Bangkok food is an adventure in itself. Every street and market is packed with bold flavours, sizzling woks. Each dish tells a story. From the crisp bite of Hoy Tod to the fiery kick of Som Tam, every meal is an experience.
For a Singaporean traveller, some dishes feel familiar, like how Hoy Tod reminds you of orh luak or how Pad Kra Pao is a spicier take on minced pork rice. Others, like the rich coconut curry of Khao Soi or the creamy sweetness of Khanom Krok, are excitingly unique.
This Bangkok food guide is more than just what to eat in Bangkok. It is about where to find the best versions of each dish and the best restaurants in Bangkok. Whether it is a famous eatery, a hidden gem, or a nostalgic street stall, Bangkok has something to satisfy every craving.
Come hungry, stay curious, and let the city’s flavours lead the way.
Pad Kra Pao
Source: Wikipedia
You know how Bangkok always has this electric energy, the kind that hits you the moment you step into the streets? If there’s one dish that captures that same intensity, it’s Pad Kra Pao.
Fast, fiery, and packed with bold flavours, this Thai basil stir-fry is comfort food with a kick.
It’s simple. Minced pork or chicken, a whole lot of garlic, a handful of fragrant holy basil, and just enough chillies to make you break a sweat. Piled over steaming rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, it’s the kind of meal that’s equal parts satisfying and addictive.
You’ve probably had it before at a street stall, but If you’re wondering where to eat in Bangkok for a great Pad Kra Pao, these two places serve standout versions.
Hanging Garden on the Fifth Floor, EmQuartier
Imagine having Pad Kra Pao on a rooftop garden with an open-air view of Bangkok’s skyline. At Hanging Garden on the Fifth Floor in EmQuartier, they swap out the usual minced pork for tender, seared Wagyu beef, soaking up all that garlicky, spicy, basil-infused sauce.
The beef adds a richness that balances out the heat, making it dangerously easy to polish off.
Pair it with a cocktail, grab a side of tom yum-spiced peanuts, and suddenly, this humble street dish feels like a full-on indulgence.
📍Location: Level 5, 693 The EmQuartier, Unit 4A06 Klongton Nue Wattana, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Khao
If you’re in the mood for something a little more refined, Khao in Ekkamai takes the opposite approach.
Instead of luxury ingredients, they focus on nailing the technique. Their Moo Pad Kra Pao is all about balance, spicy but not overpowering, fragrant but not overwhelming, with just the right amount of wok hei.
It’s one of those places where every element of the dish feels deliberate, proving that sometimes, the best version of a classic doesn’t need reinvention, just perfection.
📍Location: 15 Ekkamai 10 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand
Kuay Teow Reua (Boat Noodles)
If you’ve been on a Bangkok food tour, you probably already know about boat noodles. But let’s be honest, there’s no way a single bowl is ever enough. That’s why these tiny, flavour-packed portions are served in small bowls meant for stacking.
The idea comes from Bangkok’s canals, where boat vendors used to serve noodles in mini bowls to avoid spills while navigating the water.
Today, they are no longer sold from boats, but the tradition remains. The portions are kept small so you can order multiple bowls, try different variations, and stack them high like a trophy of your meal.
The rich, dark broth is intense and deeply aromatic, simmered with spices, herbs, and sometimes a hint of blood for extra depth. Every spoonful is packed with bold, umami flavours, making this dish a must-try, especially if you are up for a friendly eating challenge.
For those searching for authentic Thai food in Bangkok, here are two great places to try boat noodles.
Thong Smith Boat Noodles
Thong Smith offers a premium take on traditional boat noodles with a focus on quality ingredients and a well-balanced broth. Located in the heart of Bangkok, this eatery is known for its rich, flavorful soup that is slow-cooked to bring out the depth of spices and herbs.
The boat noodle soup comes with a choice of beef or pork and is served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and crunchy bean sprouts. The broth is thick and packed with umami, creating a deep, slightly sweet, and spicy flavour that lingers on the palate.
For those who like to customize their meals, Thong Smith offers additional toppings like fried wonton skins, extra meatballs, and boiled eggs.
Despite its more upscale approach, the restaurant keeps its atmosphere casual and inviting. The service is quick, and the portions are generous, making it a great place to enjoy a comforting bowl of boat noodles.
