The Best Casual Restaurants in Bangkok

Raan Jay Fai is a street food restaurant in Bangkok, led by a chef who cooks with remarkable skill and dedication. People often line up early to get a table, and the restaurant has been recognized by Michelin as well as included in The World's 50 Best list. Many find the wait well worth it for its authentic atmosphere and style.

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Cornelia Milde

viennagourmet

We were very lucky to get a slot at Jay Fai! We recommend taking out a number for the afternoon / evening in the morning. And be patient, you still wait a long time for the table. I could have watched her for hours anyway - simply impressive and an experience. Authentic Thai Street Food awarded by Michelin and listed by The worlds 50 best! Absolutely recommended!!

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100 Mahaseth is a laid-back Thai restaurant in Bangkok that highlights flavors from the northeastern Isaan region through a nose-to-tail and root-to-fruit approach. They use seasonal produce sourced from small local farmers, so the menu often changes based on what’s fresh. The welcoming setting makes it easy to settle in and explore a range of authentic Thai tastes.

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Sami Tallberg

Chef

A local friend recommended this and we went in four of us without knowing about the concept, except that hyoer local ingredients used there. This is ideal state of mind for dining out, I think. It leaves room to xperience everything without too much expectations. Place was medium in interior and staff was fairly quiet but determined to do everything by the book, without saying a word, infact. Then the extensive menu card was presented and I wanted to order everything. Unusual and intriguing flavour combinations and rare parts of animals featured on the menu. Went for these and left all dry aged and unsusual cuts of beef for next time: Salad of pineapple, raw blood cockels and tomatillo. Grilled bonemarrow with amaranth and lemongrass. Frog’s legs and garlic. Spicy sausage stuffed calamares. Duck heart skewers. Green mango fritters as a side dish. Pineapple and wild herb sorbet. Bananas, braised banana stems and coconut ice-cream. Every single dish was stunningly cooked, marinated with confident amount of spices and served swiftly with loads of fresh herbs and numerous fragrant dipping sauces — now this is lovely packedy, all served without single xplanation which we really did like. Note: desserts we’re delicious too and were both large in size, that is a nod to old school French style desserts. We had no reservation but managed to get a table around 7:30 pm on Tuesday with less than 10 minute wait outside. Highly recommended!

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Baan Restaurant “Thai Family Recipes” is run by Chef Ton and his brother, using the same home-style recipes once cooked by their grandparents. They make everything from scratch and use ingredients thoughtfully, reflecting time-honored Thai practices. With its welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, Baan offers a true sense of home in the heart of Bangkok.

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Rasmus Palsgård

Food and wine writer

Family-style Thai restaurant This family-style Thai place by chef Tonn, the mastermind behind Le Du is serving the best Thai food one can imagine. This is all about sharing great food and having a good time.

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Charmgang is a relaxed spot in Bangkok’s Chinatown led by chefs who once worked under David Thompson at Nahm. They put a fresh spin on traditional Thai recipes, and the open kitchen gives the place a laid-back, welcoming feel. It’s a nice choice for anyone looking to explore Thai cuisine in a casual setting.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

The gang behind Charmgang shares a background working alongside the esteemed chef David Thompson at Nahm. Their collective pursuit is to breathe new life into traditional recipes that are gradually fading away, infusing them with a modern touch. The menu celebrates the heartwarming essence of Thai cuisine, showcasing each chef's expertise. Chef Mew in the art of grilling, Chef Aew brings flair to yum and chili dips, and Chef Jai takes the lead in curries. The chefs' lively spirit in the open kitchen fills the entire dining room with a sense of joy. While the dishes may seem simple, they excel in depth and flavor. This is a great spot for those in search of Thai cuisine with a creative flair.

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NO NAME NOODLE BKK is a cozy, seven-seat restaurant in Bangkok where Chef Shin Inoue carefully prepares each bowl using fresh ingredients. The intimate setting lets you watch the chef’s meticulous process up close. Due to its small size, advance planning is encouraged so you can enjoy this unique dining experience without feeling rushed.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice

So much attention is put into the 35 bowls served each day - well worth to try to get a seat!! It’s pretty mesmerizing to have a seat by the seven-seater counter at No Name Noodle and to see Chef Shin mastering his craftmanship. Each bowl gets its own mise in place before the noodles are cooked and then assembled to perfection. He makes the order as simple as it's difficult to choose between two options: Tokusei Shio Soba (satisfying bowl) and Tokusei Kombusui Tsuke Soba. Set your alarm to be ready to prebook your bowl on Sundays 10 am.

