The Best Casual Restaurants in Bangkok

Raan Jay Fai is a renowned street food restaurant known for its authentic Thai-Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has gained global fame and is recognized by Michelin and listed in The World's 50 Best for its distinctive dishes. The must-try dishes include the famous crab omelette, the stir-fried noodles, and the big crisp seafood fritter, all prepared by the legendary chef and owner, Supinya Junsuta.

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Cornelia Milde

viennagourmet – Vienna, Austria

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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Focused on the flavors of northeastern Isaan region, 100 Mahaseth Si Phraya offers a modern twist on traditional Thai cuisine. They are committed to using seasonal produce from small, local Thai farmers and emphasize a root-to-fruit and nose-to-tail approach. The menu features intriguing flavor combinations and rare parts of animals, all served with fresh herbs and fragrant dipping sauces.

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Sami Tallberg

Chef – Turku, Finland

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 known for its family-style Thai cuisine, masterfully crafted by Chef Tonn, who is also behind Le Du. The restaurant emphasizes the importance of sharing good food and enjoying time together. The menu features authentic home-style Thai recipes, with a focus on ethically sourced ingredients, and while you can adjust the spiciness to your preference, it is recommended to experience the dishes as intended by the chef.

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Rasmus Palsgård

Food and wine writer – Copenhagen , Denmark

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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At Charmgang, traditional Thai recipes are given a fresh lease of life with a modern touch, thanks to the collective expertise of chefs who formerly worked with renowned chef David Thompson at Nahm. The menu reflects the heartwarming essence of Thai cuisine, with each chef showcasing their individual skills in grilling, yum and chili dips, and curries. Notable dishes include curry of smoked kingfish with pennywort, grilled freshwater fish with pickled mustard greens, and a remarkable duck curry.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast – Stockholm, Sweden

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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This unique noodle spot specializes in serving just 35 meticulously crafted bowls per day, making each visit a special experience. The seven-seater counter offers an intimate view of Chef Shin's skillful preparation of two main options: Tokusei Shio Soba and Tokusei Kombusui Tsuke Soba. To secure a bowl, it's recommended to call at 9 am on the desired visit date due to the high demand for these limited daily servings.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice – Stockholm, Sweden

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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This unique eatery, Rockmen 69men, serves only 69 bowls of their special ramen each day, split between lunch and dinner. Their menu includes two standout varieties, the Shoryu and Shio ramen, which are crafted with exceptional ingredients and are highly recommended by visitors. It's important to note that the restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a queue system in place, so it's suggested to arrive early and write your name in the book outside.

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Iñaki Bolumburu

Chef – Derio, Basque Country

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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Samlor is a casual and playful Thai neo-bistro that specializes in flavorful dishes designed for sharing. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including a savory soufflé-like omelette that pairs well with chili sauce, fried baos with braised mushrooms or pork, and a Thai style shrimp ceviche. They also offer spicy mala noodles and a range of interesting desserts, making it a recommended spot for Thai food lovers who enjoy comfort food made with high-quality ingredients.

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Malgosia Minta

Food journalist – Warsaw, Poland

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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This modern Thai eatery, At-Ta-Rote, is set in a large, glass space filled with natural light, wooden beams, and an abundance of indoor plants, giving it the feel of a chic greenhouse. The menu features unique dishes such as Pla Hang Tangmo, 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. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Nuea Pu Pad Prik Khee Noo, a stir-fry of white crab meat mixed with fiery red chillies, is a must-try.

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David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

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 dining spot, popular for its Som Tam salad. Frequented by restaurant professionals after hours, it's a local favorite. With a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on traditional dishes, it's a place where you can enjoy regular meals.

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Gaggan Anand

Chef – Bangkok , Thailand

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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The Baan Ice Restaurant at ICONSIAM offers a unique exploration of Thai food beyond the usual pad Thai and som tam. Their dishes represent the southern reaches of Thailand, offering a mix of hot and prickly flavors, vibrant and acidic elements, with a playful level of spice. The chef, Ice Supaksorn, is known for his sour-sweet recipes and his use of mouth-puckering ingredients.

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David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

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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Despite its small size, Baan Nual has become a sought-after dining spot due to its unique booking system through Instagram and its cozy setting. The restaurant specializes in home-cooked style dishes which have been well-received by its guests. Though the pricing may be a bit higher than average, it's attributed to the overall dining experience.

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Marc Garcia

Foodie – Barcelona, Spain

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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Specializing in authentic northern Thai flavors, บ้านคนเมือง is a hidden gem for those in search of a true taste of Chiang Mai. The menu is exclusively in Thai, adding to the authenticity and offering dishes that are not easily found, even in the northern part of Thailand. It's recommended to do some research before visiting or bring along a friend who speaks Thai to fully enjoy the unique culinary experience.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice – Stockholm, Sweden

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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Specializing in hearty broths filled with various cuts of beef and fluffy organs, Big Su Beef Noodle has been a culinary staple for nearly 70 years. They take pride in their six-hour braised beef, served in a boiling herby broth, including options like sirloin, tongue, kidneys, brisket, and intestine. Known for its deeply-rich flavors, it has gained recognition as one of the top outlets for beef noodle soup.

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David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

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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Specializing in pork wonton in tom yum soup, เฮียบิ๊กห้าหม้อ offers a unique culinary experience. Their menu is characterized by the addition of minced pork and pork offal to the soup, creating a rich and savory flavor profile. The restaurant is also known for its "leng", a meaty pork bone in a spicy tom yum-style soup, which is a must-try for those who don't mind picking meat off the bones.

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Ink Tanaka

Gluttonous Londoner – London, UK

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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Located between the Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental hotels, Jack's Bar is an unassuming dive bar known for its flavor-packed Thai food. The place is popular for its ice-cold beers and wok dishes, offering a bustling atmosphere from opening till late. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Jack's Bar promises a memorable experience with its vibrant ambiance and tasty fare.

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John Chantarasak

Chef – London, Great Britain

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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With a rich history spanning decades, the Kaolao Nang Loeng Pork Brain Shop is known for its unique and hearty dishes. The pork brain soup, brimming with offal, is a standout recommendation. The pepper soup, featuring an array of organ meats, is also a popular choice among visitors.

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Chriss Prowler

Wandering glutton – London, UK

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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With a rustic style and a knack for seasonal innovation, Phed Phed Cafe is a small 20-seater that's usually bustling with activity. They often experiment with their menu, one unique offering being the strawberry som tam with anchovy. The cafe uses mostly homemade ingredients, which means some dishes may be limited in quantity on any given day.

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Chriss Prowler

Wandering glutton – London, UK

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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