The culinary scene in Bangkok never sleeps, and 2024 is serving up a smorgasbord of exciting restaurants. From rediscovering regional Thai flavours to innovative takes on global cuisine, this list is your guide to the hottest tables in town.
Note: These aren’t brand-new restaurants, but they are serving up the best Bangkok has to offer in 2024.
Bangkok and its bustling streets are a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a dizzying array of culinary adventures. But with new restaurants popping up all the time, it can be hard to know where to start.
Fear not, fellow gourmands! This guide spotlights the must-try restaurants in Bangkok for 2024. Whether you’re craving rediscovered regional specialities, creative takes on international classics, or a taste of something entirely new, Bangkok’s vibrant food scene has something to tantalise your taste buds. Dive in and discover your next favourite dining destination!
The Local by Oamthong Thai Cuisine
The Local is a restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine in a vintage setting. Their menu features dishes from all four regions of Thailand, showcasing family recipes passed down through generations. Standout dishes include the deep-fried seabass with fish sauce and beef or pork in Thai herb and shrimp paste curry.
I had an insanely delicious starter, called the Appetiser Set. It was a combination of five miniature versions of traditional dishes from all over the country. Expect northern Thai Noodles in Prawn Curry, and Roasted coconut (think serunding, but Thai), lime and shallot wrapped in lotus leaves. This dish was so heartwarming and a beautiful way to kick off a memorable meal.
Also try the Northern-style Minced Pork Salad, basically a Larb dish from Chiang Mai. This was so different from other Larb varieties. It was dry, crispy almost and intensely fragrant; a great accompaniment to both the white and red steamed rice they serve. Als, try their amazing crab dishes – each crustacean is extremely fresh.
As a dessert person, the star of the show for me was Buo Loy. Each little globule of rice flour was so tender and had soaked up the coconut milk broth so well. This is served warm, with coconut flesh.
The restaurant is known for its warm and hospitable ambience, catering to both locals and expats. Their dedication to quality and tradition has earned them a Bib Gourmand recognition by Michelin for five consecutive years, making them a must-try for any food enthusiast visiting Bangkok.
Make a reservation by emailing them, they don’t always have space for walk-ins.
Reservations: via website
Menu: http://www.thelocalthaicuisine.com/local-foods-menu
Website: http://www.thelocalthaicuisine.com/
Price: $$$
Arun Thai Cuisine by SEE FAH
Arun Thai Cuisine by SEE FAH is a restaurant that pays homage to the founder’s grandmother, who not only instilled a love of cooking in the family but also serves as the inspiration behind the restaurant’s name, “SEE FAH.” Their menu features traditional Thai dishes prepared using high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic and delicious dining experience in modern Bangkok.
A must-try is their signature dish: River Prawns in Garlic Sauce. The Prawns are so fresh and tender, soused in a sauce featuring a delicious blend of Thai spices. Just thinking about this dish makes my mouth water. Try also the Spicy Crabmeat Fried Rice, and Son-in-law eggs. The latter involves three eggs that had been boiled, battered, fried, halved and drowned in tangy tamarind sauce.
Whether you’re a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Arun Thai Cuisine offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to explore the rich flavours of Thai cuisine. You can find their menu and details below. Reservation needs to be made via Line, deets below:
Reservation: Line
Menu: https://issuu.com/seefah-menu/docs/arun_thai_cuisine_by_see_fah_menu
Website: https://arunthaicuisine.com/
Price: $$$
Sri Trat Bangkok (Vegetarian menu available)
I’ve been back to Sri Trat so many times, that I can’t even begin to describe my obsession with the food and ambience here. This restaurant is located in the Phrom Phong area, about 10 minutes from the BTS and malls. It features food from Isaan or the eastern region of Thailand. The food here tends to be quite spicy, so proceed with caution when you order. Of course, you can always tell them to reduce the heat if you’re not good with it. That’s the thing about Bangkok – it’s easy to negotiate for flavours that suite your tongue.
While it’s in a pretty quiet part of town, dinners here can be very busy, attracting both locals and foreigners alike. The many times I’ve been here, I’ve tried their seasonal cocktails to start the meal – every single one of them has been excellent.
Food-wise, try their Crab Lump Meat curry with Bamboo Shoots (pictured above). This curry is what dreams are made of! The crab meat is incredibly fresh and is paired perfectly with a blend of spices unique to Eastern Thailand. This goes great with their crispy omelette. If you’re looking for prawns, they have that, too! Soused in a savoury tamarind sauce, the crustacean comes to the table fried to a crisp and piping hot!
