Undeniably one of the best cities in the world for street eats, Bangkok is a food-lovers paradise. From bustling back-alley street stalls to modern Thai fine dining, from iconic hole-in-the-wall gems to legendary mom and pop eateries, Thailand's culinary landscape is begging to be explored. Beyond the conventional pad thai, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice, there’s a rich gastronomic legacy of punchy, flavor-bursting fare – covering sour, salty, sweet, spicy, and bitter – that spotlights the regional differences in tastes, produce, and cultural heritage, best washed down with a frothy cup of silky-sweet Thai milk tea. 

After visiting Bangkok more than ten times over the last decade, and even temporarily living there during part of COVID, it goes without saying, I’ve done my fair share of eating in this street food Mecca of a city. After eating at over 100 food stalls, dozens of fine dining and contemporary Thai restaurants, and drinking at more bars around the metropolitan area than I can count, this is my curated list of the cream of Bangkok’s food and drink crop.

Noodles

Sai Nam Phueng Noodle Shop: This beloved noodle house is known for its flavorful chicken wing soup and homemade noodles, offering a cozy, local dining experience. The chicken meat is tender, juxtaposed against springy vermicelli noodles. Other favorites include yen ta fao (pink noodle soup) and fish cakes soup.
392/20, Sukhumvit Rd Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Rung Rueang Pork Noodles: This is an acclaimed, pocket-friendly Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, celebrated for its authentic Thai street food, particularly customizable pork noodle soups in either clear or tangy tom yum broth. At this family-run establishment, patrons can select their preferred noodle type, broth, and protein, as well as level of spice and add-ons.
10/3 Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Zaew (ก๋วยเตี๋ยว "แซว”): This noodle haunt is famous amongst those in the know for slowly simmered pork bone broth with a well-rounded sweet, umami flavor and tightly packed minced pork balls. Most come for some combination of the spicy dry noodles, tom yum fish noodles, or shrimp and minced pork balls, washed down with fresh pandan juice. Pro tip: Make sure to arrive before 11am if you want to guarantee a noodle breakfast as this stall sells out fast and always has a wait.
1 Sukhumvit 49, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Thep Pad Thai: This high-heat wok-fried take on traditional pad thai is backed by the same team as internet sensation venue Phed Mark (see below). Prized for its smoky flavor and extra large fried duck eggs with lacy, crispy edges, diners can select their spice preference and protein. The noodles here are notably thinner than the customary pad thai, and toppings span the gamut, from chicken to crispy pork lard to dried shrimp to tiger prawns. Do note that the pad thai here is pricier than your average street stall as the portion is big enough for two and served in an air-conditioned space.
2 Soi Bannasan, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Wattana Panich: At this legendary, family-owned spot, the beef and goat stew has been simmering for 50 years! In a massive pot brimming with rich, fragrant broth, water is continuously replenished, along with spices and meat to keep a consistent flavor profile.  The tender beef is best enjoyed with wide rice noodles, while the rich goat soup is gamier and herbal, the ideal hangover cure. Other variations, like beef tendon and beef ball soup with noodles are available, as are Thai staples, like a fantastic rendition of pad see ew.  
336 338 Ekkamai Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Seafood

Pa Nee Kung Chae Nam Pla: This humble restaurant in Bangkok is serving just one raw seafood dish (called goong chae nam pla), with options between shrimp (the most common), oysters, salmon or a mix of all three. The melt-in-your-mouth, marinated seafood is smothered in a zingy sour and spicy herb sauce, sprinkled with fried shallots and finished with fresh herbs.
2 Chulalongkorn 3 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

Nhong Rim Klong: Another Michelin Bib Gourmand outpost, this Thai “diner” is recognized for its generous portions of seafood. The venue’s culinary showpiece, the crab omelet sees fluffy egg and abundant crab meat. Other favored dishes include garlic prawns, stir-fried salted egg yolk squid, and tom yum soup.
51 Ekkamai 23 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Pe Aor Tom Yum: This renowned Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is famed for its tom yum, of which there are over a dozen permutations. The open-air kitchen is constantly filled with the aroma of fresh seafood – crab, squid, mussels, and lobster – of which guests can choose from for their tom yum bowl. There’s also pork and fish ball options, as well as a selection for noodles and other add-ons.
68, 51 Phetchaburi Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok

Here Hai: This sought-after Bangkok restaurant concentrates on all things seafood, specifically crab fried rice and other premium dishes like garlic fried mantis shrimp. All seafood is served with Here Hai’s signature sauce – a tangy green sauce made with fresh herb and spices. Despite the modest setting, this venue is even recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery.
112, 1 Ekkamai Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Hoi Tod Chaw Lay: The go-to spot for crispy oyster omelet (hoi tod), this seafood-centric joint also serves other classic Thai fare, like pad thai and tom yum. The oyster omelet’s batter is a mix of rice flour, cornstarch and water, plus chopped seafood, like mussels, shrimp, squid, and – of course – oysters.
128/3, Ekkamai Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Talad Noi Crab Fried Rice: This late-night street food stall only opens after sunset, serving up toothsome crab fried rice (khao pad poo) to the after-hours masses. Succulent crab meat is wok-fried with jasmine rice, scrambled eggs, garlic, and fish sauce for a memorable evening treat.
33 ถ. เจริญกรุง Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Jay Fai: Named after the eponymous Bangkok street food chef and icon distinguished for her tough upbringing, tenacity, drive and success as the first ever Michelin-starred street food vendor, Jay Fai is an absolute institution. This 80-something-year-old legend still cooks everything in her restaurant today and is easily recognizable by her ski goggles, slight frame, and strong presence. Her dishes are served in sharing portions (with price tags to match), ranging from the venue’s hero dish – a behemoth fried crab omelet – to tom yum soup, seafood drunken noodles, and stir-fried crab with egg, among so many more equally standout options. As this restaurant is highly popular amongst locals and tourists alike, a pre-booking is necessary!
327 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Meat

Polo Fried Chicken: A 50-year-old fried chicken shop that is clearly doing something right, Polo is a must-visit. The venue serves up a variety of Thai dishes, but the namesake plate you’ll find on every table is the slow-cooked then fried whole chicken, sheathed by whole fried garlic cloves, and best savored by dunking the juicy meat in homemade sweet chili and spicy sauces.
137/1-3 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

Phed Mark: Founded by admired vlogger Mark Weins (Migrationology), Phed Mark hones in on only one Thai dish, pad krapow (spicy Thai basil stir-fry) with diners’ choice of protein. The venue became internet famous because of its massive fried duck egg topper, with an ooey-gooey yolk that coats each individual grain of rice and meat. Guests can choose their level of spice and minced protein (chicken, beef, pork, squid, etc.) Be prepared to wait (from 30-60 minutes) even at off-hours.
300 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Ung Jia Huad: One of the top pad krapow and pad see ew vendors, this homestyle eatery is all about the best wok hei (breath of a wok aroma) paired with simple flavors. The menu is straightforward, affordable, and authentic, but isn’t the most reliable in terms of operating hours.
23 Sukhumvit Road, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Nakhon Sanuk: This tiny daytime canteen specializes in Thai-Chinese style crispy pork smothered in a thick gravy and char siu over rice. Portions are generous for the low price and are best enjoyed with an expertly cooked egg.
Khwaeng Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Som Tam Jay So: This Northern Thai (Isaan) style restaurant serves pungent, fiery green papaya salad as well as other traditional dishes like grilled chicken and minced pork laab. Adored for its spice-laden flavors, community feel, and popularity amongst locals, this all adds up to a real-deal Isaan outpost.
Soi Phiphat 2, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Sweets

Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice: An esteemed, 30-year-old mango shop, this is a fantastic place in the city to taste high-quality mango sticky rice. Each portion comes with an entire sliced, perfectly fresh mango, just-steamed sticky rice (sometimes dyed and flavored with pandan and butterfly pea), and warm and slightly salty coconut cream. The ratio of mango to rice justifies the higher price, as does the freshness and quality.
1 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Pa Tong Go Savoey: This Michelin-recognized street food stall in Chinatown (Yaowarat) sells deep-fried then grilled Chinese crullers (you tiao) drenched in pandan custard and condensed milk. Especially desired in the evenings, this stall comes alive after sunset.
56 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Hong Sieng Café: A historic, 200-year-old café in the picturesque Talat Noi neighborhood, is situated in a restored Chinese mansion along the Chao Phraya River. The tranquil atmosphere makes for an ideal destination to enjoy a coffee beverage or sweet treat (like tarts, cakes, smoothies, and ice cream) away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
734, 736 Soi Wanit 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Thai Canteens

