The Bangkok food scene is a vibrant explosion of flavour, culture, and creativity, making it one of the world’s top destinations for food lovers. From sizzling street stalls serving iconic dishes like Pad Thai and mango sticky rice, to award-winning fine dining restaurants with Michelin stars, the city offers something for every palate and budget. Did you know that Bangkok is home to over 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing everything from refined Thai fine dining to humble street food?
Whether you’re navigating bustling night markets or booking a table at a world-renowned eatery, discovering the best places to eat in Bangkok is a culinary adventure you won’t forget, we certainly haven’t! We certainly feel very blessed to have spent the most incredible 4 days in this bustling city and absolutely would love to return. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the must-visit spots that define Bangkok’s rich and diverse gastronomic landscape. You can also check out our top things to do in Bangkok here!
Thipsamai, the oldest Pad Thai restaurant in Thailand, has served its iconic dish since 1939. It’s Superb Pad Thai uses shrimp oil, deep-sea prawns, and has a signature wrapping egg. Opening up the delicate egg casing to spill open the contents inside added theatre to anticipation, uncovering the orange noodles to match the accompanying prawns.
We went to the restaurant located in Inconsiam, which has been there since 2018. For anyone searching for the best Pad Thai in Bangkok, this legendary spot is a must-try. You can walk off the meal afterwards by exploring the luxury shopping options, and grab an ice cream as well – we certainly did!
Braving Bangkok’s scorching 43-degree heat, we were lucky to snag a spot in the air-conditioned section at Heng Shun Seng. Known for its rich and flavourful stewed beef hot pot, this local favourite delivers tender cuts of beef simmered in a deeply aromatic broth packed with herbs and spices. If you’re looking for authentic Thai beef hot pot in Bangkok, Heng Shun Seng is a must-visit spot. It is one of the city’s hidden culinary gems that perfectly balances comfort, tradition, and bold flavours. We will definitely be back, even if I sweat profusely eating in the open air section.
Baan Tepa is a two Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Bangkok that redefines Thai cuisine through innovative tasting menus and a strong farm-to-table philosophy. The restaurant showcases seasonal Thai ingredients in a contemporary, multi-course experience that highlights local flavours with global technique. We enjoyed the 6 course menu with my favourite being the black squid ink ‘dong dang’ noodles and Sherry’s favourite being the river prawn dish.
Baan Tepa is located just outside the city centre, so factor traffic conditions when planning your journey. We found getting a GrabTaxi everywhere around Bangkok so useful and cheap. If you’re searching for one of the best fine dining experiences in Bangkok, Baan Tepa is a must-visit culinary destination.
Located in the lively Jodd Fairs Ratchada night market is one of Bangkok’s most eye-catching dishes, the famous Volcano Ribs. Piled high and drenched in a spicy, tangy sauce, these fall-off-the-bone pork ribs deliver a bold taste explosion. You can choose from multiple portion sizes to suit your appetite, and they even provide plastic gloves so you can dig in mess-free. If you can’t take too much spiciness then make sure to ask them for a less spicy portion. We ordered the small size to try other dishes, but as you can see, it’s still quite a handful! For travellers searching for the best street food in Bangkok, this stunning plate is an unmissable experience.
Pier 21 is the popular food court inside Terminal 21 Bangkok. It offers an unbeatable way to eat like a local without breaking the bank. Using a prepaid court card, order from dozens of authentic Thai food stalls, serving everything from boat noodles to papaya salad. Portions are small, but the incredibly low prices make it easy to sample a variety of dishes. We enjoyed three dishes and a mango sticky rice—all for just £4. Prepaid too much? Return the card and have the balance refunded. Then proceed to use the funds shopping inside Terminal 21. If you’re looking for the best cheap eats in Bangkok, Pier 21 is a must-visit foodie hotspot. If you are looking for somewhere to relax after you eat then there are plenty of massage parlours around the area, which is amongst our top things to do in Bangkok!
Just a 15-minute walk from the bustling Khao San Road, The Family restaurant offers a relaxed riverside dining experience with big, flavourful portions at unbeatable prices. With outdoor seating right along the riverbank, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in a more laid-back setting. The tables, however, are nestled under trees, we were moved to another table because we were in the drop zone of some pigeons above. We ordered a feast—one we did well to finish —yet the total bill came to just £12. A neighbouring table of four looked at us and ordered the same dishes. For travellers craving generous portions and a scenic, affordable meal near Khao San Road, The Family is a hidden gem worth discovering.
From sizzling street eats to elegant fine dining, Bangkok’s food scene truly has something for every palate. Every meal we had—whether at a humble roadside stall or a buzzing local gem—was a celebration of bold flavours and cultural richness. We hope this guide helps you navigate the city’s incredible culinary landscape and inspires you to explore your own must-try list. Come hungry, leave happy—and maybe just a little (too) obsessed with Thai food 😉.
The next time you visit Bangkok, make sure to check out these hot spots. Have others you recommend? We’ve love to hear them so leave us a comment!
