From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional street food, Bangkok’s dining scene offers a rich tapestry of flavours. Bangkok is a city that never fails to surprise, especially when it comes to food. Whether you’re after high-end Michelin-starred meals or a bowl of noodles on the street, Bangkok’s restaurants deliver on flavour, creativity, and atmosphere. This guide takes you through some of the city’s finest establishments, from authentic Thai kitchens to those embracing a global culinary perspective.
Protip: Planning Your Travels In Bangkok
Bangkok is a city where street food meets fine dining, and both are equally important to the local culture. Do embrace the local etiquette—use a spoon and fork for most Thai meals, leaving the knife aside. Don’t be afraid to try something new, as many of Bangkok’s chefs mix familiar flavours with daring twists. Avoid pointing with your feet or touching someone’s head, as these are considered disrespectful in Thai culture. And when it comes to dining, always enjoy the food at a leisurely pace—there’s no rush in savouring the many tastes this city offers.
Where to Eat: From Casual to Fine Dining in Bangkok
Bangkok’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavours and traditions, with chefs pushing the boundaries of what Thai cuisine can offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems serving homestyle Thai dishes, the city is a haven for food lovers. Whether you’re craving contemporary interpretations of classic dishes or comforting street food, Bangkok has something to satisfy every palate.
Blue by Alain Ducasse
French elegance meets Thai sensibilities in this Michelin-starred restaurant
Located in ICONSIAM, Blue by Alain Ducasse brings a refined French dining experience to Bangkok, under the direction of Chef Wilfrid Hocquet. The restaurant’s focus is on using premium ingredients to create dishes with precision and elegance. Signature plates like the smoked salmon in French brioche with yellow wine sauce and Atlantic sea bass ‘au poivre’ highlight the perfect marriage of French techniques and Thai flavours. The restaurant’s chic ambiance, with a blue-themed design and panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River, ensures a luxurious dining experience.
BK Salon
Communal dining with a modern Thai twist
Located in Bangkok’s Sathu Pradit area, BK Salon is the latest project by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, known for Le Du and Nusara. The concept behind BK Salon is to create a communal space reminiscent of a traditional French salon. The design, inspired by the Thai sticky rice basket, sets the scene for a range of Thai dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include the spicy papaya salad, fried chicken with kaffir leaves, and the giant baked rice with jumbo crab meat, all served in a relaxed yet beautiful setting. BK Salon also offers a 10-seater chef’s table for a more exclusive experience.
Haoma
Progressive Indian gastronomy meets sustainability
Haoma, led by Chef Deepanker Khosla, is a true oasis in Bangkok’s culinary landscape. Known for its sustainable practices, including a closed-loop farm system and zero-waste principles, Haoma offers a 15-course Meat & Seafood Experience featuring dishes like Wagyu Corn Tea Pie and Slipper Lobster with pulissery pickled onions. Every bite is a journey through flavours that blend Indian culinary heritage with modern techniques, all while minimising the environmental impact of the meal.
Raan Jay Fai
Michelin-starred Thai street food by Bangkok’s iconic street food queen
Raan Jay Fai has become synonymous with exceptional street food, thanks to Chef Jay Fai’s skilled hands and signature oversized goggles. The menu includes the famous Crab Omelette, filled with generous amounts of fresh crab meat, and the zesty Seafood Dry Tom Yum. Elevated by premium ingredients and Chef Jay Fai’s incredible wok skills, this Michelin-starred street food stall is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Bangkok’s authentic culinary scene.
Jhol
Contemporary Indian flavours redefined in a modern vibrant space
Chef Hari Nayak’s Jhol brings a contemporary twist to traditional coastal Indian cuisine. The tasting menus are packed with bold flavours, from the tangy dill and kokum cured hamachi to the Parsi mawa cake with caramelised milk ice cream. With its warm atmosphere and creative use of spices, Jhol delivers a unique Indian dining experience that is both comforting and innovative.
Le Du
Michelin-starred Modern Thai meets French techniques
Le Du, led by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, is a Michelin-starred gem that elevates Thai flavours through French techniques. The seasonal tasting menu highlights fresh, local ingredients in dishes like smoked barracuda with fermented fish mousse and the indulgent river prawn with deep-fried egg crumble and tom yum sauce. With its perfect balance of Thai tradition and contemporary flair, Le Du offers one of Bangkok’s most sought-after dining experiences.