Saengchai Phochana: A well-regarded, long-standing Thai-Chinese seafood restaurant, this after-hours eatery sports an extensive menu of seafood, pork, and Thai-Chinese dishes, like fried egg with radish, sweet and sour fried duck with pineapple, garlic fried whole fish, and wok-fried river prawns. Come with a group for a post-bars meal, and wash it all down with a cold Singha.
762/5-7 Sukhumvit Road, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Baan E-sarn Muangyos: An always-busy, inexpensive, family-run Isaan Thai restaurant, Baan E-Sarn focuses on spicy and fresh flavors into the wee hours of the morning. From papaya salad to tom yum to grilled fish to laab, and stellar grilled chicken wings, this is where you want to be after a few too many Leos.   
Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Sanguan Sri: An old-school Thai canteen that opened over 50 years ago, Sanguan Sri’s offerings hail from central Thailand. With a daily rotating menu of home-style cooking, this unassuming Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is a can’t-miss spot for stellar green curry and seafood stir-fries.
59, 1 Wireless Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

Markets

Nang Loeng Market: This historic morning market features traditional snacks, Thai desserts, noodle soups, and more, with a side of history. Go early as the market is busiest before lunchtime.
Nakhon Sawan 6 Alley, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok

Silom 10 Food Court: A bustling lunch market, this is a great place to sample a variety of local snacks and drinks all in one place.
Soi Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra 1, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Wang Lang Market: A favorite food spot, visitors can walk the winding alleys to experience a local food market (replete with all the conventional snacks and fried street eats) in between shopping for second-hand clothes, cheap electronics, and knock-offs.
396/5 Arun Amarin Road, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok

Chatuchak Weekend Market: A world-renowned bazaar that sells everything imaginable, this weekend market spans street food vendors to jewelry stalls, from handmade clothes to fresh fruit, and everything in between. Give yourself at least a few hours here and plan on stocking up on souvenirs and gifts in between filling your tummy with delicious food.
587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Or Tor Kor Market: Known for its high-quality, fresh produce, exotic fruits, and gourmet prepared food stalls offering delectable Thai snacks and traditional meals, this is a great market for foodies to sample snacks.
101 Thanon Yan Phahon Yothin, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Yaowarat (Chinatown) Night Market: A bustling street chock-full of countless vendors, Yaowarat Night Market offers a diverse range of Thai and Chinese street food, including local favorites and exotic dishes for a fully immersive street food experience.
Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Fine Dining

Bangkok may have some of the world’s best street food, but the fine dining is par none, with everything from modern interpretations of Thai fare to innovative takes on German classics, from collaborations with designer brands to Chinese fusion, and even the most whimsical chef’s table in the world.

Suhring: Contemporary German cuisine inspired by family recipes, Suhring (by the dynamic twin chef duo of Mathias and Thomas Suhring) is housed in a brightly lit, inviting space. Pro tip: while the wine pairing is standout, the non-alcoholic pairing is one of the best in the entire world.
10 Soi Yen Akat 3, Chong Nonsi

Nusara: Thai flavors coupled with modern techniques result in equally experimental and colorful plates and a creative dining experience at Nusara, by the talented Chef Ton. Make sure to grab a Thai street food-inspired cocktail at the first floor Nuss Bar.
336 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang

Gaggan: Gaggan Anand’s eponymous establishment is unlike any dining experience you’ve ever known. Breaking all the rules of fine dining, he has curated a full sensorial experience that stretches far beyond just what you taste, affording it the coveted title as the No. 1 restaurant in all of Asia, according to World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025.
68 Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Tan Nuea

Potong: Discover progressive Chinese-Thai cuisine at Potong, nestled in an old pharmacy heritage building in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown that used to belong to the prominent Chef Pam’s relatives. Don’t miss the curated wine pairing with the dinner tasting menu or a cocktail at Opium upstairs.
422 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong

Le Du: Chef Ton creatively reinterprets seasonal Thai cuisine at Le Du in a relaxed setting, with set menus available for both lunch and dinner.
399/3 Silom 7 Alley, Si Lom

Louis Vuitton x Gaggan: Gaggan’s playful style meets Louis Vuitton’s luxury at this one Michelin star collaboration restaurant housed inside Louis in Bangkok’s Gausorn Amarin center. Make sure to sample the desserts as the dessert chef, Dej Kewkacha, won the accolade of Best Dessert Chef in Asia.
496 Gaysorn Amarin, Unit 2F-S01-B, 502 Phloen Chit Rd

Baan Tepa: This two Michelin-starred restaurant is owned by Chef Tam Chudaree Debhakam, known for its sustainable, farm-driven Thai cuisine using local produce and celebrating biodiversity. The venue is housed in a restored family home with an organic garden, offering a farm-to-table experience.
561 Ramkhamhaeng Rd, Hua Mak, Bang Kapi, Bangkok

