🍽️ Bangkok Food Guide: 15 Best Places to eat in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that eats from sunrise to well past midnight, where the hum of sizzling woks and the clatter of chopsticks are constant companions. From legendary street food stalls tucked into chaotic alleyways to sleek modern cafés reimagining Thai classics, the capital’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re hunting down Michelin-rated mango sticky rice, fiery Isaan salads, or playful dessert creations that flood Instagram feeds, Bangkok has it all, and more.
This Bangkok Food Guide highlights 15 of the best places to eat in Bangkok right now, each offering a distinct flavor of the city’s rich food culture. Come hungry!
1. 🍜 Pad Thai Kratong Thong
This hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone looking to try a creative twist on traditional Pad Thai. At Pad Thai Kratong Thong by Ama, the classic dish is served in crispy, golden pastry cups known as kratong thong, offering a satisfying contrast of textures: crunchy shell and savory filling. Each bite-sized portion is packed with stir-fried noodles, shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, egg, and crushed peanuts, all bathed in a perfectly balanced tamarind-based sauce. It’s a unique, elegant take on a street food staple that you won’t find elsewhere.
🥢 Pad Thai Kratong Thong (Signature) – crispy cups filled with flavorful Pad Thai
🍛 Green Curry Soup with Chicken (Gaeng Khiao Waan Gai) – creamy, mildly spicy coconut-based curry
🍚 Butterfly Pea Flower Rice – beautifully blue, subtly floral rice that complements the curry perfectly
🕙 Open daily from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
💸 Dishes range from 60 – 150 THB, making it affordable and accessible for all budgets
📍270 272 Maha Rat Rd, พระบรมมหาราชวัง Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
🌟 Vegetarian versions of the Pad Thai are available, just ask!
🌟 The Green Curry can be adjusted in spice level, making it great for all palates.
🌟 Seating is simple (think street-style stools), but the flavors are gourmet-level.
2. 🍧 After You Dessert Café
A beloved name in Thailand’s café scene, After You Dessert Café is a must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Known for its indulgent desserts and elegant presentation, this popular café blends Thai and international flavors in creative ways. Whether you’re craving something cold and fruity or warm and buttery, After You has it all, and does it well.
🥭 Mango Sticky Rice Kakigori – a refreshing twist on the Thai classic with coconut milk-infused shaved ice, fresh mango, sticky rice, and sweetened cream
🍞 Shibuya Honey Toast – thick, buttery toast with a crispy exterior and fluffy center, drizzled with honey and topped with vanilla ice cream
☕ Thai Tea Kakigori – rich Thai tea flavor in a fluffy, cold mountain of shaved ice with toppings inside
🕘 Most branches open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
💸 150 – 300 THB per dessert. While slightly pricier than typical street sweets, portion sizes are generous and great for sharing.
📍 Multiple locations across Bangkok, including Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and Central World
🌟 Expect queues during weekends and evenings, but service is quick once seated.
🌟 Baby size options: great for solo visitors or those wanting to try multiple flavors
🌟 Seasonal kakigori flavors rotate frequently, so ask the staff about limited-time offerings, some flavors are only available for a few weeks!
3. 🦐 Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
If you love bold, spicy, and creamy Thai flavors, Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle is an absolute must-try. This humble eatery has gained a cult following for its indulgent Tom Yum Goong noodles, served in a rich broth that’s both creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of heat. The highlight? Massive river prawns or lobster topping the bowl like a crown, making it as impressive visually as it is flavorful.
🍜 Tom Yum Lobster Noodles – luxurious, spicy soup with lobster and seafood
🦐 Tom Yum Kung with Giant River Prawns – the classic choice, rich and aromatic
🐚 Tom Yum with Mixed Seafood – includes mussels, squid, prawns, and fish
🕘 Daily from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
💸 60 – 300 THB, depending on toppings. Lobster versions can go up to 400–1,000 THB, but regular bowls are budget-friendly.
📍 68, 51 Phetchaburi Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
🌟 It’s a casual, no-frills eatery, so don’t expect air-con luxury, just amazing food.
🌟 Visit early for lunch to avoid queues and ensure they haven’t sold out of seafood.
