Best Restaurants in Bangkok: Top Choices

Bangkok is famous for its lively and varied food scene. It has everything from street food to fine dining. This guide will take you to the top 10 best restaurants in Bangkok. These places show off the city’s rich food culture and new culinary trends. You’ll find everything from legendary street food spots to Michelin-starred restaurants. These places are the best of what Bangkok has to offer. Warning, you make get hungry reading this!

Food Highlights

• Bangkok’s culinary scene offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from street food to fine dining.
• The city’s top restaurants showcase a blend of traditional Thai and innovative global flavors.
• Bangkok is home to several establishments recognized on prestigious lists like Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
• Upscale dining in Bangkok reflects the city’s growing wealth and increasing demand for high-quality culinary experiences.

Raan Jay Fai: A Legendary Street Food Icon

In the heart of Bangkok, a place has become famous worldwide – Raan Jay Fai. It’s a spot in the city’s lively markets. Here, “Auntie Jay Fai” has been serving amazing Thai food for years. This place is known for its wok-fried crab omelets and other tasty seafood dishes. Raan Jay Fai got a Michelin star for its top-quality food. Even with long lines and high prices, it’s a top spot for food lovers. At Raan Jay Fai, prices range from 500 to 1,500 Thai baht ($13.80 to $41). The crab omelet costs 1,200 Thai baht (about $33). It shows the hard work of Auntie Jay Fai and her team. Booking here is hard and waiting can take up to five hours, showing how popular it is. But good things come to those who wait!

Raan Jay Fai is known all over, thanks to “Street Food: Asia” on Netflix and the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Icon Award in 2021. It’s one of only two street food places with a Michelin star.

Le Du: Innovative Thai Fine Dining

Fancy fine dining? Le Du is a standout in this scene. It’s in the Silom district at 399/3 Soi Siri Chunsawek. This place is known for its new take on traditional Thai food. Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn leads Le Du with vision. He mixes classic Thai flavors with modern cooking methods. This creates a dining experience that feels both old and new. Each dish, from rich curries to fresh salads, highlights the beauty and versatility of Thai ingredients!

Restaurant POTONG: Regional Thai Flavors

In the heart of Bangkok, Restaurant POTONG shines as a top spot for Thai food showing off the unique tastes and ingredients from each region in Thailand. The restaurant brings the spicy curries of the south and the fresh, herb-filled dishes of the north right to your table. With a focus on traditional cooking methods, it’s a favorite among food lovers both local and those who are just passing through. In 2023, Restaurant POTONG was honored with a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list at No. 35. This shows how great the food is and how it attracts people. It also made the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants that year. Chef Pam leads Restaurant POTONG with a passion! Chef Pam is the youngest and fastest Thai female chef to win the ASIA’s Best Female Chef award. The restaurant works closely with local suppliers to get the best ingredients. This means less imported food and more authentic tastes. It makes the dining experience even better. With just 35 seats, the restaurant offers a unique and exclusive tasting experience, which is definitely worth a trip!

Samrub Samrub Thai: A Culinary Journey

In Bangkok’s Silom district, a special dining spot awaits at Samrub Samrub Thai. It’s at 39/11 Soi Yommarat and is ran by Chef Prin Polsuk who leads the way, sharing the country’s rich food roots through lesser-known dishes and ingredients. The menu at Samrub Samrub Thai changes often, making it a hit favorite with foodies who like change and creativity. You’ll find everything from sweet, meaty dishes from the deep south to fresh, herb-filled meals from the Mekong River. Chef Prin started his journey at Nahm restaurant in London, learning from Chef David Thompson. Now, at Samrub Samrub Thai, he uses old recipe books like Tamra Kap Kao to make new dishes. Prin’s challenge is to update old recipes with today’s tastes and ingredients. His team works hard to bring back lost Thai dishes. The result is a dining experience that feels both new and nostalgic. Top dishes have included Deep Fried Great White Sheatfish and Forest Curry from Chantaburi. Samrub Samrub Thai has earned a Michelin star and a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It’s a top choice for anyone wanting a real Thai food experience and something which is definitely different then they should get down there!

