20 Must-Try Bangkok Food Spots, According To A Singaporean Living There

Clicking into this story means you're likely heading to Bangkok soon or are thinking of paying a visit. The capital of Thailand has long been a huge draw for us Singaporeans, especially with the huge variety of yummy street food and array of shopping options made sweeter by the currency exchange rate. But if you're bored of the usual tourist food spots, here are 20 restaurants and street food hawkers to dine at the next time you're in Bangkok, recommended by someone who has lived here for a few months

1. Rongsi Pochana

Serving up Thai-Chinese food, Rongsi Pochana is one of the restaurants I bring people to dine at in Bangkok. The food isn’t too expensive (at least for us Singaporeans) and, most importantly, it never fails to be delicious. In fact, I’ve never tried any dish I didn’t enjoy here after dining here more than 15 times. I’ve only been to the Langsuan location, where you can take a short stroll to the nearby Lumphini Park for a leisurely walk around one of the largest parks in Bangkok. Enjoy the dishes here with a bowl of pandan-infused Teochew porridge and get lost in the plethora of Thai-Chinese and Thai favourites.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Deep-fried Fish with Fish Sauce, Razor Clams with Garlic, Stir-fried Noodles with Sour Sausage, Minced Pork in Plum Soup, and Tom Yum Soup.

Rongsi Pochana has multiple locations in Bangkok, including Room No. B107, No. 87 Soi Langsuan, Sindhorn Village, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 and 59 Nang Linchi Road, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120. Visit its Instagram for more information.

2. Kolun.h

A recommendation by several locals, KoLun is a place to refuel on Hainanese noodles (which I haven’t found anywhere else) as you explore the quiet and quaint old area of Phra Nakhon that surrounds the palace. The nondescript shop, founded in 1997, is nestled in a shophouse and is easily identified by the people waiting for their turn to dine. The rice noodles, which are larger in diameter and have a satisfying texture, are served with clear or thickened broth with various pork preparations, from roasted pork to offal. Try the shrimp paste dip as well for extra funk and flavour.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Hainanese noodles, roast pork, and stewed lamb.

Kolun.h is at 110/1 Thanon Mahannop, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Visit its Instagram for more information.

3. Baan Somtum

With nine locations dotted around Bangkok, Baan Somtum is one of the more accessible places to get your fill of Thai food. The restaurant prides itself on serving up Isaan food from the northeast of Thailand, with favourites ranging from som tum (salad made with a range of ingredients from papaya to salted egg and crab) and laab to yum (another style of Thai salads) and soups made with fermented fish. As a result of the extensive menu, Baan Somtum is an all-in-one location that allows you to get a deeper understanding of what Thai food offers beyond the usual suspects.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Deep Fried Spicy Minced Pork with Herbs Batter, Thai Sweet Corn Salad with Salted Egg, Grilled Pork (Blade Shoulder), Spicy Glass Noodle with Mixed Seafood in Thai Salad, and Spicy Minced Duck Herbs Salad.

Baan Somtum has multiple locations in Bangkok, including 9/1 Pramuan Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 and 15 Suk Chai Alley, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. Visit its website for more information.

4. Hoi Tod Chaw Lay

Fancy some crispy oyster omelette? Then head over to Hoi Tod Chaw Lay in Thong Lo. Unlike the oyster omelettes we get in Singapore, the offerings at this no-frills eatery come in a web-like omelette that’s exceedingly crispy. Its Pad Thai is also covered in the same crispy web that offers a textural contrast against the sweet and savoury noodles. Don’t forget to dip the oyster omelette into the housemade sweet and spicy chilli dipping sauce.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Oyster omelette and Pad Thai.

Hoi Tod Chaw Lay is at 25/5 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Visit its Instagram for more information.

5. Methavalai Sorndaeng

Methavalai Sorndaeng is another heritage establishment in the Phra Nakhon area. The Michelin Guide restaurant has been around since 1957 and offers live traditional Thai music as you dine in the retro yet sophisticated ambience. While the flavours aren’t as punchy as elsewhere, the restaurant more than compensates with well-rounded and balanced tastes that present how refined Thai food can be without the mask of intense flavours and heat.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Mixed Appetisers, Spicy Pomelo Salad with Shrimps, Stir-fried Fluffy Catfish with Chilli, and Stir-fried Rice Noodle with Pork or Chicken.

Methavalai Sorndaeng is at 78/2 Ratchadamnoen Ave, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Visit its Facebook for more information.

6. On Lok Yun

On Lok Yun was founded in 1933 and has been serving Thai-style American breakfast ever since. As such, you can expect items such as toasts, eggs, ham, sausages, and more as you dine in a traditional coffee shop setting that transports you back decades. According to a local, On Lok Yun was the place for celebrities to see and be seen as it is situated near the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, the first movie theatre in Bangkok, founded in the same year.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Western-style breakfast and toast.

On Lok Yun is at 72 Charoen Krung Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Visit its Facebook for more information.