Mia
Playful European cuisine with Asian accents
Chefs Top Russell and Michelle Goh’s Mia is a Michelin-starred restaurant that artfully combines contemporary European cuisine with vibrant Asian touches. Dishes like roasted baby chicken with foie gras and textures of corn, and the signature Coconut & Caviar dessert, showcase the chefs’ creativity and flair. Housed in a charming villa, Mia’s elegant yet cosy ambiance is the perfect backdrop for a meal that feels both refined and welcoming.
Nusara
A modern tribute to Thai culinary heritage
Nusara, helmed by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn and Tam Chaisiri Tassanakajohn, offers a nostalgic and refined exploration of Thai cuisine, inspired by their grandmother Nusara. The 12-course tasting menu, served in an elegant setting near Wat Pho, includes highlights like Hokkaido scallop with miang sauce, and blue swimming crab curry with crispy rice noodles. Nusara is a beautiful fusion of traditional Thai recipes and modern presentation, making it a destination for those seeking a high-end Thai dining experience.
Samrub Samrub Thai
An innovative exploration of traditional Thai flavours
Samrub Samrub Thai, led by Chef Prin Polsuk, offers an in-depth journey through Thai cuisine, exploring the regional flavours of the country. The tasting menu includes a diverse range of dishes, from the crispy Shan chickpea cracker to the braised short ribs with smoked chilli paste. Samrub Samrub Thai is a perfect representation of how traditional Thai dishes can be reinvented while maintaining their authentic roots.
Sansumran at Sansaab
Authentic Thai homestyle cooking with rare traditional recipes
Sansumran at Sansaab is a beloved local spot known for its dedication to preserving traditional Thai homestyle cooking. Signature dishes like the crispy fried shrimp (Goong Man Tod Thai) and the spicy pomelo salad with shrimp (Yam Som O Goong Sod) stand out. The Green Curry Pork and Air Dried Beef Fried Rice are also must-tries. Chefs often bring out-of-town colleagues here for a true taste of Bangkok’s rare, traditional flavours, making Sansumran a hidden gem.
Sorn
A Michelin two-starred exploration of Southern Thai cuisine
Led by Chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, Sorn offers a comprehensive journey through Southern Thai flavours, using ingredients from the region’s 14 provinces. The tasting menu includes signature dishes like spicy blue crab with mud crab roe, and an array of seafood delicacies like Phuket lobster and cockles. With its emphasis on bold flavours and regional specialities, Sorn is a must-visit for those who want to dive deep into the complexity of Thai cuisine.
Where To Drink: Bangkok’s Top Cocktail Bars
Bangkok’s bar scene is as dynamic as its food offerings, with venues ranging from sleek rooftop lounges to hidden speakeasies. Whether you’re looking for inventive cocktails crafted with local ingredients or a classic drink with a twist, the city’s top bars have something for everyone. Dive into Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife with these must-visit spots for a memorable evening out.
G.O.D.
Bold, experimental cocktails in a minimalist, high-ceilinged space
Short for “Genius on Drugs,” G.O.D. by Niks Anuman in Bangkok’s Chinatown is known for its bold and experimental approach to cocktails. With its high-ceilinged, minimalist interior, and a mix of spirit-forward cocktails paired with gourmet bar bites, the bar offers a unique, almost theatrical drinking experience. Highlights include the Uni Martini and the Oyster Martini, each served with extravagant sides. A true hidden gem, G.O.D. is for those looking to enjoy creative drinks in a space that feels more like an artistic experiment than a typical bar.
Ms. Jigger
An elegant cocktail bar with Italian influences in the heart of Bangkok
Located at the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Ms. Jigger is an intimate cocktail bar offering sophisticated drinks with a focus on Italian ingredients. Each cocktail tells a story, crafted with precision to match the bar’s elegant and welcoming vibe. Under the leadership of Stan Andruskevic, Ms. Jigger delivers a top-tier drinking experience in Bangkok’s cocktail scene.