🌟 Ask for mild spice if you’re not used to authentic Thai heat. Pair your noodles with a Thai iced tea or lime soda to cool off after the spicy kick!
4. 🍛 Jek Pui Curry
A true street food legend, Jek Pui Curry has been serving up rich, flavorful Thai curries for over 60 years—from steel pots on the sidewalk. The setup is simple: order at the cart, grab a red plastic stool on the street, and enjoy a no-frills, authentic Thai meal surrounded by locals. Despite its humble appearance, the curries here are packed with depth and bold flavor, earning Jek Pui a cult following and even a feature in Netflix’s Street Food Asia.
🍛 Green Curry with Chicken – creamy, fragrant, and mildly spicy
🐷 Massaman Curry with Pork – sweet, rich, and full of tender meat
🍖 Panang Curry with Pork or Beef – thick, aromatic, slightly spicy
🕠 Daily from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (or until sold out). Closed on Wednesdays.
💸 40 – 60 THB per plate. Incredibly affordable for the portion and flavor quality!
📍 25 Mangkon Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
🌟 Arrive early (by 4 PM) for the best selection before popular curries sell out.
🌟 Seating is all outdoors on small red stools, part of the experience!
🌟 Locals often order multiple curry types over one plate of rice, ask for “2 curry, 1 rice” if you want to try more than one flavor. Don’t expect English signage, but pointing works just fine!
5. 🥭 K. Panich Sticky Rice
K. Panich Sticky Rice is a Bangkok institution with over 80 years of culinary heritage, renowned for serving one of the city’s best mango sticky rice desserts. Family-owned since the 1930s and now Michelin-recommended, this charming old-school shop is a must-visit for foodies looking to experience authentic Thai flavors prepared with time-honored methods and impeccable attention to detail.
🥭 Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) – Premium Nam Dok Mai mangoes, perfectly steamed sticky rice, and a rich, salty-sweet coconut milk topping.
🌰 Sticky Rice with Egg Custard (Khao Niew Sangkhaya) – Sweet, creamy egg custard layered over warm sticky rice.
🌿 Sticky Rice with Durian (Khao Niew Thurian) – For adventurous eaters, the rich durian pairs surprisingly well with the silky coconut sauce.
🍠 Sticky Rice with Taro or Black Beans – Earthy, lightly sweet, and ideal for those who enjoy more subtle dessert flavors.
🕘 Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.
💸 80 – 150 THB per set (depending on fruit and portion size). Excellent value considering the premium mango and handmade quality.
📍 431 433 Thanon Tanao, Khwaeng Sao Chingcha, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
🌟 Situated near Bangkok’s Giant Swing and Democracy Monument, it’s a great stop after sightseeing.
🌟 Seating is very limited, so most people opt for takeaway.
🌟 Fresh mangoes are often sold right outside the shop by local vendors.
🌟 Try pairing your mango sticky rice with the sangkhaya custard or get a combo set to sample multiple toppings. If you’re flying out soon, their packaging makes it easy to take home for a final taste of Thailand.
6. 🍗 Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
A Bangkok street food legend and proud recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice has been serving up perfectly poached Hainanese-style chicken rice for decades. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its tender chicken, fragrant rice, and addictive dipping sauce—all at an incredibly affordable price. Located in the bustling Pratunam shopping district, it’s the ideal spot for a satisfying meal between market runs.
🍗 Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice) – Silky poached chicken over aromatic, garlicky rice, served with a flavorful soybean-chili-ginger sauce and a light chicken broth on the side.
🐓 Fried Chicken or Mixed Chicken Rice – A combo of boiled and crispy chicken for extra texture.
🍜 Chicken Noodles – For noodle lovers who want something beyond the signature rice dish.
🕘 Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Come early to avoid crowds, lunchtime can get very busy!
💸 40 – 100 THB per dish. Incredibly budget-friendly for a Michelin-rated meal.
📍 G Floor, Gourmet Eats Zone, Siam Paragon Shopping Mall, 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
🌟 Just a short walk from Platinum Fashion Mall and CentralWorld, perfect after shopping.
🌟 There may be a short wait during peak hours, but the queue moves fast.
🌟 Add a splash of their homemade sauce (a mix of fermented soybeans, garlic, and chili) to elevate your dish. For takeout, Go Ang packs everything neatly for easy on-the-go dining.
