In this post, I will share the ten best Thai restaurants in Bangkok that I experienced in 2018. Even after years of living in Bangkok, the city continues to offer exciting culinary adventures and endless discoveries.
A few quick notes about this list of top restaurants:
- This list exclusively features Thai restaurants in Bangkok that I visited for the first time in 2018.
- I have a penchant for bold flavors and spicy Thai cuisine, so many of my selections reflect that preference. However, these restaurants also offer non-spicy dishes.
- The restaurants are presented in no particular order.
- I haven’t written a comprehensive post about every restaurant on this list yet, but I plan to do so soon.
Let’s dive in!
1. Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ)
1. Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ)
I stumbled upon Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ) while exploring the area, and it quickly became one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Bangkok this year. The restaurant, resembling a large wooden longhouse, exuded a welcoming vibe from the moment I saw it.
Pla Mae Nam specializes in freshwater river fish and other wild ingredients, collectively known in Thai as jungle food. The menu features a variety of freshwater fish, frog, and wild boar, with numerous preparation styles. My top picks include the jungle curry (แกงป่า gaeng ba, arguably the best in Bangkok) and stir-fried spicy curry with wallago catfish (ผัดเผ็ดปลาเค้า pad phet pla kao).
Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ)
Address: 145 Soi Ekkachai 131, Khwaeng Bang Bon, Khet Bang Bon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10150
Open hours: 11 am – 8 pm daily
Prices: 100 – 300 THB per person
2. Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ)
2. Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ)
Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ) is a spacious family restaurant in Bangkok, renowned for its exceptional southern Thai cuisine and an extensive selection of fresh seafood. The dishes here tend to be quite spicy, with their fish viscera curry (แกงไตปลา gaeng tai pla) being one of the spiciest I’ve encountered in Thailand. Don’t miss their southern Thai sour turmeric curry (แกงเหลือง gaeng leung) and stink beans with shrimp and shrimp paste (สะตอผัดกะปิกุ้ง sataw pad kapi goong).
The “beer hima,” as indicated in the name, refers to “snow bear.” They chill their beer to near-freezing temperatures, resulting in a foamy, icy pour that perfectly complements the fiery dishes.
Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ)
Address: 19/2 Prasert-Manukitch Rd, Khwaeng Chorakhe Bua, Khet Lat Phrao, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10230
Open hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily
Prices: 200 – 400 THB per person
3. Sorn (ศรณ์)
3. Sorn (ศรณ์)
Sorn (ศรณ์) is an upscale restaurant in Bangkok that specializes in fine southern Thai cuisine. Opened in 2018, it quickly earned a well-deserved Michelin Star in the same year. I was particularly excited to try Sorn because I am friends with Khun Ice and Chef Yod, and southern Thai cuisine holds a special place in my heart.
The restaurant offers a set menu featuring small bites followed by main courses served in the traditional Thai family sharing style. While some dishes may be familiar, they are elevated with high-quality ingredients.
Reservations can be challenging to secure, but they are absolutely worth the effort. Sorn stands out as one of the premier Thai dining experiences in Bangkok.
Sorn (ศรณ์)
Address: 56 Sukhumvit 26 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Phone: +66 99 081 1119 (reservations required)
Prices: Set meals cost 2,900 THB per person
4. Ba Chao Jungle Food (ป๋าเชาว์อาหารป่า)
4. Ba Chao Jungle Food (ป๋าเชาว์อาหารป่า)
My passion for Thai jungle food is no secret. Last year, one of my favorite spots was Loong Riang & Pamalee (ร้านลุงเรียง & ป้ามาลี) in Chonburi. Jungle food in Thailand typically features wild and exotic ingredients, cooked with intense flavors and heat.
While most jungle food restaurants are found in rural areas, Ba Chao Jungle Food (ป๋าเชาว์อาหารป่า) is located on the outskirts of Bangkok, with ingredients sourced from Kanchanaburi. On my visit with friends, we sampled nearly everything on the menu, with highlights including chili-fried deer (กวางผัดเผ็ด kwang pad phet) and fried fish with chuchee curry (ปลาฉู่ฉี่ทอด).
Ba Chao Jungle Food (ป๋าเชาว์อาหารป่า)
Address: 85/369 Chat Chai Ruam Mit Alley, Khwaeng Chorakhe Bua, Khet Lat Phrao, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10230
Open hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily
Prices: 200 – 400 THB per person
5. Kuay Teow Khae (ร้านก๋วยเตี๋ยวแคะ)
5. Kuay Teow Khae (ร้านก๋วยเตี๋ยวแคะ)
Kuay Teow Khae (ร้านก๋วยเตี๋ยวแคะ) is a highly popular noodle stall located in downtown Silom, Bangkok, stretching along Soi Convent. During lunchtime, the stall comes alive with office workers eager for a delicious meal.
Their specialty, which I always order, is the dry egg noodles special with everything (ต้มยำแห้งเส้นโซบะ พิเศษ tom yum haeng sen soba pisayt). This dish features egg noodles, pork balls, meat, dumplings, and crispy pork belly, all tossed in a spicy, sour, and sweet chili oil sauce, with soup served on the side. It’s a quintessential Bangkok street food experience!