Ruby’s
Gem-inspired cocktails in an intimate plush setting
Ruby’s is located within the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok and is headed by Stan Andruskevic. The concept of Ruby’s is built upon a love story, with each cocktail taking the form of a certain gemstone. The bar offers a luxurious experience with cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, all in a plush, intimate setting. Signature drinks such as the “Jealous Glare” and “A Papercut, A Broken Heart” add to the allure of the space, blending rich flavours and striking presentations.
#FindThePhotoBooth
A hidden speakeasy with inventive cocktails behind a quirky entrance
Nestled within Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife scene, #FindThePhotoBooth offers a unique speakeasy experience. This hidden bar, led by renowned bartender Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn, is accessed through a quirky photo booth entrance, adding an element of mystery and adventure. Once inside, patrons are treated to a cosy, dimly lit ambiance with vintage decor. The cocktail menu showcases inventive concoctions, each meticulously crafted with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. Standout offerings include a smoky whisky-based drink with hints of citrus and a refreshing gin cocktail infused with local botanicals.
Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar
Creative, resourceful cocktails in a cosy, intimate bar
Founded by Ronnaporn ‘Neung’ Kanivichaporn and Chennarong ‘Jan’ Bhumichitr, Mahaniyom offers a unique cocktail experience that blends local Thai flavours with creative bartending techniques. Located above the nose-to-tail restaurant 100 Mahaseth, Mahaniyom’s menu focuses on **Resourceful Cocktails**, with each drink highlighting a single ingredient in various forms. Standouts include the **Cow**, which features brandy, red wine, beef fat, brown butter, and blue cheese air, and the **Squid**, a Southeast Asian-inspired cocktail made with vodka, mezcal, dried squid, and clarified tomato juice. Mahaniyom’s inventive drinks, paired with savoury Northern Thai snacks like papaya fritters and pulled beef jerky, make it a must-visit for cocktail lovers.
Nuss Bar
Bold, Thai-inspired cocktails in a vibrant, luxurious setting
Nuss Bar in Bangkok’s Old Town, established by renowned chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, Tam Chaisiri Tassanakajohn, and celebrated bartender Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn, offers a creative cocktail experience rooted in Thai flavours. The bar’s decor features striking red and gold tones, creating a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly complements its innovative drinks. The Durian Colada is a daring cocktail featuring durian paste, Sichon Pineapple Spirit, and a salted pandan coconut espuma. Another highlight, the Som Tum Fizz, is inspired by Thailand’s famous spicy papaya salad and incorporates flavours like tomato, lime, and fish sauce, giving it a truly unique twist. Nuss Bar is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts looking for something fresh and adventurous.
Where To Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is home to some of the most luxurious and design-forward hotels in the world, offering travellers everything from modern high-rises with panoramic city views to boutique stays in the heart of the Old Town. Whether you seek sleek sophistication or a charming, intimate experience, the city’s hotels promise to elevate your stay. Here are the top places to rest your head after a day of exploring.
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
A stylish, modern retreat with upscale dining and nightlife
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, located in the upscale Langsuan neighbourhood, offers a blend of contemporary luxury and personalised service. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities, plush bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city or the lush Langsuan Park. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s exceptional dining options, from authentic Italian fare and craft cocktails at Ms. Jigger to the sophisticated, gemstone-inspired drinks at Ruby’s. For those looking to unwind, the rooftop pool and poolside bar, along with the expansive amaranth spa by HARNN, provide a serene escape from the bustling city. The hotel also offers a range of wellness activities, including yoga classes, a fitness centre, and bike rentals to explore the city. Kimpton Maa-Lai’s pet-friendly policy and thoughtful touches like their evening social hour make it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers seeking a stylish, welcoming home base in Bangkok.
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
Chic and modern with panoramic city views and a buzzing social scene
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a chic, modern hotel located in the iconic Mahanakhon Tower, blending bold design with vibrant social energy. Offering panoramic views of the city from its stylish rooms and suites, the hotel’s eclectic interiors reflect its playful, cutting-edge approach. Dining options include Ojo, a modern Mexican fine-dining restaurant, and The Parlor for a more relaxed setting with cocktails and live music. The rooftop Sky Beach, Bangkok’s highest bar, offers stunning views alongside inventive drinks. With a rooftop pool, a spa for relaxation, and a lively social atmosphere, The Standard provides a unique, cosmopolitan stay in the heart of Bangkok.
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