Thai food needs little introduction. Blending elements of several Southeast Asian traditions, Thai Cuisine is one of the most robust and flavorsome of all Asian cuisines. A true delight to the senses, traditional Thai cuisine is characterized by its blend of hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors - and its abundant use of fresh vegetables, grains, fruits, legumes, nuts and fish.
Although there are literally countless dishes to try in Bangkok, there are some must-try ones while you visit Thailand. The below list spans everything from staple backpacker favourites to Thai classics. Although some of them may sound familiar, don’t be surprised if they taste nothing like what you usually find back home.
If you are planning to visit Bangkok, you may also want to check our where to stay in Bangkok post.
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce. Tom Yam is a versatile dish that can fit within virtually any meal – its invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams 'Thailand'!
Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)
From Cape Town to Khao San Road, the default international Thai dish. Dropped in a searing hot wok, fistfuls of small, thin noodles do a steamy minute-long dance alongside crunchy bean sprouts, spring onions and egg, before disembarking for the nearest plate.
Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling.
Thai Green Curry Chicken
Aromatic and beautiful, this is an absolutely delicious Thai dish and a must try.
Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling.
Som Tam – (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
Hailing from the Northeast (Isan), this outlandish dish is both great divider - some can't get enough of its bite, some can't handle it – and greatly distinctive. Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry tomatoes and shredded raw papaya get dramatically pulverized in a pestle and mortar, so releasing a rounded sweet-sour-spicy flavour that's not easily forgotten.
Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)
A mild, tamer twist on Tom Yam, this iconic soup infuses fiery chilies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. Topped off with fresh lime leaves, it's a sweet-smelling concoction, both creamy and compelling.
Pak Boong Fai Daeng (Stir-fried Morning Glory)
The leafy plant with hollow green stems and thin fragile leaves forms the main component of this super easy favourite. Cloves of garlic and birds eye chilies join it in a wok alongside oyster sauce, fish sauce and fermented bean. A few lazy stirs, and it's done!
While taking about the food in Bangkok, we also should talk about where to eat in Bangkok. With so many possibilities just outside your hotel’s doorstep, you might wonder how best to experience it all. Whether you are looking for style, ambience, flavour that defies any adjectives you know, or a brush with world-recognised celebrity chefs, Bangkok has got a whole lot to offer. So what are Bangkok Best restaurants? We tried many and it took a while but so far here are our favourites.
Although there are literally countless dishes to try in Bangkok, there are some must-try ones while you visit Thailand. The below list spans everything from staple backpacker favourites to Thai classics. Although some of them may sound familiar, don’t be surprised if they taste nothing like what you usually find back home.
If you are planning to visit Bangkok, you may also want to check our where to stay in Bangkok post.
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce. Tom Yam is a versatile dish that can fit within virtually any meal – its invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams 'Thailand'!
Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)
From Cape Town to Khao San Road, the default international Thai dish. Dropped in a searing hot wok, fistfuls of small, thin noodles do a steamy minute-long dance alongside crunchy bean sprouts, spring onions and egg, before disembarking for the nearest plate.
Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling.
Thai Green Curry Chicken
Aromatic and beautiful, this is an absolutely delicious Thai dish and a must try.
Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling.
Som Tam – (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
Hailing from the Northeast (Isan), this outlandish dish is both great divider - some can't get enough of its bite, some can't handle it – and greatly distinctive. Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry tomatoes and shredded raw papaya get dramatically pulverized in a pestle and mortar, so releasing a rounded sweet-sour-spicy flavour that's not easily forgotten.
Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)
A mild, tamer twist on Tom Yam, this iconic soup infuses fiery chilies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. Topped off with fresh lime leaves, it's a sweet-smelling concoction, both creamy and compelling.
Pak Boong Fai Daeng (Stir-fried Morning Glory)
The leafy plant with hollow green stems and thin fragile leaves forms the main component of this super easy favourite. Cloves of garlic and birds eye chilies join it in a wok alongside oyster sauce, fish sauce and fermented bean. A few lazy stirs, and it's done!