Sorn: The prestigious Sorn specializes in Southern Thai cuisine, founded by Chef Supaksorn Jongsiri, who sources ingredients almost exclusively from southern Thailand. It is the first and only restaurant in Thailand to earn three Michelin stars.
56 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Bangkok

Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh: Sitting at the cross-section of Indian and Mexican cuisine, Gaggan Anand serves up playful pairings like pork vindaloo tacos, paneer quesadillas, and rose syrup-soaked churros, plus a stellar wine list and party playlist to match.
8 Ekkamai 6 Alley, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Cocktail Bars

Bar Us: With its laboratory-esque aesthetic and back bar lined with homemade distillates, it’s no shocker that Bar Us is shaking up Bangkok’s cocktail scene. From a Margherita Pizza cocktail to Ramen in a glass, Bar Us’ menu is laid out like a restaurant’s – from appetizers to mains to desserts – scoring it the title of top-rated bar in all of Thailand.
1/37 Floor, 1 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Dry Wave Cocktail Studio: Reimagined “super classics” that combine the best parts of two timeless cocktails into one signature drink are what Dry Wave Cocktail Studio is all about.
2nd Floor SODALITY, 263 Thong Lo 13 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok

Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar: This award-winning bar’s drinks menu pays homage to a series of local tastes, each drink honing in on just one ingredient in all of its derivative forms, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and resourceful cocktail creations.
2nd floor, 104 Maha Set Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok

G.O.D.: This is a bar that blurs the lines between religion and hedonism throughout, including the bar’s name, Genius on Drugs. Full of sadistic touches (like a concrete cross, a church alter bar counter, and the bill arriving inside the holy bible), the drink menu is all about excessiveness. For the music program, think acid trip meets dungeon rave.
25, 27 Soi Rammaitree, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok

Bar Sathorn: At this bar, a part of the W Bangkok, the menu sees Thai-ingredient riffs on classics that represent the various epochs the House of Sathorn has witnessed during its 145-year history. Don’t miss the Bangkok Brunch, a smashable clarified Bloody Mary of sorts, with an entire frozen tomato “ice cube” keeping the drink refreshing despite the steamy summer temperatures.
106, The House on Sathorn, 108 N Sathon Rd, Si Lom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Funkytown: With a focus on ingredients typically found in the pantry rather than poured over ice, this Bangkok establishment ranks all concoctions with a funkiness factor of one to five.
4-5/F, 1/39 Soi Sukhumvit 37, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Vesper: A mainstay in the Bangkok bar scene for 10 years, Vesper is a bar lover’s bar with a lineup of classic cocktails and new creations.
1, 39 Sukhumvit 37 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok

BKK Social Club: Inspired by the parallels of Latin America and Bangkok, BKK Social Club is a destination-meets-hotel dram den with a focus on glitz, glamour, and good times, situated in the opulent Four Seasons Bangkok.
300/1 Charoenkrung Road, Yannawa, Bangkok

Opium:  On the top floor of Potong, this hidden speakeasy is named after the opium den that’s said to have previously occupied the space with the drinks program revolving around the concept of “liquid surreality.”
422 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

LIME by Us: Backed by the same team as Bar Us, Lime by Us spotlights Thailand’s tropical flavors, from fruity to fresh, for modern tiki-inspired sippers.
61, 37 Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Asia Today: A haven for any and everything honey, owner Niks Anuman is more than just a serial bar owner, he’s one of the top honey foragers and distributors in the country. Come for a cocktail or a honey tasting to learn about how honey flavors vary between the type of bee, season of pollination & region.
35 Soi Rammaitree, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok

TAX Bar: A unique cocktail bar with a single-ingredient approach, the bar originally honed in on everything vinegar related, but now currently offers a menu spotlighting the many culinary uses of insects.
695-697 Maitri Chit Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok

Nuss Bar: Situated on the bottom floor of the famed Nusara restaurant, Nuss Bar’s tipples exemplify the vibrancy of Bangkok’s happening street food scene with drinks inspired by local fare.
336 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Tropic City: Thailand’s first tropical bar, Tropic City pours out colorful, tiki-style libations made from homemade infusions, tinctures, and the like.
672/65 Soi Charoen Krung 28, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Got a recommendation for me to try out next time! Please share in the comments below, or DM on Instagram @steinersophshanghai

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