7. Paknang.bkk

Paknang.bkk is a restaurant that will challenge your tolerance for heat and spice with its Southern Thai food. The neighbouring Malay and Muslim cuisines heavily influence the cuisine, consequently featuring a greater use of spices and chillies. The vintage-looking restaurant is located in the hipster enclave of Ari (akin to Singapore’s Haji Lane), where you will find unique clothing shops, and gram-worthy cafes and restaurants. Paknang.bkk also just opened a new location inside The Racquet Club in Thong Lo.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Kang Poong Pla Meung Khon (fish organ curry), Bai Lieng Pad Kai (stir-fried malindjo leaves), and Nam Prik Sam Sahai (chilli paste with vegetables).

Paknang.bkk is at 2/23, 5 Phahon Yothin 7, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400 and Sukhumvit 49/9 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Visit its Instagram for more information.

8. Sam Lor

Located along the first road to be built in Bangkok, Charoen Krung Road, Sam Lor was founded by chefs Joe and Saki and has quickly become known for their efforts to redefine Thai food at the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. The results are a blend of familiar Thai flavours elevated with new and unique ingredients and techniques, such as its famous take (pictured) on the Thai deep-fried omelette. There are also daily special dishes that differ from the regular menu. Reservations are required.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Samlor Thai Omelette, Spicy Thai Wagyu Tartare, Duck Larb, and Roasted Cabbage.

Sam Lor is at 1076 Charoen Krung Rd, Bangrak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. Visit its Instagram for more information.

9. The Local

Priding itself on preserving Thai food and culture, The Local is a Michelin Guide-approved restaurant nestled in a colonial-style building near Asok BTS station. The immersive ambience and interiors aside, The Local serves up a plethora of mean Thai food made with ingredients sourced from every region of the country. And if you’re looking to test your spice tolerance, pick the Southern Thai dishes such as Kaeng Tai Pla (fish curry made with fermented fish guts) and Khua Kling Plaa (dry curry with fish).

What I’ve tried/recommend: Kaeng Tai Pla, Khua Kling Plaa, Pomelo Salad, and Appetiser Platter.

The Local is at 32/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Visit its website for more information.

10. Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu

Google “pad thai in Bangkok” and one of the prominent places that will show up is Thipsamai Restaurant. I am, however, not a fan of that establishment as their version is too sweet for my liking. Instead, Andy Yang’s version at the Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu is more savoury and closer to how I prefer this quintessential stir-fried rice noodle dish to taste. Being a rather upscale joint (as compared to streetside vendors), the prices for Pad Thai here are also higher.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu Moo Yang (roasted pork pad thai).

Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu has multiple locations in Bangkok, including 115/5 Dinso Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 and Mahanakhon Cube, 96 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. Visit its Facebook for more information.

11. Agar Raga

Parallel to Yaowarat Road (or Chinatown), Song Wat Road is the newest hipster area to hang out in Bangkok. Consequently, there is no lack of cafes and restaurants on this street. Yet, Agar Raga rises among them with its unique agar-based menu. Yes, the same agar used to make agar agar jelly. So, instead of regular rice noodles, you will find Hor Fun and Pad Thai made with agar noodles, amidst other inventive dishes including Chwee Kuay and Mapo Almond Tofu.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Pad Thai and Liang Fen.

Agar Raga is at 948 Song Wat Rd, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Visit its Instagram for more information.

12. Khao Gaeng Jek Pui

In business for over 70 years, Khao Gaeng Jek Pui is as no-frills as it gets. Once you arrive at the economic rice stall in Yaowarat, you proceed down the line, selecting the curry and dishes you would like served over rice or rice noodles. Then you head to the red stools at the back, hold your plate, and tuck into the hearty yet affordable meal (usually around $2-$3 for two dishes with rice). There is an English menu with pictures displayed across the queue, making ordering easy.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Yellow Curry with Pork and Sweet Pork.

Khao Gaeng Jek Pui is at 25 Mangkon Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100. Visit its Facebook for more information.

13. Fikeaw Yaowarat

If you're in Chinatown and looking for a more substantial meal with more varied options, head over to Fikeaw Yaowarat instead. The roadside eatery is akin to a zichar shop and specialises in seafood. Once you select your seafood, ranging from giant river prawns to fish and squid, you can watch the chefs cook over professional hobs, with flames licking every wok-fried dish. Do note that you will be eating outdoors, so be prepared to brave the heat and elements.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Seafood and stir-fried morning glory.

Fikeaw Yaowarat is at Soi Yaowarat 11, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Visit its Facebook for more information.

14. Restaurant Potong

With its rustic and modern decor, Restaurant Potong is situated in a historic Sino-Portuguese building in Chinatown, which was once the Chinese pharmacy of chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij’s family. Chef Pam clinched a one-Michelin-star for Restaurant Potong and was named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2025 for her progressive take on Thai-Chinese food. Here, you will enjoy a 12-course tasting menu featuring ingredients from across Thailand. The menu changes seasonally, but one dish that stood out to me was the savoury 14-day-aged Duck served with rice, olive vegetables (ganachai), asparagus, and nhoom chilli. Reservations are required.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Tasting menu.