7. 🥗 Som Tam Jay So
One of Bangkok’s best-kept street food secrets, Som Tam Jay So is a must-visit for fans of Isaan cuisine, the bold, spicy, and tangy fare of Thailand’s northeast. A longtime favorite of food vlogger Mark Wiens, this modest eatery has become iconic for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and fiery dishes made fresh to order.
🥗 Som Tam Thai with Shrimp (Papaya Salad) – Jay So’s signature dish. Spicy, tangy, crunchy, and slightly sweet, topped with fresh shrimp for extra flavor.
🐷 Tam Tok Moo (Grilled Pork Salad) – Smoky grilled pork tossed with lime juice, herbs, roasted rice powder, and chili flakes. Bold and aromatic.
🍗 Kai Yang (Grilled Chicken) – Juicy, marinated chicken wings grilled to perfection—smoky, savory, and satisfying.
🕘 Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Sundays.
💸 100–200 THB per dish, excellent value for bold, restaurant-quality Isaan flavors.
📍 146 Phiphat 2, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
🌟 Spice level is intense! Ask for “mai phet” (not spicy) if you’re not used to Thai heat.
🌟 It’s cash only, bring Thai baht.
🌟 Popular with locals, arrive early to avoid long waits during lunch.
🌟 Expect a no-frills, sidewalk-style setting with plastic chairs and fans. The focus here is purely on the food, and it delivers. Service is fast, the food is made fresh, and the vibe is local and lively.
8. 🍞 Mil Toast House
Mil Toast House is a hidden gem in Bangkok for fans of fluffy, Korean-style toast and artisanal drinks. With its chic minimalist design, cozy wood interiors, and soft lighting, this café is a dream spot for café hoppers and Instagrammers alike. The star of the menu is their thick-cut milky toast, made from soft, fluffy milk bread that’s baked in-house and toasted to perfection.
🍞 Injeolmi Toast – Buttery toast coated in roasted soybean powder, drizzled with honey, and filled with chewy rice cake. A must-try!
🍓 Strawberry Mascarpone Butter Toast – A luxurious take on sweet toast with layers of mascarpone, butter, and fresh strawberries: rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
🍧 Thai Tea Bingsu – A fluffy mountain of shaved ice infused with bold Thai tea flavor, topped with sweet condensed milk and chewy toppings, a refreshing indulgence.
🕘 Daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
💸 100–250 THB per item, slightly on the higher side for toast, but worth it for the quality and experience.
📍 สยามสแควร์, ซอย 3, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
🌟 It’s a popular photo spot, so come early to avoid crowds.
🌟 Limited seating, but cozy and great for a quiet break or working session.
🌟 Pair your toast with a cold brew or Korean-style iced latte for the perfect mid-day pick-me-up.
9. 🥣 Jok Prince
Jok Prince is a beloved breakfast institution in Bangkok, famous for its silky smooth Thai rice porridge (jok) that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, this spot has perfected the art of slow-cooked jok topped with savory minced pork and century egg, making it a go-to for locals and visitors seeking a hearty start to their day.
🍲 Jok with Minced Pork and Century Egg – Creamy, velvety rice porridge topped with tender minced pork and flavorful century egg, seasoned just right with ginger and scallions.
🍲 Plain Jok – For those who want to savor the porridge in its simplest form.
🥚 Add-ons like soft-boiled eggs and extra minced pork for a more filling meal.
🕘 Daily: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Perfect for an early breakfast; it closes by late morning.
💸 40 – 70 THB per bowl. Extremely affordable for a Michelin-recommended dish.
📍 1391 ถ. เจริญกรุง Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
🌟 Seating is simple and limited, come early to avoid the morning rush.
🌟 Ideal spot for a quick, comforting breakfast before starting your Bangkok adventures.
🌟 Add a dash of white pepper and a splash of soy sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
10. 🍜 Thipsamai
Thipsamai is Bangkok’s legendary Pad Thai restaurant, famed for serving some of the city’s best and most authentic Pad Thai for over 50 years. Known for its signature stir-fried noodles cooked with fragrant shrimp oil and wrapped perfectly in a thin omelet, Thipsamai has become a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. The long queues are a testament to its unbeatable flavor and iconic status in Bangkok’s street food scene.