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Rockmen 69men in Bangkok serves a limited number of carefully prepared bowls each day, making it a relaxed yet popular spot for those who love a good bowl of noodles. Expect to wait in line since they don’t take reservations, but fans say the fresh ingredients and attention to detail are worth the extra time. The focused approach to each bowl keeps people coming back.

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Iñaki Bolumburu

Chef

One of my favorites ramens in the city! Possibly the best ramen in town, at rockmen 69men they just serve 69 bowls per day of their special ramen, 39 for lunch and 30 for dinner (the one in the picture, in this case called fishermen a ramen that changes during the season) . Another 2 ramens are more complete the carte, shiso and shoyu ramen - both of them amazing too. The bamboo shoots, the seaweed and the quality of all the ingredients they use are exceptional. Some people can think that it's pricey ramen but… it is what it is … and I love it! They don’t accept bookings so go earlier with some time and write your name in the book outside, they will call you back when your turn arrives.

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Sam Lor in Bangkok is a casual, inviting place that offers Thai-inspired dishes in a relaxed, neo-bistro setting. Local, seasonal ingredients make for fresh, unpretentious flavors often served in shareable portions. It’s a friendly spot to enjoy a laid-back meal with craft beers or natural wines.

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Malgosia Minta

Food journalist

Casual and exciting. If to put a label on Samlor, a "Thai neo-bistro" would possibly be the best one. Playful, with flavourful dishes, often meant to share among the diners and enjoy with craft beers or natty wines. A must is the Samlor omelette, resembling more a savoury soufflé with a crispy top and oh so good with chili sauce, fried baos with braised mushrooms or pork and Thai style shrimp ceviche and spicy mala noodles.

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At-Ta-Rote is a modern Thai dining room in Bangkok that opened in late 2016. Its bright, glass-walled space includes wooden beams and lush plants, creating a relaxed, greenhouse-like atmosphere. Tucked away toward the end of Sukhumvit Soi 39, it offers a calm setting to enjoy a meal.

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David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Serious money has been sunk into At-Ta-Rote, a revamped ex-Italian ristorante that’s morphed into a modern Thai dining room, opened in late-2016. The restaurant, at the very far end of Sukhumvit Soi 39, occupies a vast, glass space with plenty of natural light. Wooden beams and shiny fittings present a chic décor, with an indoor overspill of flora that drips with greenery, kind of like entering into a greenhouse for a dining reservation. There’s also Pla Hang Tangmo, those little watermelon cubes with dried fish and crispy shallots, and Gaeng Pet Ped Yarng, a roasted duck curry in a creamy red paste and coconut milk base. It’s a delicious and meaty curry—not hot, but dense with flavour. Then, Nuea Pu Pad Prik Khee Noo, a stir-fry of white crab meat mixed with fiery red chillies that brings a tear to the eye, marginally aided by a Passion Fruit smoothie.

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Baan E-sarn Muangyos is a casual restaurant in Bangkok known for its welcoming vibe and friendly service. It stays open a bit later than some other spots, making it a convenient choice for anyone craving a relaxed meal after a long day.

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Gaggan Anand

Chef

This is another casual place where I like eating things like som tam salad. It’s right next to my restaurant on the same street and we go to eat here often with the kitchen team at night after service. I love this place. I go and eat here a lot.

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Baan Ice Restaurant @ ICONSIAM in Bangkok highlights bold southern Thai flavors, mixing lively spice with tangy and sweet elements. Its relaxed setting lets you explore a range of regional tastes that balance heat and brightness in a straightforward way.

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David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Bowl after bowl of technicolour and fire The study and exploration of Thai food have been gaining purchase for some time. I don’t mean the clichéd staples of pad Thai and som tam, packaged and presented in a swanky setting, but a widening appreciation of its versatility and regional brilliance. At the wildly popular Baan Ice (there are multiple outkets), recipes represent and bounce around the southern reaches of the country, chef Ice Supaksorn serving up hot and prickly flavours, bowl after bowl of technicolour and acidic smashes, a jumble of sour-sweet recipes, playful levels of spice and mingling mouth-puckering ingredients.

