Discover the must-try places to eat in Bangkok, Thailand, from hidden gems to iconic eateries, every bite is an unforgettable experience!
We’re so excited to share our top Bangkok food picks, and I promise, we’ve personally tried every single dish ourselves over our months of exploring the city. From hidden street food stalls to cozy restaurants, we’ve experienced firsthand the flavors, vibes, and authenticity of each spot. In this post, we’ll guide you through all the must-try meals in Bangkok, from breakfast bites to budget-friendly Thai flavors that we absolutely fell in love with.
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Must-Try Places to Eat in Bangkok, Thailand
best for thai food
1. Jay fai
Jay Fai is the Bangkok street food legend who’s taken the culinary world by storm. After earning a Michelin star in 2018, it’s become a must-visit spot with an always-full waitlist. Since they don’t take reservations, you’ll need to rise and shine early (before they even open) to get a seat and experience their famous dishes. Trust us, it’s worth the effort!
Our first two tries at Jay Fai were epic fails, once they closed unexpectedly, and another time the line was so long the waitlist was full. So, we showed up at 5:30, and were the first in line! We spent three hours reading our books until they finally opened at 8:00 am. Luckily, Mr. Fai was kind enough to set a handful of plastic chairs for the line around 7:00 am.
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In total, we tried three dishes from her two-page menu. After all, we are probably only ever going to eat here once. We might as well stuff ourselves.
Crab omelet at Jay Fai’s.
The first dish we tried was the legendary crab omelet that made Jay Fai famous. This massive, burrito-sized omelet was packed with the freshest, sweetest crab meat and had a crispy, velvety texture that blew us away. We couldn’t believe we were eating a Michelin-starred meal prepared by the chef herself, it was totally worth the wait!
Geaw nam goong (wonton soup) at Jay Fai’s.
We also had the geaw nam goong. It’s a wonton soup with minced pork inside and the biggest shrimp we’ve ever seen, seriously, this shrimp looked like a lobster tail!
Sen-yai-krob raad-nar talay (fried seafood noodles) at Jay Fai’s.
Our third and final dish, sen-yai-krob raad-nar talay, was a wild ride, crispy noodles with egg and crab that were like nothing we’d ever tasted. The noodles were like sweet, fried glass noodles, and even though the dish wasn’t my absolute fave, the crab tasted like it had been marinating in butter for a decade.
Piece of Advice: Wake up early and get there no later than 7:00 am. Jay Fai’s recipes won’t last forever, and you don’t want to miss out. She hasn’t taught anyone else how to make her now famous recipes. So if she ever decides to stop cooking or can’t, her store will have to close!
The handwritten receipt for our 2,890 baht bill might be steep for “street food,” but every bite was worth it.
Check out our Ultimate Street Food Bangkok, Thailand Guide for everything you need to know!
2. phed mark
If you’re a foodie, you’ve probably heard of the YouTuber Mark Wiens, and if not… well, you really should! Based in Bangkok, Mark is a US-born food and travel blogger who has turned his passion into a full-blown restaurant. Phed Mark is tiny but always packed, especially during lunch, with delivery drivers and hungry customers.
The restaurant allows you to pick your spiciness on a scale. A Level 1 is no spice at all, and a Level 5 is crazy-person-you-just-burned-your-mouth-off-hot. This is clearly based on Mark Wiens’ taste buds. He wears a shirt that says, “If it’s not spicy, I don’t want it.”
Pork on rice with a fried duck egg at Phed Mark’s.
I went for the pork on rice with a fried duck egg on top with level two spicy (which barely has any kick, to be honest), but you can bump up the heat. Every dish comes with rice and a crispy-bottomed, sunny-side-up duck egg that just oozes into everything, garlicky, full of those classic Thai flavors… seriously, it was perfect!
Sour pork on rice with a fried duck egg at Phed Mark’s.
Nate went for the sour pork on rice with a fried duck egg, and against his better judgment, he got level four out of five on the spice scale. We probably should’ve had some milk on hand! The heat crept up slowly, and at first, he was like, “Hey, I can handle this,” but minutes later, his sinuses were clearing, and his nose was running.
Know Before You Go: His YouTube success has spilled over into his restaurant’s popularity, so be ready to wait, we went for takeaway, and even that took 30 minutes!
3. PAD THAI FAI TA LU
When we think of Thai food, pad Thai always stands out due to its international popularity. And when you come to Bangkok, you can’t just get any pad Thai, you need to find the BEST! That’s why Pad Thai Fai Talu is on the list. It’s pad Thai taken to a whole new level.
Here, Michelin Star Chef Andy Yang brings gourmet magic to every dish to create the ultimate Pad Thai Kaak Moo. The real magic, though, is in the umami-rich dark soy sauce that ties everything together. Honestly, that egg drenched in the sauce is so amazing I’d order a whole plate of just that if I could!