📍Location: No. 698, Sukhumvit Road, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathon, Victory Monument
For a more authentic and affordable boat noodle experience, head to Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathon at Victory Monument. This place is a local favourite, known for its budget-friendly prices and classic flavours.
Each bowl costs only 18 baht, allowing diners to order multiple servings and try different versions.
The menu offers three choices: dry noodles, tom yum soup, or traditional boat noodle soup.
The classic boat noodle soup is the standout, featuring a thick and flavorful broth that coats the noodles perfectly. The texture of the noodles is firm and bouncy, complementing the bold, aromatic flavours of the broth.
📍Location: 1/7 Ratchawithi Rd, Khwaeng Samsen Nai, Khet Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Pad Thai
If there’s one dish that has put Thai cuisine on the world map, it’s Pad Thai. This stir-fried noodle dish is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, savoury, and nutty flavours, with soft rice noodles soaking up the rich tamarind-based sauce.
Topped with crunchy peanuts, fresh bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, Pad Thai is as comforting as it is flavourful.
You’ve probably had it before, maybe even in Bangkok, but there’s always a debate about where to find the best Pad Thai. Some places stick to age-old traditional methods, while others bring a unique local twist.
Whether you’re looking for the best street food in Bangkok or a more refined take, these two spots serve some of the best Pad Thai in the city.
Thipsamai, Bangkok
If you are looking for the most famous Pad Thai in Bangkok, Thipsamai is the place that has set the standard.
Established in 1966, this legendary restaurant has been serving up its signature Pad Thai for decades, earning a loyal following of both locals and tourists.
The secret to their Pad Thai lies in the perfect balance of flavours. Their stir-fried rice noodles are coated in a rich tamarind sauce, wok-fried with succulent shrimp, tofu, and fresh bean sprouts, creating that signature mix of sweet, tangy, and umami notes.
What truly sets Thipsamai apart is their use of charcoal stoves, adding a subtle smokiness to the dish that you won’t find anywhere else.
The restaurant itself is an experience.
With its retro decor, bustling crowd, and the rhythmic sound of woks clanking, it feels like stepping into a piece of Bangkok’s culinary history. Despite the long queues, the fast-moving line and efficient service make sure you get your plate of Pad Thai without too much of a wait.
📍Location: 313, 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Pad Thai Khun Ying, near River City
For a more casual, local-style Pad Thai experience, Pad Thai Khun Ying near River City is a great find.
This family-run eatery may not have the fame of Bangkok’s legendary spots, but it delivers where it counts: authentic flavours, fresh ingredients, and affordable prices.
The Pad Thai here is simple and unpretentious, with perfectly stir-fried noodles coated in a flavorful tamarind sauce. It’s the kind of dish that hits the spot without trying too hard.
They also serve crispy fried chicken and refreshing Thai salads, making it a great place for a relaxed meal. If you have a sweet tooth, the mango sticky rice is worth saving room for. The portion is generous for just 80 baht, making it one of the best-value finds in the area.
This spot isn’t flashy, and the service is run by a small team, but if you’re in the River City area, it’s a hidden gem for an affordable and satisfying meal.
📍Location: 681 Si Phraya Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
One of the best street food in Bangkok that you’ll find almost everywhere is Som Tam.
This fiery, crunchy, and flavour-packed green papaya salad is a must-try, whether you are grabbing a quick bite at a street stall or sitting down for a full meal at a restaurant.
It is the perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet, made with freshly shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp, lime juice, and fish sauce.
The best way to eat it is to grab a small ball of sticky rice, dip it into the dressing, and enjoy the explosion of flavours.
But not all Som Tam is created equal. Some places stick to the classic, while others add their own unique twist. Here are two spots that serve Som Tam worth sweating for.
Som Tam Nua, Siam Square
For a well-rounded Thai dining experience with a reliable and delicious version of Som Tam, Som Tam Nua in Siam Square is one of the most popular places to go. Their Som Tam is made just right, spicy, tangy, and packed with crunch, perfect when paired with a side of sticky rice.
The restaurant is also known for its crispy fried chicken wings, lemongrass pork, and spicy pork liver, making it a great place to order a spread of dishes to share.