🍜 Pad Thai with Shrimp Wrapped in Egg (Superb Pad Thai) – The star dish featuring stir-fried rice noodles tossed in a rich shrimp oil sauce, topped with fresh prawns and wrapped in a delicate, thin egg omelet.
🍤 Fresh Prawns Pad Thai – A generous serving of plump, juicy prawns mixed into the classic Pad Thai.
🍳 Pad Thai Goong Sod – Pad Thai with fresh shrimp served on the side, for those who want to savor the prawns separately.
🕘 Daily: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Best to arrive early in the evening to avoid long waits.
💸 70 – 150 THB per dish. Affordable for the quality and legendary taste.
📍 313, 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
🌟 Located near the Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha), easily reachable by BTS or taxi.
🌟 Expect queues especially during dinner hours; patience is rewarded with one of Bangkok’s best meals.
🌟 Try the orange juice sold at the stall next door, it’s the perfect refreshing complement to the flavorful Pad Thai.
11. 🍩 Pa Tong Go Savoey (Chinatown)
Pa Tong Go Savoey is a beloved street food stall renowned for its perfectly crispy, golden Thai-style deep-fried dough sticks (pa tong go). This Michelin-listed spot has earned praise for serving some of the best pa tong go in Bangkok: light, airy on the inside with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. It’s a simple yet addictive snack that locals and tourists rave about.
🍩 Pa Tong Go (Thai Deep-Fried Dough Sticks) – Freshly fried to order, these dough sticks are crispy outside and soft inside, ideal for dipping or eating plain.
🍮 Pandan Custard Dip – A creamy, fragrant pandan-flavored custard that perfectly complements the warm dough sticks.
🥛 Condensed Milk Dip – Sweet, rich condensed milk that adds a luscious touch to the crispy dough sticks.
🕘 Daily: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Best enjoyed fresh and hot in the evening.
💸 30 – 60 THB per serving. Very affordable, perfect for a quick snack or light dessert.
📍 56 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
🌟 The most famous branches are near Victory Monument BTS station and in Chinatown (Yaowarat Road), both are easy to find and popular among locals and tourists.
🌟 Pa Tong Go Savoey is usually a takeaway spot with limited or no seating, ideal for grabbing on the go.
🌟 For the freshest dough sticks, try to visit early in the evening before peak crowds arrive.
12. 🥢 Thongsmith Boat Noodles
Thongsmith Boat Noodles elevates the traditional Thai boat noodle experience into something more refined, without losing the bold, comforting flavors of the original. This is the perfect spot for those who want authentic Thai flavors in a cleaner, air-conditioned setting, ideal after a day of shopping or sightseeing. Expect rich, aromatic broths, melt-in-your-mouth meats, and generous portions.
🍜 Wagyu Beef Boat Noodles – Premium cuts of Australian Wagyu in a deeply savory, herbaceous broth. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the soup is rich with spices, garlic, and herbs.
🐖 Kuay Teow Ruea Moo (Pork Boat Noodles) – A classic version with sliced pork, meatballs, and crispy pork crackling, served in a fragrant dark broth.
🍢 Grilled Pork Skewers – Juicy, sweet-salty skewers that make the perfect side dish.
🕘 Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Most locations follow mall opening times, great for lunch or dinner.
💸 150 – 350 THB per bowl. A bit pricier than your average street stall, but worth it for the quality of ingredients and comfortable ambiance.
📍 Multiple branches in upscale malls like EmQuartier, ICONSIAM, and CentralWorld
🌟 Thongsmith is located in many of Bangkok’s high-end malls, making it convenient and easily accessible via BTS.
🌟 Seating is ample, and service is fast, perfect for solo diners or groups.
13. 🐟 Grilled Seabass Stall (Chatuchak Weekend Market)
Amid the maze of shops and vintage finds at Chatuchak Weekend Market lies one of its best-kept culinary secrets: a humble grilled seabass stall. The smell of fish roasting over hot charcoal will guide you there. This is the kind of street food experience that reminds you why Bangkok’s food scene is world-famous: fresh, simple, and full of flavor.