Pad Thai Kaak Moo (Pad Thai) at Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu’s.
Pro Recc: Try the Singha Soda Water, it’s a refreshing, super bubbly option that they have at most restaurants! I’m really proud of Nate for swapping out his soda for soda water! He used to drink six cans a day, and now he’s embracing this healthier choice.
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4. Jeh O Chula
One of the casual spots we were really excited to check out during our recent Bangkok trip was Jeh O Chula. It’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, famous for its Mama Noodles Tom Yum, and located near Chulalongkorn University.
The line at Jeh O Chula is no joke, though, wait times can hit two hours during peak hours! Thankfully, there’s a booth outside where you can put your name down and get a queue number. The line was so long when we visited that we actually ordered takeaway and found a local park to eat.
Radish Omelet at Jeh O Chula’s.
We asked for their top dish and ordered Mama’s noodles with crispy pork plus a radish omelet. It was only 210 baht, which felt like a steal. The crowd had doubled when we returned for our food, but the energy made it all so exciting!
Mama’s noodles with crispy pork at Jeh O Chula’s.
Their signature Mama’s instant noodles with crispy pork was a massive portion, definitely for a big group, but it was just for the two of us! The crispy pork belly was out of this world, perfectly caramelized on top, and the broth had all those bold Thai flavors, spicy and tangy with kaffir lime and a hint of lemongrass.
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5. Victory Monument Area
One place you have to eat is in the area around Bangkok’s Victory Monument. This location is known for its boat house noodles with tons of shops offering similar dishes. Boat noodles have a cool history, they were actually served on boats back when Bangkok’s canals were the main roads! Now, you can enjoy them on land!
We’ve tried several restaurants in this area and recommend both Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong and Doy Kuay Teow Reua. Even if you don’t try these, if you see a line of people, you know you can’t go too wrong.
Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong
This small hole-in-the-wall restaurant is easy to find with Google Maps and offers a refreshing air-conditioned dining room. And the food comes FAST. We find this to be a great lunch spot while out exploring Bangkok.
Nam Sai (Tom Yum Noodle Soup) at Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong’s.
We had the Nam Sai, a clear Tom Yum noodle soup that lets you see your chopsticks right through the glass rice noodles. The moment you dig in, the peanut aroma takes over, and the broth, oh my gosh, it’s so rich and spicy, it hits the back of your throat in the best way. And guess what? It’s only 60 baht!
We crunched on super thin and crispy prawn chips, but I was tempted to dip them in something.
Yen Ta Fo (Pink Noodles) at Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong’s.
We also tried the famous pink noodles, Yen Ta Fo. This noodle soup is made with a red bean broth that’s surprisingly savory, especially when paired with salty wonton skins. For 67 baht, it’s a total game-changer!
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Doy Kuay Teow Reua
Boat Noodles with Egg Noodles at Doy Kuay Teow Reua’s.
If you want an authentic street food experience you can trust, try out Doy Kuay Teow Reua! Located just a ten-minute walk from Victory Monument, this outdoor restaurant has metal stools under massive fans to help ward off (some of) the heat.
We created our own boat noodles with egg noodles (our favorite!) and that rich, flavorful broth made with dark soy sauce, pickled bean curd, and, yes, pig’s blood. We went for level two out of four on the spice scale, and wow, it was spicy, my heartburn says so! But honestly, the whole experience was fun, from the sizzling heat outside to the tin tables, and for just 29 baht, the pork and liver were perfectly cooked and juicy. The broth, though? That’s the real star.
Navigate like a local and make the most of your food trip → Scooter Rental Guide Thailand.
6. Polo Fried Chicken
Soi Polo Fried Chicken (ไก่ทอดเจ๊กี โปโล) is totally hyped up as the best fried chicken in Bangkok, and after trying it myself, I’m convinced! Just a short walk from Lumpini Park, this place has been serving killer fried chicken for over 50 years. With a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2019, it’s a must-visit. Bangkok’s street food scene is buzzing, but Polo Fried Chicken takes the cake, trust me, it’s every bit as amazing as they say!
Soi Polo Fried Chicken at Polo Fried Chicken’s.
The whole chicken is battered and fried. It’s enormous and way better than McDonald’s or KFC! The skin might not be as crispy as we expected, but it’s so flavorful and garlic-y that we could eat just the skin alone. The white meat is perfectly juicy, and that chili sauce? It’s like sambal from Indonesia with a spicy kick.
Pro tip: grab a piece of chicken, dip it in the sauce, then roll it in fried garlic. Trust us, it’s a game-changer.
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Som Tum (Thai Papaya Salad) at Somtum Der’s.
Tom Suo Der and Grilled Coconut Milk Marinated Pork Skewers at Somtum Der’s.