It is a casual, no-frills eatery that is almost always packed. Be prepared for a queue, especially during peak hours. If you want to avoid waiting, try visiting during off-peak hours.
📍Location: 392/14 Siam Square Soi 5, Bangkok
Madam Somtum, Local Thai-Style Cafe
If you are looking for a more rustic, authentic experience, Madam Somtum is a spot that serves Som Tam the way locals eat it. This open-air restaurant has a menu filled with traditional Thai dishes, and their Som Tam with Crab is one to try if you enjoy strong flavours.
One thing to note is that this place does not hold back on the spice.
If you ask for "Thai ped" (spicy like a Thai would eat it), be prepared for a serious burn. The portion size is reasonable, and the flavours are bold and punchy, just as Som Tam should be.
However, because the restaurant is completely open-air, it comes with some downsides. Expect to encounter a few bugs if you dine here at night, so it might be a better option for a daytime visit.
📍Location: 888/19 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330
Khao Soi
For something different from the usual Bangkok food, Khao Soi is a hidden gem. It is one dish that instantly transports you to Northern Thailand as it is more commonly found in Northern Thai cuisine.
Unlike the usual Thai noodle soups, Khao Soi comes with a creamy, coconut curry broth, soft egg noodles, and a topping of crispy fried noodles for that perfect contrast in textures.
Served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime, every bite is a mix of richness, spice, and tangy freshness.
Though more commonly found in Chiang Mai, Bangkok has a few spots where you can get an authentic, well-executed bowl of Khao Soi. For those looking for authentic Thai food in Bangkok, these two spots serve some of the best versions in the city.
Khao So-i, Silom
Tucked away on Convent Road in Silom, Khao So-i serves what many consider to be the best Khao Soi in Bangkok. This place keeps it simple but does everything right, offering chicken, pork, and beef versions of Khao Soi in both soup and dry styles.
The chicken Khao Soi is the star here, with tender meat falling off the bone, a rich and aromatic coconut curry broth, and just the right amount of heat. The crispy noodles on top add the crunch that makes Khao Soi so satisfying.
If you are used to the traditional soup version but feel like trying something different, the dry Khao Soi is an interesting twist, though many still swear by the soupy original.
📍Location: 14/2-3 Convent Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Sook Siam at IconSiam
For those who love street food but not the Bangkok heat, Sook Siam at IconSiam offers a unique way to enjoy Khao Soi in a setting unlike anywhere else in the city.
Located inside one of Bangkok’s most luxurious malls, Sook Siam is a curated indoor floating market that brings together food, crafts, and products from Thailand’s 77 provinces.
Designed to replicate the charm of a traditional Thai riverside market, the space is lined with wooden walkways and food stalls that showcase regional Thai specialities, from Isan’s spicy Som Tam to the rich curries of the South.
Amidst this cultural showcase, you will find a vendor serving a comforting bowl of Khao Soi, made with a creamy coconut curry broth and topped with crispy noodles for that signature crunch. The broth is boldly spiced yet smooth, striking the perfect balance of richness without being overwhelming.
Beyond the food, Sook Siam is a great spot to experience Thai culture without leaving the city centre. You can watch traditional performances, browse local handicrafts, and shop for unique souvenirs, all while sampling some of Thailand’s best regional dishes.
It is a perfect stop for those who want an authentic floating market experience in an air-conditioned setting.
📍Location: 299 Charoen Nakhon 5 Alley, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Hoy Tod (Crispy Oyster Omelet)
If you have ever had orh luak (oyster omelette) in Singapore, then Hoy Tod will feel both familiar and different at the same time.
While both dishes feature oysters fried with egg and starch, the Thai version has a crispier, almost pancake-like texture rather than the gooey, chewy consistency of the Singaporean version.
This Bangkok food tour favourite is all about that crispy edge, achieved by frying the batter in a scorching hot pan with plenty of oil. The oysters are then added on top, giving the dish a mix of crunchy and juicy textures. Some places serve a softer, gooier variation similar to what we are used to in Singapore, but the crispy style is what makes Bangkok’s Hoy Tod stand out.
For those wondering where to eat in Bangkok for a great Hoy Tod, here’s a spot you don’t want to miss.
