Bangkok’s Culinary Delights: A Tasty Tour
The vibrant streets of China Town, Bangkok, illuminated at night. Photo: Novotel
China Town, the bustling hub of Thai-Chinese culture in Bangkok, is a renowned destination for travelers. Apart from the lively night market selling various goods, there’s also a food haven with an array of street food options, especially seafood and snacks like durian and coconut ice cream. The area comes alive from around 5 pm until late at night.
Lek & Rut Seafood is a popular choice among tourists, offering a variety of fresh seafood like crab, oyster, snails, and squid prepared in multiple styles. Jek Pui Curry specializes in curry dishes, while Nai Mong Hoi Thod is famous for its oyster omelet, and Mung Korn Khao Noodles serves up Chinese cuisine. For those who wish to party the night away, Opium Bar and Sky View Bar, with its 360-degree revolving view, are ideal choices in China Town.
Location: Intersection of Charoen Krung and Yaowarat Roads.
Soi 38 Sukhumvit: A Foodie’s Paradise
Sukhumvit is one of the major roads in central Bangkok, and Soi 38 (Lane 38) is a well-known food street offering delicious, affordable, and diverse cuisine. It’s a hotspot for backpackers and travelers, with most menus available in English.
Here, you’ll find a range of dishes, including grilled skewers, roasted pork rice, spicy pork rice, papaya salad, noodle salads, Thai hot pot, various types of noodles, and even “foreign” dishes like Hainanese chicken rice. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s ice cream, Thai desserts, bubble tea, coconut ice cream, and mango sticky rice.
The average price for a meal here is around 50-70 baht (approximately 40,000 to 55,000 VND).
Location: Sukhumvit Road or Highway 03.
Jay Fai: Celebrity Chef and Crab Omelet Extraordinaire
The legendary crab omelet at Jay Fai. Photo: Linh Huong
Jay Fai is renowned for its humble yet mouthwatering Thai dishes such as flat rice noodles stir-fried with seafood in a spicy sauce, traditional tom yum soup, yellow curry, and especially the crab omelet. Jay Fai has received accolades such as “50 Best Restaurants in Asia” and has been featured in the popular TV series “Street Food.” The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2018 and has maintained its status ever since.
This is one of the most touristy restaurants in Thailand, and diners must book well in advance or queue for 3-4 hours for a table.
Location: 327 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat Subdistrict, Phra Nakon District
After You: Indulge in Dessert Heaven
The signature mango sticky rice bingsu at After You. Photo: Linh Huong
After You is a dessert chain with multiple outlets in popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. They are famous for their bingsu (shaved ice), ice cream, cakes, and smoothies. Signature flavors include mango, durian, and strawberry, all presented beautifully. After You has received a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor.
Locations in Bangkok: Thong Lo, Rama IV, Siam Center, Ratchadamri Road, and Sai Mai Road.
Food Courts in Shopping Malls: A Convenient Treat
Most large shopping malls in Bangkok have food courts, usually located in the basement. These food courts offer a wide variety of dishes at moderate prices. Diners can choose their desired dishes from different stalls, pay at each counter, and then find a seat in the common dining area. Food courts are especially convenient for those who are shopping and want a quick bite.
Suggested Malls: Siam Square (including Siam Center and Paragon), MBK Centre, Central World, Terminal 21, Big C, Emporium, and Central Plaza.
Sorn: Michelin 3-Star Excellence
A delectable salad creation from Sorn. Photo: Sorn
Sorn is a renowned restaurant in Thailand and beyond, known for its unique blend of traditional and modern Southern Thai cuisine. It received its first Michelin star in 2019 and was promoted to three stars in 2024, making it the only three-starred restaurant in Thailand.
Head Chef and owner Supaksorn Jongsiri crafts a menu centered around the sour and spicy flavors of Southern Thailand, with creative and harmonious twists. Using premium ingredients like Tapi River shrimp, Phuket lobster, and Andaman squid, Sorn delivers exceptional dining experiences. The set menu starts at 5 million VND.
Location: 56 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan Subdistrict, Khlong Toei District.