Before visiting Thailand, if I had heard “papaya salad,” I would have pictured a tropical fruit bowl. While it is made with papayas, it’s not the typical ripe orange ones we know. It’s made with firm green papayas mixed with veggies, peppers (spicy), and peanuts.
Our hotel recommended Somtum Der for trying their specialty, som tum (Thai papaya salad). This tiny restaurant has quite a large menu. We ordered the Tom Suo Der and some Grilled Coconut Milk Marinated Pork Skewers and LOVED them. Everything is so fresh, and the flavors combine so well. The portions are not too big either, making for a great lunch spot to order a few dishes and share!
Make your food tour easier by booking in the right spot → Where to Stay in Bangkok.
Best for International Food
1. After You Dessert Cafe
We are OBSESSED with After You Dessert Cafe. This Japanese Dessert Cafe has become a local sensation with now over 70 locations around Bangkok. If you’re a fellow sweet tooth, this place is a dessert lover’s paradise, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it just like we did!
Shibuya Honey Toast at After You Dessert Cafe.
Trust us, you have to try their Shibuya Honey Toast, it’s their star attraction and totally addictive! We are absolutely obsessed with their honey toast like, seriously, it’s our ultimate dessert crush! It’s this insanely thick slice of French toast, battered in egg, chopped up, and drizzled with honey and vanilla ice cream.
Thai Milk Tea Kakigori (Shaved Ice) and Figgy Pudding at After You Dessert Cafe.
They also have an amazing Thai Milk Tea Kakigori. It’s shaved ice doused in Thai milk tea and topped with whipped cream, mochi, Thai jelly, and almonds. And we finally got to try their Figgy Pudding. It was just as amazing as I would expect from them. SO GOOD.
First time in Thailand’s capital? These are the spots you can’t skip.
2. Kenzo Suisan Sukhumvit 33
We had a local friend bring us to this stop, and I am so glad we did! We don’t always stop at international restaurants while traveling, but this one is good! This modern Japanese izakaya restaurant is easily identifiable with its many neon lights out front. The inside is just as hopping as it looks. You’ll find picnic tables jammed full of food late into the night.
We stopped here after hitting the Tichuca Rooftop Bar down the way.
The menu is made of small Japanese plates, so it’s best to order a bunch and share it with your party. I don’t think you can go wrong here, but I will say the octopus with wasabi soy sauce is to die for.
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3. Hua Seng Hong Restaurant @Yaowarat Road
This restaurant is located in Chinatown on the same street as the Yaowarat Night Market. We personally liked walking around the night market to try a few dishes and then headed to Hua Seng Hong to sit down with a beer and some dumplings.
This traditional Chinese restaurant is most popular for its Shark Fin Soup. While we didn’t have the heart to try this on our last trip, we can vouch for their vast array of dumplings. I also got to hold a baby here, so I may be biased as to just how cute this baby was. It also just goes to show how friendly everyone was here.
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4. La Monita Taqueria
Mexi Grilled Shrimp Tacos at La Monita Taqueria’s.
While it’s no taco shop in Mexico City, it does the trick when you crave something Mexican. The hardest part about getting Mexican food in Asia is the tortilla is never the same but La Monita Taqueria does a great job with their tortillas!
Chips and Salsa at La Monita Taqueria’s.
Suadero Mini Quesadilla at La Monita Taqueria’s.
They have just about every Mexican American dish you can think of (burritos, tacos, bowls, tamales, etc.). We ordered a chips and salsa appetizer that was surprisingly well done. I ordered Mexi Grilled Shrimp Tacos, and they were great! It came with a variety of hot sauces as well. Nate ordered the Suadero Mini Quesadilla. While it was a bit smaller than expected (it did say MINI, so we should have known), it was really tasty! Since it is a Mexican restaurant in Thailand, it is a bit more expensive, but we would definitely return when the taco hankering returns.
Looking for things to do after sunset in Bangkok? You’ll love this riverside night market!
5. Hachiban Ramen
Every time we go to Bangkok, we spend much time in shopping malls. During our last trip, we started seeing the prices increase at the restaurants in those shopping malls. Luckily, we found a delicious, affordable stop with Hachiban Ramen inside CentralwOrld shopping mall (one of the most popular malls in Bangkok).
Mala Tonkuso Ramen at Hachiban Ramen’s.
This place is perfect for a quick bite while shopping (or just window shopping and enjoying the AC). The turnaround time for each table is pretty quick, so even if they have a wait, it’s usually not more than 10 minutes.
You can get a few bowls of their signature ramen, their Gyoza, and a few beers for 450 THB. It’s not super cheap but really affordable compared to the surrounding eateries. And the food is GOOD!
First time in Bangkok? Make the most of your trip with this guide → 4-Day Bangkok Itinerary for First-Timers.
