Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital, is known for its vibrant street food culture and diverse culinary scene. There are a lot of delicious things to eat in the city, like fragrant curries, spicy soups, and delicious seafood. In this guide, we'll take you on a culinary tour of Bangkok, exploring the best places to eat, from fine dining to low-cost options. Whether you're a foodie looking to sample Michelin-starred cuisine or a budget traveller, this guide has you covered.
Bangkok Fine Dining: Michelin-Starred Restaurants to Splurge On
There are a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok that offer fine dining like nowhere else. If you want to splurge on a memorable meal, these restaurants are the place to go.
Gaggan is one such restaurant, which has been named one of the world's best for several years in a row. The restaurant serves a 25-course tasting menu that combines Indian and Thai flavours and highlights the chef's creativity and passion for culinary innovation.
Le Normandie, located within the Mandarin Oriental hotel, is another must-visit fine dining establishment. The restaurant serves classic French cuisine with a Thai twist, creating exquisite dishes with only the finest ingredients. The restaurant's elegant decor and stunning views of the river make it a truly unforgettable place to eat.
Thai Street Food: Tasting the Regional Flavors
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without experiencing the city's world-famous street food. Bangkok's streets are lined with food stalls and vendors selling everything from grilled meats to noodle soups and sweet treats.
Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish that's sweet, spicy, and savoury all at once, is one of Bangkok's most popular street food dishes. Pad Thai vendors can be found all over town, but one of the best places to try it is Thip Samai, a restaurant that has been serving the dish for over 50 years.
Another popular street food is khao soi, a Northern Thai dish consisting of egg noodles in a creamy, coconut curry soup. Try one of the city's best versions of this delicious dish at Khao Soi Islam in the Bang Rak district.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants: Delicious Meals That Aren't Expensive
Travelling on a tight budget? No worries, Bangkok has a plethora of budget-friendly restaurants that serve delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Jay Fai, a street food stall that was awarded a Michelin star for its delicious seafood dishes, is one of Bangkok's best budget-friendly restaurants. For a truly satisfying meal, try the crab omelette or the stir-fried noodles with prawns.
Kuay Teow Kua Gai Suanmali, a restaurant that has been serving tasty noodle dishes for over 50 years, is another great option for budget-conscious travellers. Their signature dish is kuay teow kua gai, a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish with chicken and egg.
Seafood Delicacies: Must-Try Thai Coast Dishes
Bangkok, like the rest of Thailand's coastal regions, is known for its fresh seafood. There are plenty of seafood delicacies to try in the city, ranging from grilled fish to steamed crab and everything in between.
Somboon Seafood, known for its signature dish, fried curry crab, is one of Bangkok's best seafood restaurants. Spicy stir-fried squid and steamed fish with lime sauce are some of the other seafood dishes you can get at the restaurant.
Laem Charoen Seafood is the place to go for a more upscale seafood dining experience. The restaurant serves a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, including the restaurant's signature grilled river prawns. The outdoor seating area of the restaurant, which looks out over the Chao Phraya River, is a great place for a romantic dinner.
Green Eats in a Meat-Loving City: Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Despite the city's meat-loving reputation, vegetarian and vegan travellers will find plenty of delicious options in Bangkok. Many Thai dishes can be easily converted to vegetarian or vegan versions, and there are several restaurants that specialise in plant-based cuisine.
May Veggie Home, one of Bangkok's best vegan restaurants, serves a variety of flavorful dishes made with meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh. The colourful and cosy interior of the restaurant enhances the dining experience.
Broccoli Revolution is another great choice for vegetarians and vegans. This restaurant serves only plant-based food made with organic and locally grown ingredients. Everything from vegan burgers to Thai curries and smoothie bowls is on the menu.
Fusion Foods and Western-Inspired Dishes in International Cuisine
If you want to eat something other than Thai food, Bangkok has a plethora of international dining options. The city's culinary offerings range from Italian pasta to Japanese sushi and everything in between.
Soul Food Mahanakorn, which serves a fusion of Thai and Western flavours, is one of Bangkok's best international restaurants. The crispy pork belly with chilli jam, the restaurant's signature dish, is a must-try for any foodie.
A great choice for international food is L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, a French restaurant inside the Mahanakhon Cube building. The restaurant provides a luxurious dining experience, with classic French dishes such as foie gras and escargot on the menu.
Rooftop Dining: Stunning Views and Delectable Meals
Bangkok's skyline is full of tall buildings, and many of them have rooftop restaurants with great views of the city. Rooftop dining is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the city while eating a delicious meal.
Vertigo, located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel, is one of Bangkok's best rooftop restaurants. The restaurant has a panoramic view of the city and serves delicious seafood and steak dishes.
Another great rooftop restaurant is Red Sky, which is on the 55th floor of the Centara Grand hotel. On the menu, dishes like grilled lamb chops and seared scallops make the restaurant a modern and elegant place to eat.
Hidden Treasures: Secret Locations for Authentic Thai Cuisine
There are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Bangkok for those looking to experience authentic Thai cuisine in a more intimate setting. These restaurants may not be as well-known as some of the city's more popular spots, but they provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience worth seeking out.
Krua Apsorn, a restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley in the Bang Kho Laem district, is one such hidden gem. Traditional Thai dishes such as gaeng som pla, a sour and spicy fish curry, and stir-fried morning glory are served at the restaurant.
Err, a restaurant in Thonglor's bustling district, is another excellent choice for authentic Thai cuisine. The menu at the restaurant focuses on Thai street food dishes with a modern twist. Not to be missed are their grilled pork skewers and crispy catfish salad.
Desserts and Beverages: Delectable and Refreshing Treats
No meal is complete without dessert, and Bangkok has plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth. The city's desserts range from mango sticky rice to coconut ice cream and everything in between.
Mae Varee, a small shop that has been serving mango sticky rice for over 30 years, is one of the best places to try it. Other mango-based desserts available at the shop include mango ice cream and mango smoothies.
Visit one of Bangkok's many cafes and coffee shops for a refreshing beverage. Roast, one of the city's most popular cafes, serves a wide variety of coffee drinks as well as a menu of delectable brunch dishes.
Tropic City, which is known for its tropical-themed drinks, is another great place to get a drink. The relaxed atmosphere and creative drinks at the bar make it ideal for a night out in Bangkok.
Conclusion: Bangkok is a Foodie's Paradise
Bangkok offers a culinary experience unlike any other, with everything from fine dining to street food, seafood to vegetarian options, and everything in between. The city's diverse and vibrant food scene is sure to satisfy the cravings of any foodie. Bangkok has something for everyone, whether you're a frugal traveller or looking to splurge on a luxurious dining experience. So grab your chopsticks and prepare to savour some of the world's most delectable cuisine.