From street vendors offering delicious crab omelette to Michelin-star restaurants with cutting-edge cuisine, Thailand’s dining scene offers something for all palates. No matter if your preference lies within traditional Thai or fusion dining – let our Best Restaurants in Bangkok guide lead the way.
1. Nakorn Phochana
Food in Thailand is one of its most celebrated cultural pursuits, just as music, dance and art are. Therefore, its best restaurants must adhere to stringent standards.
Nakorn Phochana (pronounced “Nai Hai”) certainly fits this description. Situated near Sam Yan market, this popular Thai-Chinese eatery is generally considered one of the premier options in town alongside Pen on Chan Road and former Jay Ngor. Nakorn Phochana also stands out as an expert phat thai practitioner with its signature crispy batter and fillings consisting of egg, chicken, shrimp and dried shrimp with an additional pinch of makrut lime leaves for good measure.
On its expansive menu is also excellent representations of gaeng, the all-encompassing category of thick curries and clear soups that define good Thai restaurants. Their selections of gaeng include delicious dishes like steamed fish with pickled plum and deep-fried langoustines that don’t overheat their palate; stir-fried greens seasoned with restraint to prevent being overdone; stir-fried vegetables served in their right place without becoming overcooked; while their Thai version of crepes, called Kanom Bueangs, deliver perfectly lightness; all these offerings make sure their clients’ experience can gastronomy has them covered when visiting this restaurant!
2. Jay So
Jay So is a great place for fans of Isaan cuisine (northeastern Thailand) in Bangkok, offering authentic versions such as green papaya salad – som tam – and larb, an Isaan staple made up of mint leaves, lime, dried shrimp and fermented fish sauce. While other restaurants may provide similar offerings of Isaan dishes, their offerings often lack the vibrant flavour explosion that characterises Isaan dishes.
Restaurant Silom is situated within a business district in Silom and therefore popular with office workers during lunch. Although its exterior may resemble that of a garage, inside you’ll find an open counter featuring green papaya salad ingredients on one side, as well as cabinets brimming with grilled meats and soup broth on the other. On weekday lunchtime it can get quite busy so arriving early may help to avoid crowds; you will soon experience Isaan food that fills your mouth with mouth-tingling spices for an experience not unlike what it would give you after plunging into cold water!
3. Charmgang
Charmgang Restaurant in Thailand provides outstanding cuisine combined with unrivalled service – you will feel welcomed like family from the moment you step through its doors.
At this sophisticated, intimate restaurant, the chefs take great pride in taking traditional Thai flavors and techniques to new levels. Their menu provides a feast for the senses, including dishes like duck pancake and crab tacos that offer a perfect balance of taste, texture, and spice.
Kitchen is a buzz of activity at Charoenkrung Restaurant; diners can watch chefs grilling and chopping ingredients right in front of them, creating an informal yet attentive dining experience. From duck leg soup to bone marrow rice cakes – each dish takes you on an amazing culinary journey. Situated in a gorgeous old building with flagstone floors and rattan lampshades that exude sophistication but relaxed dining, plus cocktails and local craft beer!
4. Took Lae Dee
Took Lae Dee is a 24-hour eatery known for being “Cheap and Good”, making it a must-visit location in Bangkok. Offering everything from delicious green papaya salad to heartier entrees like green curry and kang keem wan dishes, you won’t go away hungry at Took Lae Dee!
Foodland supermarket chain and offers both table and counter seating in this restaurant, the latter giving guests a view into their kitchen where chefs use an open fire to give dishes that extra wok hei flavor.
One must-try dish from this Thai restaurant is their iconic tom yum soup, a creamy yet mildly spicy fish broth laced with lemongrass, fish meat, shrimp, and lemongrass. Another delicious treat is their take on green curry kang keem wan featuring chicken along with basil leaves, chillies, kaffir lime leaves and coconut milk for extra freshness!
Thai boat noodles, known for their refreshing flavor and tangy notes, make an excellent starter to any meal here. Indulge in an Iced Tea ($2.80), featuring real Ceylon tea paired with non-dilutable ice cubes so it won’t dilute over time.
5. Samlor
Samlor, or Cambodian soup, combines vegetables and fish or meat into an exquisite harmony of flavors for a hearty meal that can be enjoyed all year-round; it is especially loved during the rainy season when fresh ingredients become more readily available.
An effective samlor requires masterful timing with regards to its flavor profile: selecting just the right combination of fish sauce, palm sugar and lime to strike a balance between salty, sweet and sour. You may add other ingredients based on personal taste or seasonal availability of produce such as eggplant, cabbage, green beans, mushrooms or carrots; fresh herbs also play a significant role in this comforting dish, including Asian basil or sawleaf coriander.
At this unassuming old town spot from culinary power couple Napol “Joe” Jantraget and Saki Hoshino, their menu of familiar Thai dishes surprises with subtle variations and elevations. Diners sit comfortably at modest wooden tables while tabletop Marshall speakers play pop music throughout their visit. Plus, only certain times of week operate the restaurant to create an exclusive dining experience and allow customers to linger over each bite they take without feeling rushed!