The waiters here are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. If you’re not sure what to get, you can always ask them for recommendations; they will be happy to help.
They also have an extensive list of desserts, such as turtle eggs (no, not actual ones) soaking in a warm coconut broth. It’s a magical way to end the meal.
This place requires reservations, best be done by dropping them a message on their Facebook Page.
Charm Eatery & Bar Bangkok
My most recent trip to Bangkok was made extra special thanks to Charm Eatery. Located in Sathorn, this modern eatery is easy to get to via train or Grab, as it is located next to St Louis BTS Station. This place was so good, that I went back twice in one week!
They have a delicious range of cocktails, though I stuck to the rather predictable Sangria. I also had a very delicious roti. I know, the roti sounds pretty boring but trust me on this one, it’ll be the highlight of your meal! Light, fluffy and soft on the inside, this roti is a perfect match for the curry (or anything else on the menu!) The crab fried rice is a given here, but also try their very unique pasta made with fermented fish sauce. It may sound scary, but it’s very much worth trying.
My absolute favourite here is the deep-fried Larb Balls or larb moo thod. I had too many of them, to be honest. But, no regrets!
Kua Kling Pak Sod, Thong Lo
The ultimate classic! Think spicy AF southern Thai food, and delicious red wine in a traditional Thai house. Kua Kling Pak Sod has a few outlets, though I would recommend going to the outlet at Thong Lo. It’s in the middle of condos, private properties and narrow alleyways. You can take a walk here from the BTS Station ThongLor, though I would recommend taking a grab.
Perhaps you can walk back once you’ve feasted on the 100% crab Thai version of Ngo Hiang and the signature extremely spicy but rewarding Kua Kling Moo (stir-fried minced pork). Also, try the sour curry, but do take heed that it can be more spicy than what we bargain for normally. A popular vegetable dish here is the stir-fried morning glory.
Reservation: Chope or Google
Menu: https://khuaklingpaksod.com/menu-page/
Website: https://khuaklingpaksod.com/
Price: $$$
Ang Morr Bangkok
Ang Morr is another restaurant that has more than one outlet and is frequented by both Thais and foreigners. I went to the outlet in Central Chidlom, and let me tell you this: this place was not easy to find! Central Chidlom is a low-key mall with very few visitors and was under construction (partially) when I visited. Hence, I had to ask a few people how to get there before I did.
I know I say this a lot in this list of restaurants, but every single food item here was excellent. I tried their dim sum, as this is a Thai-Chinese restaurant. Everything was cooked to perfection, and they take great pride in ensuring that the dishes are presented well. The service is excellent.
Try the Laab Moo Thod! Note: This is where I had it for the very first time and became a complete covert. Another dish I must recommend is the Cabbage in Fish Sauce. I always find that the true test of how good the food is is in trying the simplest possible dish. This was done with so much love, so much elegance and yet with barely 5 ingredients or less. The crispy garlic bits on it were the perfect touch.
Also try their Glass Noodle Salad, complete with plump, freshly cooked prawns. The dressing on this salad is superior to many others in the region, though of course, I may be very biased about this.
Reservation: Facebook page
Price: $$$
Baan Khun Mae (MBK)
The places on this list are quite fancy, I’ll admit. While Baan Khun Mae is not as fancy as the others, it certainly does not skimp on service or quality. Located inside everyone’s favourite shopping centre in the heart of Bangkok: MBK, this restaurant offers traditional Thai recipes in a classic Thai setting. Think coconut water straight from the coconut, and comfort dishes such as crab fried rice, a warm bowl of Tom Yum and Stir-fried Cashew Chicken.
The best part of dining here is that you’ll be smack centre at the heart of all the shopping in Bangkok. Although located at National Stadium BTS Station, you’ll be within walking distance of Siam BTS Station.
Reservation: Usually not required, though you can check their website
Menu: https://www.bankhunmae.com/menu-detailed.html
Website: https://www.bankhunmae.com/
Price: $$
Supanniga
This place was recommended by a friend, and I’ve been back three times since! Supanniga is a popular eatery in Bangkok – think along the lines of PS Cafe here in Singapore, but with Thai flair. Supanniga is always crowded, so reservations via Chope are highly recommended.