Heng Hoi Tod Chawlae, Bangkok
When it comes to plump, fresh oysters and perfectly crisp fried egg batter, Heng Hoi Tod Chawlae is one of the best places to go. This restaurant is well-known for its golden, extra-crispy oyster omelette, where every bite gives you that perfect crunch before you hit the juicy brininess of the oysters.
Beyond the Hoy Tod, the menu is stacked with other popular Thai dishes. The prawn Pad Thai is another crowd favourite, featuring large, succulent prawns with noodles full of smoky wok hei. Their crispy fish wontons make a great starter, while the pork knuckle rice is another must-try, with the pork slow-cooked until tender enough to melt in your mouth.
If you are looking for a satisfying meal that reminds you of Singaporean orh luak but with a Thai-style crunch, this is the place to be.
📍Location: 1301 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Bang Lamphu Lang, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Khanom Krok (Thai Coconut Pudding)
If you love coconut-based desserts, then Khanom Krok is a must-try.
These bite-sized coconut puddings are made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, cooked in a special cast-iron pan that gives them their signature crispy edges and soft, creamy centre.
Unlike Western-style puddings, Khanom Krok has a light, slightly chewy texture with a fragrant coconut aroma. It is commonly found at street stalls and markets across Thailand, often served hot and fresh right off the pan. Some versions come with toppings like spring onions or sweet corn, adding a subtle contrast to the creamy coconut flavour.
If you’re looking for the best street food in Bangkok for desserts, Mae Sri Ruen is a great place to grab a box of freshly made Thai coconut pudding.
Mae Sri Ruen, Bangkok
For some of the best freshly made Khanom Krok, Mae Sri Ruen is a place you should not miss.
Originally from Pattaya, this restaurant specializes in authentic Thai sweets and snacks, all made on the spot. Their Thai coconut pudding is perfectly balanced, not too sweet, super fragrant, and full of coconut flavour. The texture is soft with just the right amount of chewiness, making it incredibly addictive.
Aside from Khanom Krok, they also serve Thai coconut pancakes, which offer a similar flavour but with a slightly crispier texture. Their mini Thai crepes filled with meringue and egg yolk shreds are another popular choice, combining a crispy, airy bite with a sweet, creamy centre.
Each box of these delicious treats costs 60 THB, making it a great snack to take away or share.
If you happen to pass by Mae Sri Ruen, do yourself a favour and grab a box of their snacks. Whether you are in the mood for something warm and coconutty or light and crispy, this is one place that delivers on both taste and authenticity.
📍Location: 2306 Lat Phrao Rd, Phlabphla, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok 10312, Thailand
Foodie Bonus Tips
These tips should help you make the most of your Bangkok food tour, ensuring you experience the best authentic Thai cuisine without any hassle.
✅Stay Prepared: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser or wet wipes. It’s a lifesaver when you’re hopping between stalls and want to enjoy your meals worry-free.
✅Power Up: Bring a portable power bank to keep your phone charged for maps, photos, and translation apps, essential for navigating unfamiliar streets.
✅Cash is King: Keep some Thai Baht handy, as many street vendors prefer cash transactions even if cards are accepted in more touristy spots.
✅Check the weather: If you are planning to explore street food markets, keep in mind that the weather in Bangkok can be quite hot and humid during the day. The cooler evenings are perfect for trying local dishes at outdoor eateries, especially when the temperature in Bangkok drops slightly after sunset.
✅Getting Around: For an easy way to navigate Bangkok’s food scene, check out the Bangkok BTS map. Many famous eateries, like Thipsamai and Khao So-i, are just a short walk from BTS stations, making it convenient to hop between different food spots.
More Than Just a Meal, It’s a Bangkok Food Adventure
Eating in Bangkok is never just about the food. It is about the energy, the unexpected flavours, and the thrill of discovering something new.
Some dishes will remind you of home, while others will surprise you. Maybe it is the addictive spice of Som Tam, the comforting warmth of Khao Soi, or finally understanding why Pad Kra Pao is a local favourite.
No matter how many times you visit, Bangkok food keeps pulling you back. There is always something new, something familiar, and something unforgettable.
Whether it is your first time in Bangkok or your tenth, there is always more to taste, explore, and love. The real question is, what are you eating first?