Gaggan Anand: Innovative Indian Fusion

In the heart of Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, Gaggan Anand stands out. It’s a restaurant that changes the game with its unique Indian fusion dishes. Chef Gaggan Anand leads this place, known for its bold mix of traditional Indian tastes with modern twists. The menu at Gaggan Anand will take you on a journey through India’s diverse flavors. You’ll find dishes like “fish roe-encrusted crab leg lollipops” and “yogurt explosions.” Each dish shows the chef’s creativity and skill. For a special experience, try the 14-seater chef’s table with food and drink pairings for around 12,000 Thai Baht. Since opening in 2010, Gaggan Anand has been a hit, ranking high in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and the Michelin Guide. The vibe is lively, like a nightclub, and the chef tells stories with each dish, adding fun to your meal!

Sühring: German Fine Dining in Bangkok

In the heart of Bangkok, Sühring stands out as a top fine dining spot. It brings German cuisine to life. Twin brothers Thomas and Matthias Sühring run this place, offering a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored townhouse. It serves dishes that mix traditional German flavors with Thai ingredients. Each dish, from creamy soups to slow-roasted pork belly, shows the chefs’ skill and creativity. They offer a tasting menu which has 10 courses and costs $150 plus wine. It’s a chance to enjoy a 3 Michelin star experience in Bangkok. The menu is split into three chapters, each with its own set of dishes and has been featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. If you love German food or just want a unique dining experience, Sühring is a must-visit!

Nusara: Authentic Thai Heritage

In Bangkok’s lively Chinatown, Nusara sits close to Wat Pho temple. It’s a place that honors Thailand’s rich food culture. The restaurant is in a 19th-century Ratanakosin-style home, offering a unique dining experience. Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn created Nusara. He’s known for his fresh take on traditional Thai dishes. With skills from Michelin-starred New York restaurants, he made a menu that brings out the best of Thailand’s flavors and smells. Chinatown, in general, is fantastic for food and has the reputation to go with it. The restaurants have stood the test of time and quality, a great number of restaurants are 3rd generation family owned. Nusara’s menu features dishes like coconut milk curries and herb salads. The 12-course tasting menu lets diners enjoy traditional Thai flavors with a modern twist. Featuring local ingredients like horse-shoe crab roe and paddy field crab roe. It also uses unique Thai products like Phuket honeycomb and Thai caviar. This approach has made Nusara famous, ranking #6 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024. Chef Tassanakajohn’s hard work has paid off. He’s the only Thai chef with two spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Awards like the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award in 2024 prove Nusara is a top choice for experiencing authentic Thai food in Bangkok. So don’t miss out, get down to Nusara immediately!

Sam Lor: Modern Thai Street Food

In the heart of Bangkok, Sam Lor is changing the city’s street food scene. It’s known for mixing traditional Thai tastes with new cooking methods. This makes dining there a unique experience that shows off Thailand’s street food creativity. The menu at Sam Lor is full of flavors, from fragrant curries to bold salads. The Spicy Thai Wagyu Tartare costs 150 THB and gives a fancy twist to a street food classic. The Slow Cooked Beef Krapow, at 380 THB, shows how simple ingredients can become something special. For a full taste of Thai street food, try the 5-course Chef’s menu. It takes you through a series of dishes that highlight the best of Thai flavors. You’ll find dishes like Surprise Fried Rice (250 THB) and the Samlor Thai Omelette (280 THB). Sam Lor cares about quality, from the Jasmine rice from Udon Thani to their homemade oyster sauce. They make it in 2-3 days, showing their dedication to the craft and the end product!

Here is a list of foods which are favorites at Sam Lor!