You can try their bevvy of dishes and cocktails; the waiters are great at giving recommendations as well. The most popular dishes here are the crab dishes, so you’ll want to keep a look out for that while here. The first time I went, they had run out of crab!
I tried the Son-in-law Eggs, classic Thai Fried Rice and Hor Mok, among other things. The Hor Mok has steamed curried crab wrapped delicately in a pandan leaf parcel, then doused with thick coconut milk. It was heavenly.
They also have a delicious range of cocktails.
Reservation: Chope
Menu: https://www.supannigaeatingroom.com/SER_menu.pdf
Website: https://www.supannigaeatingroom.com/
Price: $$
Burapa
Burapa is a brand created by the folks at Sri Trat. The difference between these places is that Sri Trat focuses on purely Eastern Thai Food, while Burapa tinkers around with Northeastern Thai cuisine. I had a delicious bowl of Tom Kha noodle soup. This was essentially cooked rice noodles topped with a savoury coconut milk broth, vegetables, lump crab meat and for good measure; chilli padi.
This spot is situated on Sukhumvit Soi 11, known for its energetic nightlife scene with bars and pubs. Reservations are recommended to ensure a table.
Reservation: Facebook
Price: $$$
Kub Kao Kub Pla (vegetarian options available)
This is a chain restaurant and can be found in many malls in Bangkok. I’ve personally been to at least three outlets, and I found the food to be of the same delicious quality wherever I go.
Kub Kao Kub Pla has an impressive menu, focusing on a variety of Thai dishes from different regions of the vast country. They pay close attention to how each dish is prepared, and are happy to tailor the dishes to your palette should you feel it’s too spicy (psst, it isn’t).
Try pretty much anything here and it’s good. I would recommend the Shrimp Paste Fried Rice, Tom Yum Khung, Tom Kha Gai and for dessert, a rather delicious Buo Loy (though this is not always available). Another must-have here is the Kanom Jeen, which is cooked rice vermicelli noodles served with fresh greens and a delectable Yellow Crab Curry that will leave you wanting more.
Multiple outlets, though I would recommend the one at EmQuartier Mall as it’s pretty quiet. Avoid the branch at Siam Paragon, as they are always full and the service tends to be less efficient.
Reservation: Not necessary
Menu: http://www.kubkao-kubpla.com/index.php/product
Website: http://www.kubkao-kubpla.com/
Price: $$
Ros Niyom (vegetarian menu available)
This one is another chain of restaurants and all with excellent service and quality, found across various malls in Bangkok. The Pad See Ew here is very good, but so is the Tom Yum Soup. Food is extremely fresh, tasty and made with a lot of dedication – stuff we normally don’t expect from chain restaurants.
They have few outlets, I would recommend the one at Silom Complex as it tends to be emptier.
Reservation: Not necessary
Menu: http://www.rosniyom.com/index.php/products
Website: http://www.rosniyom.com/
Price: $$
Mango Tree Thai Restaurant, a Bangkok Legend
Mango Tree is a rather popular group, with restaurants around the globe. The one I went to, and you should go to as well, is at Silom. Although known for its bars and extremely happening nightlife, Silom has quite a fantastic array of restaurants and bars to offer, this one being one of them.
Tucked away in a corner of Silom, this place requires reservations via Line. They are located along Silom Soi 6, just next to the infamous Patpong Street. This place is pretty fancy – they even have traditional Thai dancers to entertain the diners as you move through one mouth-watering dish after another.
Try the Minced Pork Glass Noodle Salad – this is supremely excellent. I couldn’t get enough of it, though bear in mind that this is quite spicy. Also try the Shrimp Fried Rice and the Crab Curry, otherwise known as pu pad pong garee. This curry is not what you might expect out of Thai curries, very tasty, maybe not so presentable but full of flavour. It goes great with rice!
Reservation: Line
Price: $$
South Tiger – Southern Thai Food in Bangkok
I ate here, not expecting the food to be good. In my defence, it was late in the afternoon and the place was super empty. This restaurant is located inside EmQuartier, next to the Kub Kao Kub Pla I recommended. It’s a purely southern Thai restaurant, featuring punchy flavours from the likes of the region of Thailand closest to Malaysia.
Try their Kua Kling here – it’s spicier than the one you find at the actual Kua Kling Pak Sod above. They also have a rather delicious and flavourful Chicken Green Curry, completed with a salted egg and rice. Portions of rice here are extremely generous, so you might want to just get 1 to share.
Reservation: Facebook
Price: $$$