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Baan Nual is a tiny restaurant in Bangkok with only three tables, making it one of the city’s most coveted reservations. Guests typically book and order through Instagram, and while the price can be higher than usual, many appreciate the home-style cooking and intimate setting.

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Marc Garcia

Foodie

This tiny place with just three tables is one of Bangkok most coveted reservations, booking & ordering is all made through Instagram, once in the restaurant you will find mostly home cooked style dishes, everything was good, a bit expensive for Bangkok standards but you’re paying for the setting.

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บ้านคนเมือง is a relaxed spot in Bangkok that highlights northern Thai flavors you might not encounter every day. The menu is written in Thai, so it helps to plan ahead or bring someone who speaks the language. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a taste of regional cooking in the city.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice

A hidden gem for those who seek authentic northern Thai flavors - an homage to Chiang Mai food! Well, what a feast for the palate. The menu is all in Thai, so do your research before or bring a local friend who speaks Thai, like we did. This restaurant serves authentic dishes you wouldn’t easily find (even in the northern part of Thailand). We tried about twelve dishes, one of the best meals we had in Bangkok!

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Big Su Beef Noodle in Bangkok has served comforting bowls for almost 70 years, drawing people with its satisfying flavors and long-standing recipes. Its friendly atmosphere makes it an inviting spot whether you're a local or just visiting. The focus on time-tested cooking methods ensures each meal feels hearty and genuine.

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David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Deeply-rich, hearty broths with all the good cow cuts and fluffy organs Big Su Beef Noodles on Bangkok’s Thanon Nakhon Chaisi Road, is near 70 years strong, serving up deeply-rich, hearty broths with all the good cow cuts and fluffy organs - sirloin, tongue, kidneys, brisket, intestine… The beef is braised for six hours in a boiling herby broth before serving. One of the best beef noodle soup outlets in the city.

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เฮียบิ๊กห้าหม้อ is a casual spot in Bangkok known for its bold, comforting flavors. Locals appreciate its welcoming atmosphere and fresh ingredients. It’s a go-to place when you want a satisfying meal without fuss.

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Ink Tanaka

Gluttonous Londoner

One of the best pork wonton (kiew moo) in tom yum soup in Bangkok. Also serves a mean Leng (เล้ง). One of my favourite local spots for pork wontons in tom yum soup. The mince pork they add to it, plus pork offal are all delicious too. Some of the best deep fried and boiled wontons in town. My favourite item on the menu however is the “leng” which is a meaty pork bone in a super spicy tom yum-style soup. If you don’t mind picking meat off the bones it’s an absolute must.

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Jack's Bar is an unassuming spot along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, nestled between two upscale hotels. It draws a lively mix of locals and visitors from opening until late, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. Grab a seat by the water and take in the straightforward, welcoming vibe.

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John Chantarasak

Chef

Flavour packed Thai food in unassuming dive bar If you’ve ever lived in Bangkok you will know about Jack’s Bar. The unassuming dive bar located on Chao Phraya River between 5 star hotels; Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental. The bar is packed from opening with a mixed clientele looking for ice cold beers, flavour packed wok dishes and good times. It’s guaranteed you will have a good time at Jack’s Bar. Open late.

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Kaolao Nang Loeng Pork Brain Shop is a decades-old place in Bangkok, housed in a traditional shophouse that’s been around for a long time. People come for its distinct menu and comfortable setting. Its long-standing history makes it stand out among eateries in the area.

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Chriss Prowler

Wandering glutton

Pork brain soup with all the offal! Incredible pepper soup with every organ you could wish for, an old shophouse that’s been around for decades, a must eat in Bangkok!

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Phed Phed cafe is a cozy, often bustling spot in Bangkok that draws people with its rustic style and creative, seasonal menu. It’s known for using fresh ingredients in dishes that change day to day, making each visit feel special. The warm vibe and casual setting make it inviting for anyone looking to drop by.

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Chriss Prowler

Wandering glutton

Tiny 20 seater that's always busy, rustic style but lots of inventive, seasonal dishes, keep an eye out for the strawberry som tam with anchovy

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