🐟 Salt-Crusted Grilled Seabass (Pla Pao – ปลาย่างเกลือ) – A whole seabass stuffed with lemongrass, coated in a thick salt crust, and slowly grilled over charcoal. The result is smoky, flaky, juicy fish with deeply aromatic notes. Served with spicy seafood dipping sauce and fresh herbs. Ideal for sharing.
🕘 Saturday & Sunday, roughly 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Stall operates only on weekends when the market is open.
💸 250 – 350 THB per whole fish. Great value for the portion size and freshness, big enough to split between two or more people.
📍 Chatuchak Weekend Market, Section 22 (or nearby food court area), Bangkok
🌟 Head toward Section 22 or ask vendors near the central food court about “grilled fish” or “pla pao.”
🌟 Seating is basic, plastic stools and metal tables, but that’s part of the charm.
🌟 Go early to avoid the lunchtime rush and get the freshest fish.
14. 🍰 Prang View Café (Ayutthaya)
If you’re visiting Ayutthaya and want to take a break with great food, coffee, and a view that captures the charm of this ancient city, Prang View Café is your spot. Set along the river directly across from the historic Wat Ratchaburana, this café blends laid-back vibes with spectacular temple views. It’s perfect for recharging during your temple-hopping adventure.
🍧 Thai Tea Bingsu – A mountain of finely shaved ice infused with strong Thai tea flavor, topped with condensed milk and chewy toppings—perfect for cooling down in Ayutthaya’s heat.
🍞 Pandan Toast – Thick slices of toast slathered in warm, creamy pandan custard. Fragrant, nostalgic, and slightly sweet.
🥐 Candy Floss Pastry Roll – A whimsical Ayutthaya specialty: delicate pastry wrapped around colorful, sugary threads of Thai candy floss (“roti sai mai”). Light, crunchy, and fun to eat.
🕘 Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
💸 80 – 250 THB per item. Great value for both the quality and the atmosphere.
📍 22, 13 Naresuan Rd, Ho Rattanachai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
🌟 Best seats are on the terrace, where you can relax under umbrellas with a full view of the temple ruins.
🌟 Try visiting around sunset for golden-hour lighting and beautiful photo ops.
🌟 It’s within walking or biking distance from other key sites like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Ram.
15. 🦐 Baan Mai Rim Num (Ayutthaya)
For a truly local dining experience by the river, Baan Mai Rim Num is a hidden gem offering authentic Thai homestyle dishes in a traditional wooden house setting. Overlooking the water with peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect place to slow down after exploring Ayutthaya’s historical ruins. Expect hearty portions, time-honored recipes, and genuine Thai hospitality.
🦐 Grilled River Prawns (Goong Pao) – Ayutthaya is famous for these freshwater giants, and Baan Mai Rim Num grills them to perfection. Served with spicy seafood dipping sauce.
🐟 Deep-Fried Snakehead Fish with Spicy Mango Salad – Crispy on the outside, tender inside, topped with tangy and spicy green mango slaw.
🍲 Tom Yum River Fish Soup – Light, sour, and herby. A great way to sample local river fish with a refreshing lemongrass broth.
🕘 Daily, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. (Weekends tend to be busier with locals, so arrive early for riverside tables.)
💸 120 – 350 THB per dish. Very reasonable for the quality and river prawn options.
📍 หมู่ที่ 2, 43/1, U Thong Rd, ต.ประตูชัย, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
🌟 Located a short drive or bike ride from Wat Phanan Choeng and the ferry crossing to the old city.
🌟 Ask for a riverside table for the best views, especially around late afternoon.
🌟 The restaurant is set inside a charming wooden house with a slightly nostalgic feel, like dining at a relative’s countryside home.
🗺️ Map of Bangkok Food Guide: 15 Best Places to eat in Bangkok
Bangkok isn’t just a destination for sightseeing, it’s a place to eat your way through, one unforgettable bite at a time. With my Bangkok Food Guide, I’ve selected these 15 best places to eat in Bangkok that represent the heart and soul of the city’s food scene: bold, flavorful, and always evolving. Whether you’re a street food purist or a café hopper chasing creative desserts, there’s something on this list to satisfy every craving. So grab a fork, or better yet, a pair of chopsticks, and let Bangkok feed you the way only it can.