Restaurant Potong is at 422 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Visit its website for more information.

15. Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien

Several restaurants in the Phra Nakhon district offer dining with a view of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. Unfortunately, many target tourists and are not concerned with putting out tasty and authentic Thai food. Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien is not one of them. The menu draws inspiration from the recipes of the owner’s grandmother, with influences and ingredients from the eastern provinces of Trat and Chantaburi. Besides rich curries and stews, don’t forget to check out its many refreshing appetisers. Reservations are required.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Supanniga Appetiser Palette, Gaeeng Crab Meat Bai Cha Plu (crab curry with cha plu leaves), Moo Cha Muang (braised pork with cha muang leaves), and Crab Meat Pad Prik Leung (stir-fried crab meat with yellow chilli)

Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien is at 392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phra Borom Maharajawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Visit its website for more information.

16. Krua Jiang Mai

Head over to Krua Jiang Mai in Thong Lo for authentic Chiang Mai flavours. The backbone of the brand started by Chiang Mai-born Chinnanan Sethachanan is his grandmother’s recipes, which are made using ingredients freshly sourced from the north. Besides the emblematic curry noodle dish, Khao Soi, and spiced sausage, Sai Oua, you should also try other northern dishes such as the various chilli relishes (known as nam phrik) served with fresh vegetables and Nam Ngiao, a savoury and tart tomato-based noodle soup dish served with pork spare ribs and chicken blood, and Kaeng Hang Lay, a pork belly curry.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Khao Soi, Green Chilli Dip, and Red Chilli Dip.

Krua Jiang Mai is at 125/24 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Visit its Facebook for more information.

17. Baan Suriyasai

Another spot for royal Thai food is the upscale Baan Suriyasai. Established in 1922, the restaurant is situated within a 1900-era family compound and a colonial-style home adorned with old-money aesthetics. This restaurant is also one of the few places in Bangkok where diners must adhere to a smart casual dress code. There is also an adjoining art deco-style bar and tea room. Reservations are required.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Thai Crispy Pancake, Crispy Noodle Soup, and Stir-fried Lotus Stems with Squid and Yellow Curry Paste.

Baan Suriyasai is at 174 Surawong Rd, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. Visit its website for more information.

18. Khua Kling Pak Sod

Khua Kling Pak Sod is a family-run restaurant that specialises in the bold and fiery flavours of Southern Thai cuisine from Chumphon province. Its name can be broken down into two parts: Khua Kling, which is a spicy minced pork stir-fry, and Pak Sod, or fresh vegetables that are served alongside to help temper the heat. Other classic Southern dishes you can try are the Moo Hong, braised pork, Sataw Pad Kapi Goong, stink beans and prawns stir-fried with shrimp paste, and Gaeng Leung Yod Maprao Pa Ga Phong, yellow curry with young coconut shoots and sea bass.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Khua Kling, Bai Liang Pad Kai (stir-fried bai liang leaves with egg), Moo Hong, and Gaeng Tai Pla (curry with fermented fish entrails).

Khua Kling Pak Sod has multiple locations in Bangkok, including 98/1 Pai Di Ma Di Klang Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 and 2nd Floor, Red Planet Hotel, Surawong Road, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. Visit its Facebook for more information.

19. Charmgang

Charmgang, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended restaurant, was founded in 2019 by three chefs who worked at Nahm, a one-Michelin-star restaurant. The Talat Noi shop near Yaowarat elevates the humble khao gaeng, or curry and rice, by combining local ingredients and flavours with modern techniques and twists. The curated menu includes options ranging from Sugar Cane Smoked Pork Jowl Salad with Southern Sour Mango and Phanaeng Curry Of Braised Beef Cheek to Grilled Koji-Aged Picanha (Beef) Skewer with Fermented Fish Chilli Tomato Relish and Stir-Fried Wagyu Beef with Basil. Don’t forget to check out the seasonal menu and cocktails too.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Phanaeng Curry of Braised Beef Cheek and Pomelo Salad with Cobia Fish and Cowa Leaves.

Charmgang is at 14 Soi Charoenkrung 35, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Visit its Facebook for more information.

20. Somtum Der

Established in 2012, Somtum Der is another well-known spot to satisfy your cravings for som tum, or papaya salad. The brand originated from its Sala Daeng location before expanding to Tha Tien and establishing multiple overseas outposts, including New York and Tokyo. Here, Northeastern Isaan food is celebrated. Besides the various iterations of papaya and green mango salads, you will also find other delights, including Tom Sap Kra Dook Aon, a sour and spicy soup made with pork cartilage, Sai Krok Isan Yang, grilled Isan Sausages, and Moo Rong Hai Der, or grilled marinated pork.

What I’ve tried/recommend: Moo Rong Hai Der, Sai Krok Isan Yang, Kor Moo Yang (grilled pork neck), and Tum Suo Der (papaya salad with dried chilli and rice vermicelli).

Somtum Der is at 5 Sala Daeng Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. Visit its Facebook for more information.

This article was originally published on May 25, 2023 and updated on June 22, 2025.