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Header image courtesy of Royal Osha
Food is a huge part of Thai culture and it’s seen as a ceremonial gathering between friends and family. In Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร), the country’s capital, eating is celebrated at all hours of the day, whether you’re looking for street food, Michelin-starred dining, or a casual beachside occasion. We round up some of the best restaurants in Bangkok right now, for a flavourful feast unique to the diverse Thai nation.
Known to serve the best Cantonese-style duck in Bangkok, Prachak Pet Yang makes its dish fresh, using herbs and spices to stuff it, before slow-cooking it to make it juicy and tender, with a crispy skin. The regional favourite is situated along Charoen Krung Road (ถนนเจริญกรุง), a casual eatery which draws in crowds of locals and tourists on a daily basis, all coming to try the infamous roast.
Prachak Pet Yang, 1415 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand | (+66) 2 234 3755
Fronted with a traditional shophouse exterior, Err Urban Rustic Thai is nestled in Bangkok’s royal quarter, decorated with mismatching chairs and trendy art. The eatery comes from the same family as Bo.lan, and serves traditional Thai cuisine in a cool, fun atmosphere.
Err Urban Rustic Thai, 24 Sukhumvit 53 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | (+66) 2 622 2292
Mandarin Oriental hotels are well-renowned for their selection of top-quality restaurants across the globe. A telling example, Bangkok’s outpost houses Le Normandie, a French eatery accessible through a small hallway elevator in the hotel. The restaurant oozes elegance, from its fantastic antiques to its flooding light from the huge windows, offering spectacular river views of the bustling city. Guests can indulge in the set tasting menus or order à la carte for a customised experience—the choice is yours.
Le Normandie, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand | +66 (0) 2 659 9000
Originating from San Francisco, Royal Osha features sleek interiors and walls decked with Thai artwork. The restaurant takes a contemporary approach to Thai eats, with Ramakien-inspired cocktails using regional rum. Try the sophisticated iteration of classic tom yum (ต้มยำ; hot-and-sour Thai soup) and the salted yolk squid.
Royal Osha, Royal Residence Park, 99 Royal Resident Park Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 2 256 6555)
One of Bangkok’s more upscale experiences, Bo.lan sources its ingredients from local farmers to curate seasonal tasting menus. The timber-clad environment makes it ambient and tranquil, yet the main aspect that draws customers in is the restaurant’s strong commitment to sustainability. Chefs Songvisava and Jones stay true to their zero-carbon footprint by using an in-house vegetable garden, water filtration system, and waste recycling system. A refreshing take to the F&B scene, Bo.lan caters to the discerning appetite, with specialties including the Bo.Lan balance menu, comprising five courses.
Bo.lan, 24 Sukhumvit 53 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | (+66) 2 260 2962
Housed under the highly-acclaimed Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Shintaro serves quality sushi for sashimi seekers. Located north of Lumphini Park, the restaurant whisks you off to Japan, where sushi rolls and noodles await. Opt to lounge on the tatami mats for the full experience.
Shintaro, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, 155 Ratchadamri Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 2 126 8866
Translating to “heaven” in Thai, Saawan is a Michelin-starred eatery in Bangkok, famed for its elevated traditional recipes. Inspired by wholesome home cooking and scrumptious street food, chef Sujira Aom Pongmorn stays true to Thai roots but uplifts dishes by incorporating premium ingredients and fine presentations. Dishes are thus creatively executed, and diners can indulge in the ten-course tasting menu for the best of all seasonal platters.
Saawan, 39/19 Soi Suanplu, South Sathon Road, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand | (+66) 2 679 3775
German chef Mirco Keller holds over twenty years of culinary expertise from Berlin to Bangkok and serves contemporary European flair at his Keller restaurant. Nestled down a hush lane in the city’s Suan Phlu region, the eatery offers well-balanced fine dining in a chic setting. Gourmands can tuck into comforting classics, presented in its most elegant form with modern finesses.
Keller, 31 Soi Suan Phlu 2, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand | (+66) 2 092 7196
The crispy pork belly from Guay Jab Mr Joe is a city-wide hype—a dish which garnishes the rolled rice noodles in broth perfectly. Perhaps it’s how it complements the peppery broth, or maybe it’s the crunchy crackling of the skin—either way, it’s difficult to resist the temptations from the renowned eatery. Perched between Soi Chan 42 and 44, the restaurant is open from morning to late afternoon.
Guay Jab Mr Joe, 313/7 Thanon Chan, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand | (+66) 2 213 3007
Faye Bradley is a freelance writer based in Hong Kong, covering topics in travel, wellness, F&B, and the arts. As the editor and business development executive for Cha Siu Papers Times and Compare Retreats, Faye has experience in writing predominantly about luxury travel and well-being. With a keen eye for finding hidden gems, exploring new destinations, and tasting best-of-the-best cuisines, she continues to pursue her love for writing about travel and visiting remote lands. You can find her by the pool with a good book and a mojito in hand.
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