6. Beer Republic
This place is a classic American beer hall. They have an endless list of beers on draft (we opted for Asahi, one of our favorites). And the food is standard American fare. We tried the Mixed Tossed Salad (a little light on the veggies, but we are at an American restaurant, so…) and the Baked Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork, perfectly unhealthy. This is a good spot for some comfort food and beer on tap. It’s a good vibe, too, as they have live music in the evenings and a separate bar area for the big TVs to watch sports!
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Best Markets for Food
1. Eathai
Eathai is one of our favorite new finds and is perfect for those new to the street food scene. This marketplace is different from a typical street food vendor or outdoor market that you may be used to in Thailand. It has all the same foods and affordable prices, but it’s set up cafeteria-style in the basement of the Central Embassy Mall.
Grilled Chicken and Rice at Eathai.
Mango Smoothies at Eathai.
They have stalls for just about any Thai dish you can think of, plus some Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Japanese dishes. Each vendor specializes in a small menu, so the food is GOOD. Our go-to (since we’ve been there four times now) is any noodle soup or grilled chicken and rice. You have to try the avocado or mango smoothies. This place is busy during lunch hour, but there is tons of seating, and you can pay with a credit card at the end of your meal.
We explored them all, here are our favorite Bangkok markets and why they’re worth it!
2. Asiatique Riverside Market
Asiatique is a bustling outdoor marketplace that sits right on the riverside. You can easily spend an evening here eating great food and shopping! It’s a modern, touristy version of a Thai market and we enjoyed it so much we’ve been back a few times, now! The Ferris wheel is quite expensive, but it still provides a nice photo backdrop. This is also where the Bangkok river cruises depart, so it’s a good pairing.
There are dozens of restaurants and small food stalls, so you can find whatever you like. We ate at Epia and enjoyed the pork fried rice and the buy-one-get-one beers! They also have a beer garden off to the right (when looking at the river). This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset over the river with a drink.
From shopping to the Ferris wheel, here’s what you should know → Asiatique The Riverfront Bangkok.
3. Yaowarat Market
This is the main night market in Chinatown Bangkok, and it is poppin’. As with most night markets in Thailand, this market has a huge emphasis on food. It starts around sundown and is pretty busy until around 9:00 pm.
Even though it’s in Chinatown, you’ll find all kinds of Asian street food here. We had some gyoza and chicken skewers here that were amazing.
Here are a few good rules of thumb for markets:
- Order food that is freshly cooked, not sitting out
- The busier the stall, the better the food
- It’s best to visit markets during busy times so the food has a quicker turnover.
- Order one or two of something to start to see if you like it first
- Cash payments only
Eat like a local and don’t miss these Food to Try in Thailand!
4. Open House
This is another cool modern twist on a marketplace we stumbled upon while looking for a bookstore by accident! Spoiler: it’s half bookstore, half cafeteria-style co-working space.
Open House is located on the top floor of the Central Embassy Mall and is comprised of a bunch of different restaurants. We ate at Broccoli Revolution, a vegan restaurant that was quite good. And what can I say? I love a good light-filled bookstore. They have a ton of seating options so you can find a spot to settle into for a good work-flow or reading sesh.
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5. Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you are in Bangkok over a weekend, you have to visit Chatuchak Market. This market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays and is absolutely massive! It’s actually the largest market in all of Thailand, and we LOVE it.
Coconut ice cream at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
While this is not exclusively a food market, there are plenty of great options for eating between all the shopping. There is a food area that has a lot of small plastic tables and stools to sit and eat a fresh cooked meal. I couldn’t tell you which spot we ate at, but we chose one that was busy and had some really good Thai omelets, fried spring rolls, and pork satay.
Just wandering around the market, you’ll find single vendors selling drinks and snacks. If you want to find some local goodies, keep an eye out for coconut ice cream, cold coconut water (straight from the coconut), and fresh orange juice.
6. Wang Lang Market
Wang Lang Market is a true hidden gem in Bangkok, and we’re loving every second of it! It’s packed with incredible Southern Thai food and desserts. The best part is it’s so local that you barely see any tourists. The signs are mostly in Thai, which just adds to the fun.
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Daifuku (Mochi with Fresh Strawberry) at Wang Lang Market.
We, personally, like to snack on whatever catches our eye here! First up, we tried these buttery Thai apple cracker cookies with a sweet jam filling, total game-changers, I couldn’t stop eating them. Then, we had lotus, which was so fun to peel, like a little puzzle with these sweet, nutty bites inside.
But the daifuku? Oh man, that squishy mochi with fresh strawberry or red bean inside was like Thailand’s version of a chocolate-covered strawberry. And to top it off, the grilled banana, warm and smoky, was pure comfort food. This market is a total food paradise!
Grilled Banana at Wang Lang Market.
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And that’s a wrap on our foodie tour through Bangkok! These 11 must-try places are just the beginning; this city’s culinary scene has so many more tasty treasures just waiting to be uncovered.
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