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| What to eat in Bangkok? Where to eat in Bangkok? |
Eat Me - Between Silom and Sathorn
Eat Me - The name is less of a suggestion and more a promise of something irresistible. This gallery and restaurant on Soi Convent in Silom lives up to its name by serving mouth-watering modern international food, good drinks and some very tasty desserts. The restaurant has been wowing the crowds for years which is no mean feat given Bangkok’s fickle dining scene and even fickler diners. Things are kept things fresh with ever-changing art exhibitions, an inventive menu and a smart casual dress code. Tel: +66 (0)2 260 2962 Location: 1/6 Pipat Soi 2, Convent Rd, Silom BTS: Sala Daeng MRT: Silom
Soul Food - Thai
It might seem controversial, but one of the best Thai restaurants in the city is run by an American. Soul Food
Mahanakorn serves up popular regional dishes in the cosy wood-lined restaurant on Thong Lor, only five minutes’ walk from the BTS. If you are looking for a great evening with delicious food and no pretentions then this is the place to go. Open: Sunday – Thursday from 17:30 to 23:00 and Friday and Saturday from 17:30 to 00:00 Tel: +66 (0)2 7147708 Location: 56/10 Sukhumvit Soi Thonglor BTS: Thong Lor
Issaya Siamese Club - Thai
Standing proudly in the middle of a luscious green garden, this 100-years-old house with its wooden verandah and old fashioned staircase instantly sets a romantic mood, making it a perfect place for duo dining. This is not another pretty tourist place: Thais, expats and the few travelers who make the effort to discover it are unanimous - the combined charm of a heritage house, exceptional service and the renowned culinary flair of Chef Ian Kittichai makes Issaya Siamese Club an outstanding restaurant. Open: 11:30-15:00 Sundays Tel: +66 (0)2 126 8866 Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS: Ratchadamri
Le Beaulieu at Plaza Athenee - French
For many years, Le Beaulieu has been a name synonymous of great French Cuisine in the busy Sukhumvit. After being closed for a while, Chef Herve Frerard comes back with a more stylish venue at the Le Meridien Plaza Athenee on Chidlom, the perfect match for an elegant and sophisticated restaurant addressing to the ever demanding Bangkok young gourmets. Open: 11.30 - 2.30 pm , 6.30 pm - 11.30 pm, Closed on Sunday Tel: +66 (0)2 168 8220 Location: Athénée Tower (Lobby), 3 Wireless Road (ask for Plaza Athénée Hotel
Bo Lan - Thai
Recognised for many years as one of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok, Bo Lan is not your everyday local eatery. This is the kind of place to invite your discerning friends or when you want to impress visitors who think they tried it all before. The name 'Bo.Lan' comes from the two chefs 'Bo' (Duangporn Songvisava) and 'Dylan Jones' who were both inspired and worked under the supervision of Michelin stared chef David Thompson at Nahm London. Open: 11:00-02:00 Tel: +66 (0)2 628 8382-3 Location: Samsen Soi 3, near Rama VIII Bridge, Old City
D'Sens at Dusit Thani - French
D'Sens at the well known Dusit Thani Hotel is an exceptional French Restaurant in Silom, perfect for a special occasion, a birthday or an anniversary. The restaurant offers beautiful views on Lumpini Park and Rama IV road from the 21st floor and the food is an unforgettable experience. Another reason for our going there is that the Dusit Thani is home of the famous Cordon Bleu Cooking School, so it's a truly special place and our expectations were rather high. Open: Monday to Friday 11:30 - 14:00, 18:00 - 22:00 - Closed Saturday Lunch Closed on Sunday Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9000 ext. 2499 Location: Dusit Thani Bangkok BTS: Sala Daeng
Nahm - Thai
Consistently ranked among the finest restaurants in the world, and with a Michelin star chef at the helm, Nahm serves Thai cuisine prepared according to ancient recipes with a focus on how the flavours and textures of premium quality ingredients interact together. Whether you are a longstanding visitor to Bangkok or it is your first time eating traditional Thai food, Nahm will both surprise and delight you with fantastic dishes. Open: Lunch - 12:00 – 14:00, Dinner 19:00 – 22:30 Tel: +66 (0) 625 3333 Location: Ground Floor, The Metropolitan Hotel, 27 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok
Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin at Siam Kempinski - Thai
Sra Bua a fine-dining restaurant that serves cutting edge Thai cuisine unlike any you will have ever seen before. Well-known Thai favourites have been turned inside out, and every dish is a treat for the eyes – as well as the taste buds. Located on the ground floor of the Siam Kempinski Hotel, Sra Bua restaurant has high ceilings and Thai antique embellishments. Open: 12:00 – 15:00 amd 18:00 – 23:00 Daily Tel: +66 (0) 2 162 9000 Location: 991 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Thailand BTS: Siam
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