Kuay Teow Khae (ร้านก๋วยเตี๋ยวแคะ)
Address: Silom, Soi Convent, about a 3-minute walk from Sala Daeng BTS station
Open hours: 7 am – 2 pm, Tuesday – Saturday
Prices: 60 THB
6. Som tam stall (ร้านส้มตำรถเข็น)
6. Som Tam Stall (ร้านส้มตำรถเข็น)
The Aunty at this small Isaan street food stall has been serving outstanding green papaya salad for over 30 years. Located at the top of an alley off Ratchadamnoen Road, just outside government offices, the stall offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Her green papaya salad and fermented fish (ตำปูปลาร้า tam boo pla ra) are some of the best I’ve had in Bangkok this year, featuring a fiery kick and rich umami from the fermented fish sauce. You can also order laab (ลาบ) and tom saeb (ต้มแซ่บ), all of which are fantastic. This charming stall is perfect for a delightful lunch in Bangkok.
Som Tam – 30 Year Stall
Address: Just outside the Royal Thai Survey Department
Open hours: Lunch hours
Prices: 40 – 100 THB per person
7. Lerd Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน)
7. Lerd Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน)
This year, I had the pleasure of dining with Chef Gigg, a winner of Thai Iron Chef and Top Chef, at his family restaurant, Lerd Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน) in Lad Phrao. The menu primarily features Thai-Chinese dishes, but Chef Gigg has also introduced some fusion Western-Thai options.
Each dish is expertly stir-fried over high heat, imparting a delightful smoky flavor. One of Chef Gigg’s signature offerings is holy basil fried rice topped with Wagyu steak and an egg on the side (ข้าวผัดกระเพราเนื้อวากิว), served in a Korean hot ceramic pot. It’s an ultimate comfort dish that combines flavors beautifully.
Lerd Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน)
Address: 3/151 ถนนลาดพร้าววังหิน ซอย 70 แขวงลาดพร้าว Khwaeng Lat Phrao, Khet Lat Phrao, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10230
Open hours: 5 pm – 2 am daily
Prices: 200 – 400 THB per person, more if you order crab
8. Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว)
8. Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว)
Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว) is a family-run Thai-Chinese street food stall located in Yaowarat (Chinatown), Bangkok, known for its fish ball noodles. My appreciation for fish balls grew immensely after tasting the high-quality, freshly made varieties served here.
The stall features a steaming vat of water where fish balls swim, and the speed at which they blanch noodles is impressive. Your bowl typically includes crinkly egg noodles, a mix of round fish balls and fish wontons, seasoned with fried garlic lard, chilies, and vinegar. The fish balls have a delightful bouncy texture, while the fish wontons burst with flavor.
For egg noodles and Chinese fish balls, Lim Lao Ngow is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Bangkok.
Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว)
Address: 645 1095 Mittraphan Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100
Open hours: 6:30 pm – 11 pm, Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Monday)
Prices: 40 – 100 THB per person
9. Jay Hong (ร้าน เจ้ฮ้งก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่วรจักร)
9. Jay Hong (ร้าน เจ้ฮ้งก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่วรจักร)
The full name of this restaurant is Jay Hong Kuay Teow Khua Gai Worachak (ร้าน เจ้ฮ้งก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่วรจักร), and it is legendary in Bangkok for its fried noodle dish called kuay teow khua gai (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่). I visited during a late-night street food tour with friends, and the atmosphere was electric.
Located in the alleys of Worachak Market, the restaurant opens at night, giving it an air of mystery. The aroma of smoke wafts through the alley as you approach, hinting at the deliciousness to come. The chef cooks over a blazing charcoal fire, showcasing impressive culinary skills.
When dining at Jay Hong, be sure to order their classic khua gai with wide rice noodles (คั่วไก่เส้นใหญ่) and the same dish made with thin rice vermicelli (คั่วไก่เส้นหมี่). Don’t forget to try their fried rice, which is likely the smokiest you’ll ever experience.
Jay Hong (ร้าน เจ้ฮ้งก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่วรจักร)
Address: Soi Ban Dok Mai 1, Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100
Open hours: 4 pm – 10 pm, Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday)
Prices: 40 – 100 THB per person
10. Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน)
10. Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน)
Known as Uncle Peen Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน), this restaurant offers one of the most unique styles of grilled, smoked, or baked chicken I’ve ever encountered. This traditional Thai countryside cooking method is rare to find in a restaurant setting.
The chicken is marinated and placed upright on a pole in the ground, covered with an old oil drum. Rice straw hay is then tucked around the drum and ignited, allowing the smoke and heat to envelop the chicken. This method is repeated several times, resulting in a beautifully golden and incredibly juicy chicken after about 45 minutes.
Uncle Peen Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน)
Address: Ngiu Rai, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom 73120
Open hours: 9 am – Noon or until sold out
Prices: 120 THB per chicken
