The Best Local 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.

Recommended by

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!!

Read more

Le Du is a modern Thai restaurant in Bangkok that spotlights fresh local produce and Thai culinary traditions. Chef Ton and his team combine these ingredients with modern techniques, offering a thoughtful take on Thai cuisine that remains true to its roots. The atmosphere is easygoing and welcoming, making the overall experience both comfortable and memorable.

Recommended by

Rasmus Palsgård

Food and wine writer

Thai flavour extravaganza Forget everything about stiffness and formal ambience when visiting Le Du which is all about having a great time while enjoying the amazing dishes coming from the open kitchen of Chef Tonn. As one of few places in Bangkok, Le Du works closely with farmers from all over Thailand.

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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.

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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.

Read more

Aksorn is a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Bangkok, led by Chef David Thompson and inspired by mid-20th-century recipes from historical cookbooks. It’s located on the top floor of Central: The Original store, reflecting a touch of heritage in its atmosphere. The result is a relaxed and welcoming space where guests can experience a thoughtful nod to Thailand’s past.

Recommended by

Chawadee Nualkhair

Food writer

Mid-20th century Thai recipes culled from the funeral cookbooks of former society mavens by David Thompson Great food, made with care. Chef David takes his favorite recipes from his own vast collection of funeral cookbooks (books handed out at prominent people’s funerals, containing their favorite recipes).

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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.

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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.

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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!

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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.

Read more

Brew Lab Coffee in Bangkok highlights slow coffee and Aeropress brewing in a cozy wooden house setting. It’s known for its hand-brewed coffee and reasonably priced beans. Visitors can expect a relaxed space to enjoy a carefully prepared cup.

Recommended by

Gaggan Anand

Chef

Aeropress champion, slow coffee Love the coffee here, hand brewed and the beans are also very well priced. Must try the Aeropress as it's the house of champions of Aeropress. The decor is a wooden house.

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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.

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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.

Read more

Jok Prince is a simple, narrow stall on Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok that draws a steady crowd. It’s known for freshly made meals that you can customize with your own seasonings, and the busy takeaway line often prompts people to sit down instead. Despite its modest appearance, it has earned a positive reputation among locals and visitors alike.

Recommended by

Matylda Grzelak

PR•Strategist•Writer

By far one of the best congee’s you’ll get is in this not-looking-like-anything-much narrow stall on Charoen Krung Rd. This rice porridge is specialty of the house and all you get to choose, is whether you want it with century or extremely soft-boiled egg, with big and chunky pork meatballs or offal. All congees come with spring onions and fresh ginger. At Jokprince the take-away queue is longer, so better sit in. TIP: look at the locals and season like a pro sprinkling generously with white pepper and adding some soy sauce.

Read more

Joke Bangkok (Huaikwang branch) uses an old-school, handmade approach, with a careful process that involves timing ingredients for the best texture. It’s all done by hand, and you can often watch the cooks moving large pots around as they follow traditional methods. Located in Bangkok, this spot provides a relaxed setting to enjoy a comforting meal.

Recommended by

Chriss Prowler

Wandering glutton

One of the silkiest joks you'll ever eat, the old school way. Jok is the Thai version of congee, you can find it in many places but if you want to see a proper fully handmade version with all the processes, these 3 sisters are the place to go. Watching them wheel huge drums of boiling water and rice around, the movement of rice into different temperature pots at precise times and creating one of the silkiest joks you'll ever eat, the old school way, is a joy to behold!

Read more

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.

Recommended by

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!

Read more

Krua Porn La Mai is a lively street food spot in Bangkok’s Chinatown with two locations. Locals enjoy its casual setting and authentic atmosphere. Its popularity comes from serving flavorful dishes that reflect the city’s vibrant food scene.

Recommended by

Tove Henckel

Food Writer

Vibrant street food place in Chinatown, serving the famous oyster omelette. A popular and vibrant street food place in Bangkok's Chinatown. This small restaurant has two locations and is famous for its oyster omelette.

Read more

Nai Mong Hoi Thod is a relaxed spot in Bangkok’s Yaowarat area, offering both street-side and indoor seating. It’s known locally for its simple setup and long-standing reputation. The casual atmosphere makes it a comfortable place to drop by for a satisfying meal.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

Delicious crisp and soft oyster omelet in Yaowarat. A simple street kitchen with seating in the street and indoors. The place is one of the most famous oyster omelet restaurants in town. Both omelets are great, so have a small size of each of them.

Read more

Prachak has been a go-to spot in Bangkok since 1909, drawing both locals and visitors with its reliable, satisfying meals. You’ll often see a crowd at the take-away counter, so plan to arrive early if you want to beat the rush. Despite its popularity, the atmosphere remains comfortable and unpretentious, making it easy to enjoy a quick bite or a casual sit-down.

Recommended by

Matylda Grzelak

PR•Strategist•Writer

Charoen Krung Rd. in Bangkok’s old town is blessed with good food spots, one of which is Prachak. Much written about, it attracts tourists with its famed roasted duck, but locals equally swarm around the take-away counter. All for a reason - consistently delivering good food since 1909. Be early! Duck may disappear after 5:30! To not only praise the duck, do try the crispy pork belly and another house staple: the Wonton soup.

Read more

Ruen Urai is a Thai restaurant in Bangkok known for its bright, creative flavors and thoughtful approach to cooking. Everything is modestly presented, yet full of taste that lingers. The relaxed setting offers a welcoming spot for anyone seeking an inviting dining experience.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

This is vivid, thrilling stuff. Cooking that stays with you. A couple of dishes will set you up very nicely, and if you have space for dessert, then you won’t be disappointed either. Everything that arrives is modestly delivered, yet high on flavour and creativity. Ghai Haw Bai Dtoey (B280)—fried marinated chicken wrapped in pandanus leaves—is hot and fresh, just the right side of crispy with a natural sweetness from the leaves. Meanwhile, Hors d’oeuvres Lanna (B300)—Northern Thai-style hors d’oeuvres—include chili relish with minced pork, tomatoes, and spicy pork sausages. A salad of Yum Sai Bua (B280) with water lily stems, pork, prawns and glugs of coconut milk dressing is like a breath of cool air after hours in the sun. It is bright and fresh but still, of course, has a chili kick.

Read more