Not yet acquainted with the effervescent city that is Bangkok? The Thai capital is a hive of activity at all hours, and delightfully devoted to all things food. From fine-dining destinations to old-school stalls tucked into dark alleys, we’ve scoped out the stand-outs – these are the 10 best places to eat in Bangkok.
Topping most lists when it comes to the best restaurants in Bangkok is the recently reopened Gaggan – the creation of Kolkata-born chef Gaggan Anand. Innovation is an understatement when it comes to this fine-dining sensation, which attacks all senses through dishes big on molecular gastronomy and experimentation. gaggan.com
One of Bangkok’s famous fine diners is Bo.lan, led by chef couple Duangporn Songvisava and Dylan Jones. While the ever-changing dishes (served solely as a chef’s tasting menu) are celebrated for their creativity, the venue is a proud champion of sustainable local ingredients and producers. bolan.co.th
A self-described focus on ‘urban, rustic Thai’ forms the menu at this eclectically dressed spot in Bangkok that makes for a popular lunch destination. Sample cuisine from all over the country here, joined by equally flavourful (and spicy) cocktails. errurbanrusticthai.co.th
If a Michelin star is what you seek, try Nahm on the ground floor of the COMO, led by chef Pim Techamuanvivit. It’s truly authentic Thai, with dishes partly inspired by Techamuanvivit’s childhood, and partly by historic cookbooks and flavours, served in the sleekly styled interiors of a luxe hotel. comohotels.com
This family-owned and family-run establishment is a Bangkok-based ode to Southern Thai cuisine. If you order just one dish make it the kao pad pla salad, which sees dried fish tossed with rice, basil and chilli. khuaklingpaksod.com
Modern Thai forms the menu at Samrub Samrub, the petite kitchen of chef Prin Polsuk. It’s the same flavours and ingredients you love, but dreamt up in new dishes and served uniquely around an intimate chef’s table dining experience. samrubsamrubthai.com
Michelin-starred Aksorn is the Bangkok-based creation of celebrated chef David Thompson. An ode to the heritage of Thai cuisine, the menu here seeks to revive traditional flavours and forgotten dishes, all within a rather suave indoor/outdoor setting. aksornbkk.com
Small but mighty are the offerings at this lunch favourite, with just a handful of dishes available – the most famous of them the crab fried rice. Just don’t forget to stop by the ATM en route to this casual haunt, as it’s cash only. facebook.com/herehaifoods
No trip to Bangkok is complete without a healthy number of visits to simple street-food stalls. Nai Mong Hoi Thod is one of the best – the Chinatown resident doles out plates of steaming Thai-style crispy omelettes, topped with juicy oysters. facebook.com/hoithod539
It’s a cluster of food-blogger and chef mates who are behind this laid-back restaurant, which serves a single dish(!) – Bangkok favourite pad kaprao (Thai basil stir fry). While the venue’s version is famously heavy on the spice factor, you can opt for normal or medium heat if you’re less tolerant. phedmark.com
