10 Best Thai Restaurants in Bangkok in 2018 (Local Food)

In this post I’m going to share with you the 10 best Thai restaurants in Bangkok, that I tried in 2018.
Even after years of living in Bangkok, it’s a city where food is always exciting, and there’s always more to discover.
A couple of quick things about this list of best restaurants in Bangkok:
- This list only includes Thai restaurants in Bangkok, that I personally ate at for the first time in 2018.
- I do tend to enjoy maximum flavor, extra spicy Thai food, so many of my restaurant choices reflect that. However, at these restaurants there are dishes you can order non-spicy as well.
- Restaurants are in no particular order.
- I haven’t written a full post about every place on this list yet, but I will do so soon on the blog.
Ok, let’s get started!

1. Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ)
1. Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ)
I came to Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ) restaurant by chance – I just happen to be in the area, and we needed to eat so I did a few searches. It was one of those restaurants that, even from just the outside appearance, which is like a huge wooden longhouse, I knew it was going to be good; turned out to be one of my favorite Thai restaurant in Bangkok this year.
Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ) specializes in freshwater river fish, and other wild ingredients – in Thai known as jungle food.
There’s a handful of different freshwater fish, frog, and wild boar that you can choose from, and about half a dozen different preparations. My two favorite dishes are the jungle curry (แกงป่า gaeng ba, one of the best in Bangkok) and stir fried spicy curry with wallago catfish (ผัดเผ็ดปลาเค้า pad phet pla kao).
Pla Mae Nam (ร้านปลาแม่น้ำ) restaurant
Address: 145 Soi Ekkachai 131, Khwaeng Bang Bon, Khet Bang Bon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10150 (Google map)
Open hours: 11 am – 8 pm daily
Prices: 100 – 300 THB per person
2. Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ)
Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ) is a huge family restaurant in Bangkok where you’ll find some of Bangkok’s best southern Thai food and a huge selection of fresh seafood.
Dishes are known to be on the spicy side, and for sure their fish viscera curry (แกงไตปลา gaeng tai pla), is among the spiciest single dishes I’ve ever had in Thailand. Also be sure to order their southern Thai sour turmeric curry (แกงเหลือง gaeng leung), and their stink beans with shrimp and shrimp paste (สะตอผัดกะปิกุ้ง sataw pad kapi goong).
In addition to the amazing food “beer hima,” as stated in their name means “snow bear.” They cool their beer until nearly frozen, so when you pour it into a cup, it immediately turns to foamy icy snowy beer. It’s pretty cool, and you’ll need it to cool your mouth from the amazing spices.
Thanks to Khun Tan for bringing me here for the first time. Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ) is truly a gem of Bangkok and one of the best restaurants.
Panya Seafood – Beer Hima (ปัญญาซีฟูด-เบียร์หิมะ)
Address: 19/2 Prasert-Manukitch Rd, Khwaeng Chorakhe Bua, Khet Lat Phrao, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10230 (Google map)
Open hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily
Prices: 200 – 400 THB per person

