Bangkok has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world. If you are visiting Bangkok for just a few days, or even longer, you might be overwhelmed with choices. Not to worry — we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand.
What are the top 7 restaurants in Bangkok?
- Guay Jab Mr. Joe
- Issaya Siamese Club
- Err
- CentralWorld
- Cabbages and Condoms
- Bo.Lan
- Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
Bangkok is known for its delicious flavors and low-costs. In this list, you will find some of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, fine-dining experiences, and the world’s craziest food court experiences.
Guay Jab Mr. Joe
Guay Jab Mr. Joe comes in No. 1 on this list due to price and their impressive accolades. This little restaurant claims to have the “crispiest pork belly” in all of Thailand (A bold claim, that seems to be backed by some serious muscle). This restaurant is a mecca for foodies all around the world that like delicious food for a ridiculously cheap price.
Guay Jab Mr. Joe is a small family-owned restaurant in Bangkok that specializes in rice rolls and a famous soup called Moo Krob. They have people traveling from all over to try this noodle soup, which consists of incredibly crisp pork belly nestled on top of thick rice noodles, all laying in a light peppery broth. This dish (which costs about $2.42) is one of the cheapest Michelin-starred dishes in the world.
Issaya Siamese Club
Issaya Siamese Club is a hidden favorite amongst Bangkok locals, expats, and seasoned travelers. Tucked away in a narrow alley, this 100-year-old 2-story house might be hard to find on your first go around. Once you have found it though, you won’t be able to mistake it. Located in the center of a lush green garden, Issaya’s lovely verandah and vintage architecture create a romantic and unique atmosphere.
The dishes are Thai, moderately spicy, and always served with an immaculate presentation. Make sure to order a few of the chef’s favorites, and then after that, take your luck of the draw with any of their unique sounding dishes (the Yum Hua Plee, or banana flower salad, is a crowd favorite). Don’t forget to enjoy some signature cocktails and sweet treats before you leave (the Coconut Panacotta is a must try)!
Err
Err is where rustic tapas and traditional Thai street food meet in perfect harmony. Err is another great value for your money with Michelin-starred dishes coming in at around $7.00 each. This restaurant boasts a hip, urban feel with graffiti on the walls, unfinished decor, and the meat of the day hanging on display.
This progressive restaurant prides themselves on the best-preserved meats in Bangkok, charcoal-grilled dishes, and clay boat stews. The dining experience at Err is vibrant and exciting, as you order Thai-inspired cocktails infused with lemongrass, chili, or guava and order tapas plate after tapas plate. Err is an incredible value for your money and experience that you will always remember.
CentralWorld
CentralWorld is the largest lifestyle shopping destination in Bangkok and is also the 11th largest shopping complex in the world. Not only that, CentralWorld is home to one of the most unique dining experiences that you will ever have. This 200-seat food court nestled in the giant shopping complex is home to pan-Asian restaurants from all over. Here, you can find dishes from Thailand, Japan, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and beyond.
With 19 stalls serving up all sorts of food (whether it be grilled, fried, steamed, etc.), you can walk around getting a bite from each. Once you have indulged in all of the dishes, you can top your experience off by visiting the many tea and dessert stalls. Make sure to score some Thai Tea with Boba and a Mango Sticky Rice before you head back to the mall for more shopping.
Cabbages and Condoms
Cabbages and Condoms is a restaurant with a cause. Started by ex-politician and philanthropist, Mechai Viravaidya, this restaurant aims to increase awareness and donations for different developmental programs in Bangkok. A portion of the profits from each meal will be donated to a good cause. Mechai has used this famous restaurant to help tackle a variety of different issues including sexual health, sustainability, and anti-corruption.
The restaurant theme is certainly part of the fun. As you wander throughout the restaurant, you will find many mannequins dressed up in “rubber” outfits, so to speak. Once you walk through the hallways and take your pictures with “Captain Condom”, you will be led outside to a completely different vibe. A beautiful outdoor seating area complete with trees and fairy lights will give you just the ambiance you were looking for.
The restaurant itself boasts a rather large menu, complete with an equally large cocktail menu. They have a large selection of vegetarian and Thai dishes. Whatever your preference, you will be able to find something tasty here. You can eat happily knowing that your money will be going back to the local community. What could be better?
Bo.Lan
Bo.Lan is easily the most expensive (and most famous) restaurant on this list. A staple of Bangkok’s fine dining, Bo.Lan has been around since 2009 and is famed as being one of the early pioneer’s in this sector. Started by chefs ‘Bo’ (Duangporn Songvisava) and ‘Dylan Jones’, this restaurant stays true to its Thai roots by offering traditional Thai meals in a set menu.
As you walk into the restaurant, you will find a small farm shop where you can purchase some of the seasonings and ingredients that they use in their dishes. This all goes back to the two chefs philosophy in using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and supporting local farmers. There are only 3 set menu options (most of them running about $65 per person). To finish your meal, you are served 2 desserts with your menu choice.
This restaurant is certainly one of the pricier in Bangkok, but it has earned its place as one of the top restaurants in Bangkok. It’s well worth the money if you can spare it.
Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai is located near Chinatown in Bangkok and is home to one of Bangkok’s famous noodle dishes, the Chicken Fried Noodles with Runny Egg. Another famously cheap Michelin-starred restaurant, Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai sells its most famous dish for 50 baht (less than $2).
Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai is a small, humble, air-conditioned restaurant found on a small, unassuming street in Bangkok. Even though you are served inside, the food is cooked outside, still allowing for that street-cooked feel. At Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai, you select your noodle dish and also decide how your egg is prepared. You can have it served cracked fresh, omelet style, or a little bit of both!
Noodle dishes are a staple in Bangkok. However, the Chicken Fried Noodle dish is not a super-well-known dish. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth it. For this reason, Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai should be on your list of must-haves while in Bangkok.
Related Questions
How much is dinner in Bangkok?
The average cost of dinner in Bangkok will run you 80-200 baht ($2.50 – $8 USD). A dinner for two in a slightly nicer restaurant will cost you 350-600 baht ($12 – $20). An average bowl of noodles in Bangkok will cost you 50-100 baht ($1.50 – $3.50 USD).
Where can I eat street food in Bangkok?
You can find street food on nearly every corner in Bangkok. For some of the more famous street food markets, you can go to Victory Monument or the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Street food is a staple in Thai food and is eaten by locals, expats and travelers alike.
As a trusted authority on travel in Thailand, Vacation-Thailand.com brings you an expertly curated list of the most popular Bangkok restaurants, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all food enthusiasts.
