thai is probably the last thing I would CRAVE for while in Thailand—just because it’s very common everywhere else—but I discovered this restaurant specializing in pad thai, and I just had to visit it. At Baan Phad Thai, they elevate the dish with finer and housemade ingredients. What I love about it though is that they don’t go overboard with it—it tastes like street food, just with better ingredients. I had the Pad Thai Kung Mae Nam Yang, which came topped with giant grilled river prawns! I love their sauce (made of 18 ingredients) which is more sour and salty than sweet. Of course, you can still adjust it according to your liking as the quintessential pad thai condiments are served on each table. The noodles are perfectly chewy too!

Baan Phad Thai
313 315 Maha Chai Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
11:00AM - 9:00PM
Expect to pay: 300 - 400 baht


13 | Thipsamai

best restaurants in bangkok

Watching the cooks at Thipsamai masterfully prepare each order in an almost mechanical manner is such a delight—and it makes the wait less horrible (there’s always a queue outside). I recommend getting the signature pad thai haw kai goong sot (120 baht)—it’s an awesome combination of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. There’s tofu, bean sprouts, and rice noodles, enveloped in a delicate scrambled egg, then finally topped with perfectly cooked, juicy prawns, cilantro, and red peppers. Toppings and sauces are provided in each table—I am obsessed with their pickled chilies! Make sure you try their famous fresh orange juice, which has delicious huge chunks of fruit in it—best OJ I’ve ever had, NO KIDDING.

best restaurants in bangkok

Thipsamai
313 315 Maha Chai Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
5:00PM - 1:00AM
Expect to pay: 200 - 300 baht


14 | Krua Apsorn


With Jay Fai fully booked for centuries ahead, we decided to check out another place famous for crab omelet. Krua Apsorn, with branches in Samsen and Dinso Road (we went to the one in Dinso), serves straight-up Thai comfort food. Its patrons are mostly locals—always a good indication. The kai foo boo or fluffy Thai omelet is a must-try—this rather plain-looking yellow ball will surprise your taste buds, especially once that distinct crab flavor oozes out. I love how the crab taste is pronounced but not overwhelming—best of all, this dish is just 90 baht! Their tom yum goong was tasty but not as spicy as I would’ve liked, and their Seafood Salad was super gorgeous and fresh—I can eat it everyday.

Krua Apsorn
169 Dinso Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
10:30AM - 8:00PM
Expect to pay: 200 - 300 baht


15 | Chinatown (Yaowarat)

best restaurants in bangkok
best restaurants in bangkok
While not technically a "restaurant", Chinatown is really a must-visit for foodies. It’s chaotic, lively, bustling—very Bangkok. People line up for seafood, and in the evenings, for Michelin-recommended donuts. You can basically find everything here—from noodles and dim sum to insects and gigantic prawns. I discovered a lot of its secrets though a tour I had with A Chef’s Tour, where our guide showed us where to get the best satay, noodles filled with dried shrimp, chive cakes, ginger soup, and a whole lot of stuff—including soy sauce ice cream (which is SOOOO GOOD by the way)! You might want to check out the below link and video for more details.

Everyone who wrote a Bangkok food guide included Chinatown in the list, and for good reasons.




Bangkok Chinatown
Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand (main area: Yaowarat Road)
Expect to pay: as low as 50 baht per dish
Book A Chef's Tour's Chinatown Food Tour here.


16 | Ray Cocktail and Bite

Whenever I visit a different country, I make it a point to try the local cuisine, so it’s rare for me to rave about a restaurant that isn’t, say, Thai, in this case. Ray is actually a cocktail bar that features delicious Japanese-inspired bar chow. While the plates are tiny and somewhat pricey, we enjoyed everything we ordered at this intimate-ish venue; they give everyone a welcome bite upon arrival (we got cured fish with truffle and chili oil) and that’s what lured us to the food menu. The ponzu-cured sugi with yuzu jelly and yuzukosho was divine while the AOP Mentaiko Pasta, with chili, garlic, and cod roe, explodes with salinity and spice. They have an extensive cocktail selection too so make sure to partake of some!

Ray Cocktail and Bite
The Salil Hotel Riverside
2052, 7-9 Charoen Krung 72/-1 Alley, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 96 669 2996
6:30PM – 1:30AM
Expect to pay: 500 baht and up


17 | Pad Thai Kratong Thong

After trying our luck at being chance diners in Rongros (we failed), we stumbled upon Pad Thai Kratong Thong, also located around the Wat Pho area. With a menu consisting of crowd favorites, this restaurant is first-timer friendly: anyone looking to try authentic Thai food for the first time will enjoy what they offer. We got some tom yum kung, green curry, and an omelet alongside some grilled pork and pad thai, which is their specialty. The pad thai flavors were great although I didn’t care much for the crispy thing it came with; the curries and soups were spicy but not offensive. Be prepared to fall in line though as it’s located in a touristy area!

Pad Thai Kratong Thong
270-272 Maha Rat Rd,  Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 84 716 8185
10:00AM – 5:30PM
Expect to pay: 200 - 300 baht


18 | Thong Smith Siamese Boat Noodles

As someone who wants to try all the street food stalls and skip mall establishments, I refused to dine in the malls until I absolutely had no choice. Well, what a pleasant surprise! Thong Smith Siamese Boat Noodles in Siam Paragon is one of our better meals in Bangkok. Here, you can choose from a selection of meats (pork, beef) and noodles (rice, vermicelli, egg), specify the spice level, and even order “dry” versions. The Beef Boat Noodles with Soup is rich and comforting with a slight sourness and sweetness (and a burst of herbs each bite). The Dry Pork Noodles is just as tasty—there’s some clear soup served on the side so you can moisten up your noodles as you wish. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, they have options with wagyu and kurobuta as well.

Thong Smith Siamese Boat Noodles
Centralworld, 10330, Thailand, Bangkok, Zone B
10:00AM – 9:30PM
Expect to pay: 200 - 300 baht


19 | Khao Gaeng Jake Puey

best restaurants in bangkok
No trip to Thailand is complete without eating curry. If you watch food shows on Netflix, then you must be already familiar with Khao Gaeng Jake Puey—the legendary curry stall in Chinatown. Going here is a truly unique experience. The restaurant—if you can even call it that—is composed simply of a cart holding pots of curry and plastic stools scattered around, no tables! You fall in line, order, grab a stool, place your plate on your lap, and devour their delicious curry. Try the green curry, and choose whether you want noodles or rice with it. Jake Puey can be pretty challenging to locate, but I was able to try it as part of A Chef’s Tour as well!

best restaurants in bangkok

Khao Gaeng Jake Puey
19 25 Mangkon Rd, Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand
3:00 PM - 8:00PM
Expect to pay: 50 - 100 baht 

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