Dish	Price (THB)
Spicy Thai Wagyu Tartare	150
Slow Cooked Beef Krapow	380
Surprise Fried Rice	250
Samlor Thai Omelette	280
Fried Soft Shell Crab	620
“Moo Ping” Smoked Pork Rib	780

Small Dinner Club: Intimate Dining Experience

In the Si Phraya neighborhood of Bangkok, the Small Dinner Club offers a special dining experience. It’s a hidden spot at 1109 Charoen Krung Road, perfect for those who love fine food. This place is a favorite among Bangkok’s food lovers. Only 12 guests can dine at a time, making it a personal experience. Guests enter a historic building and start a 13-course meal at 6 pm from Thursday to Sunday. The price is around B4,500. Sareen Rojanametin, the owner, is a photographer and art director. He brings creativity to the menu, making Thai food more exciting. The dishes surprise and delight with their names and looks. Sareen uses only the best local ingredients often ignored by others. His goal is to make Thai cuisine more adventurous. He encourages diners to try new flavors and ingredients. As only 12 guests can enjoy at one time, it is definitely best to book in advance!

Some of the other best restaurants in Bangkok include:

• Krua Apsorn, offering crab omelet, stir-fried crab with string beans, and river prawns with garlic.
• Hia Tai Kee cafe, which has been in operation for over 60 years and serves Thai-style coffees along with Chinese Western breakfast options.
• Likhit, specializing in grilled chicken and featuring a full menu that includes papaya salad and sticky rice.
• Jib Kee restaurant, offering century-old versions of roast pork and duck in an open-air setting.
• Nai Hong, excelling in preparing a dish called kuaytiaw khua kai, made with wide rice noodles fried in lard with chicken and egg.
• Kim Leng restaurant, known for homestyle Thai cooking, including mee krob, tom som, hor mok, and winged bean salad.
• Thipsamai, popular for its phat Thai and offering a unique version made with “shrimp oil.”
• Jay Fai’s stir-fries and rich soups have garnered a Michelin star, making it a must-visit spot in Bangkok.
• Kor Panich, renowned for its sticky rice with mango, attracting customers for several decades.
• Chote Chitr, a historic eatery known for classic mee krob dishes, maintaining its presence for almost a century.

FAQ

What are some of the top restaurants in Bangkok?

Top restaurants in Bangkok include Raan Jay Fai, Le Du, Restaurant POTONG, Samrub Samrub Thai, Gaggan Anand, Sühring, Nusara, Sam Lor, and Small Dinner Club.

What cuisine can I find at Raan Jay Fai?

Raan Jay Fai is famous for its amazing Thai street food. You’ll love their wok-fried crab omelets and other rich seafood dishes.

What makes Le Du a pioneering Thai fine dining restaurant?

Le Du mixes classic Thai flavors with modern cooking methods. This shows off the rich taste and complexity of Thai ingredients.

How does Restaurant POTONG showcase the diverse regional cuisines of Thailand?

Restaurant POTONG has a menu that highlights flavors and ingredients from all over Thailand. It takes diners on a food journey across the kingdom.

What makes Samrub Samrub Thai a unique dining experience?

Samrub Samrub Thai’s menu changes often, showing the chef’s search for new Thai dishes and ingredients. It introduces diners to flavors from remote parts of the country.

How does Gaggan Anand redefine the boundaries of Indian cuisine?

Gaggan Anand mixes traditional Indian tastes with new cooking methods and modern looks. It offers a unique dining experience that honors the rich and varied tastes of the subcontinent.

What makes Sühring’s cuisine unique?

Sühring gives diners a special taste of German cuisine’s elegance and sophistication. It also uses Thai ingredients, making it stand out.

How does Nusara celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Thailand?

Nusara presents traditional Thai dishes made with old recipes and techniques. Guests get to enjoy the real tastes and smells of Thailand’s food history.

What is the focus of Sam Lor’s dining experience?

Sam Lor takes Thai street food to a new level. It offers a modern twist on classic dishes by mixing traditional tastes with new cooking methods.

What makes Small Dinner Club a unique dining destination in Bangkok?

Small Dinner Club offers a close and deep food experience. It has a custom menu that shows off the chefs’ creativity and draws from Thailand’s wide food traditions.