Top 5 Places to Eat in Bangkok

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Lorraine Aust, Somchai Boonmee
12/08/2025
A vibrant night view of Bangkok's illuminated skyline featuring modern skyscrapers.
Wilfried Strang, Pexels

Bangkok's culinary scene is a dynamic blend of traditional Thai flavors and modern gastronomic innovation, drawing global attention for its diverse offerings.

1. Potong

Cuisine: Progressive Thai-Chinese

Nestled within a beautifully restored 120-year-old family pharmacy in Chinatown, Potong offers a multi-course tasting menu that explores Chef Pam's family heritage and culinary philosophy. The dishes masterfully balance five elements: salt, acid, spice, Maillard reaction, and texture, providing an immersive journey through Thai-Chinese flavors. The ambiance blends SINO-Portuguese architecture with modern, intimate spaces, creating a sophisticated dining experience. Expect a thoughtfully curated meal where every detail tells a story.

Price: THB 6,300++ per person (approx. USD 175++), excluding VAT and service charge. Festive menus may be higher.

Getting There: Located on Vanich 1 Road in Chinatown. The front entrance is narrow for large vehicles. Parking is available at Wat Pathum Khongkha Ratchaworawihan with a complimentary shuttle service; call the restaurant for pickup.

2. Sorn

Cuisine: Elevated Southern Thai

Housed in an elegant, restored Thai house, Sorn delivers an intense and authentic journey into Southern Thai cuisine. Chef Supaksorn 'Ice' Jongsiri's 24-course tasting menu highlights fresh, often air-lifted ingredients from Southern Thailand, prepared using traditional methods. Dishes are known for their vibrant flavors and spiciness, with a focus on seafood and complex curries. Securing a reservation here can be challenging due to its high demand and limited seating.

Price: THB 7,200++ per person (approx. USD 200++), excluding service charge and VAT.

Getting There: Situated on Soi Sukhumvit 26. On-site parking is limited. Guests can park at Four Wings Hotel for THB 50 per hour, and a complimentary shuttle service is provided to and from the restaurant.

3. Jay Fai

Cuisine: Michelin-starred Street Food (Thai)

An iconic street-side institution, Jay Fai is legendary for its wok-fried seafood, prepared by Chef Supinya Junsuta herself, often seen cooking in her signature goggles. The standout dish is the deep-fried crab omelette, generously packed with sweet, succulent crab meat. While considered expensive for street food, the portions are substantial and the experience of this Michelin-starred vendor is unique. Be prepared for potentially long queues, as walk-ins are common.

Price: Crab Omelette THB 1,000-1,400 (approx. USD 28-40), other dishes from THB 400-500.

Getting There: Located on Maha Chai Road in the Phra Nakhon district, Old Bangkok. It is within walking distance of popular landmarks like the Grand Palace and Giant Swing.

4. Polo Fried Chicken (Soi Polo)

Cuisine: Isaan (Northeastern Thai) Fried Chicken

For over five decades, this legendary eatery has perfected its fried chicken, serving a golden-crisp bird generously topped with fragrant fried garlic. The chicken is moist and flavorful, pairing perfectly with sticky rice and the provided sweet chili or spicy Isaan dipping sauces. Beyond the signature chicken, the restaurant also offers a range of authentic Isaan dishes like spicy papaya salad and grilled pork neck. There is air-conditioned seating available, making it a comfortable spot for a casual meal.

Price: Half fried chicken THB 130 (approx. USD 3.50), whole THB 260 (approx. USD 7). Other dishes around THB 80-120.

Getting There: Found on Soi Sanam Khli in Lumphini, a short walk from MRT Lumphini station. It occupies two adjacent shop lots.

5. Kor Panich

Cuisine: Thai Dessert (Mango Sticky Rice)

This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient is renowned for arguably the best mango sticky rice in Bangkok, a recipe perfected over 90 years. They use perfectly ripe Nam Dok Mai mangoes, high-quality sticky rice from Chiang Rai, and a coconut milk dressing that strikes a delightful balance of sweet and savory, complemented by crunchy roasted mung beans. It primarily operates as a takeaway spot, with limited seating available.

Price: Mango Sticky Rice THB 100-125 (approx. USD 3-3.50) per plate.

Getting There: Situated on Thanon Tanao in Phra Nakhon, Old Town. It is easily accessible on foot from the Grand Palace and Khao San Road. Note that it is typically closed on Sundays.

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