3. Sorn (ศรณ์)
3. Sorn (ศรณ์)
Sorn (ศรณ์) is a high end restaurant in Bangkok that serves fine southern Thai cuisine. They opened in 2018, and in the same year they opened, they received a prestigious and very well deserved Michelin Star.
One of the reasons I was so excited to try Sorn (ศรณ์), is first of all I’m good friends with the Khun Ice and Chef Yod, and secondly, because southern Thailand is where my wife is from, and southern Thai food is my favorite regional variety of Thai food.
They serve a set menu, the first courses are small bites, followed by the main courses which are served typical Thai family sharing style. Some of the dishes were familiar to me, yet refined, using high quality ingredients.
Reservations are tough now, but do make the effort, it’s well worth it! Sorn is without a doubt one of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok right now.
Sorn (ศรณ์)
Address: 56 Sukhumvit 26 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand (Google map)
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)
It’s no secret, I’m a little obsessed with Thai jungle food.
Last year one of my favorite Thai restaurants was Loong Riang & Pamalee (ร้านลุงเรียง & ป้ามาลี) in Chonburi.
Usually in Thailand, jungle food means they use more wild and exotic ingredients (eel, deer, quail, porcupine), and it typically means dishes are cooked extremely spicy and with maximum flavor.
In Bangkok, there are not that many jungle food restaurants, you’ll find most in the countryside, or in smaller rural areas. But Ba Chao Jungle Food (ป๋าเชาว์อาหารป่า) is on the outskirts of Bangkok, and the owner is from Kanchanaburi, where he brings his ingredients from.
The day I came here, I was with my friend Khun Pup and a few other friends and we ordered nearly everything they had on the menu. The highlight for me was their chili fried deer (กวางผัดเผ็ดkwang pad phet), and their 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 an extremely popular noodle stall in downtown Silom, Bangkok, which stretches down the sidewalk on Soi Convent.
At lunch, when the office crowds are released for lunch-break, is when the stall comes alive. Bowls of noodles fly off the cart and to the hungry rows of customers.
Their specialty dish, and the dish I automatically order when I come here is the dry egg noodles special with everything (ต้มยำแห้งเส้นโซบะ พิเศษ tom yum haeng sen soba pisayt). It includes egg noodles, pork balls, meat, dumplings, and crispy pork belly, in a chili oil, spicy, sour and sweet sauce. The soup is served on the side.
It’s a great Bangkok street food bowl of noodles!
Kuay Teow Khae (ร้านก๋วยเตี๋ยวแคะ)
Address: Silom, Soi Convent, about a 3 minute walk from Sala Daeng BTS station (Google map)
Open hours: 7 am – 2 pm on 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 amazing green papaya salad for over 30 years. The cart is located at the top of the alley just off Ratchadmnoen Road, outside government offices and Royal Thai Survey School.
At first it’s the kind service and warmth of the Aunty who will make you feel comfortable and welcome, and the breezy tables on the sidewalk under the tree.
Then it’s the food – she makes some of the best single plates of green papaya salad and fermented fish (ตำปูปลาร้า tam boo pla ra) I’ve had in Bangkok this year: fiery, great umami filled fermented fish sauce, and refreshing ingredients.
You can also order laab (ลาบ) and tom saeb (ต้มแซ่บ), all of which are fantastic. This is an amazing little stall, and makes a perfect lunch in Bangkok.
Som tam – 30 year stall
Address: Just outside the Royal Thai Survey Department (Google map)
Open hours: for lunch
Prices: 40 – 100 THB per person

7. Led Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน)
7. Lerd Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน)
I had a chance this year to hang out, eat, and experience Chef Gigg’s cooking, who is the winner of Thai Iron Chef and Top Chef. He’s an amazing cook, and his family restaurant is Lerd Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน) in Lad Phrao.
They serve mainly Thai Chinese dishes on their menu, but Chef Gigg has added a few fusion Western Thai Chinese dishes to the menu as well. The dishes are excellent, always stir fried on high heat to have a wonderful smoky taste.
One of Chef Gigg’s signature dishes is holy basil fried rice topped with Wagyu steak with an egg on the side (ข้าวผัดกระเพราเนื้อวากิว) served in a Korean hot ceramic pot. It’s one of the ultimate comfort dishes I’ve ever had, and an amazing combination.
Lerd Tip (ร้านอาหารเลิศทิพย์ วังหิน)
Address: 3/151 ถนนลาดพร้าววังหิน ซอย 70 แขวงลาดพร้าว Khwaeng Lat Phrao, Khet Lat Phrao, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10230 (Google map)
Open hours: 5 pm – 2 am daily
Prices: 200 – 400 THB per person, more if you eat crab

8. Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว)
8. Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว)
Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว) is a family Thai Chinese street food stall in Yaowarat (Chinatown), Bangkok that serves fish ball noodles.
I was never a huge fan of fish balls, until I tasted high quality, freshly made fish balls, that are made with pure fish, like they serve at Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว). The cart where they prepare the noodles and boil the fishballs is impressive, a steaming vat of water, fish balls swimming around, and some of the fastest noodle blanching you’ll ever see in your life.
Your bowl of noodles typically comes with crinkly egg noodles, a mix of round fish balls and fish wontons, and seasoned with fried garlic lard, chilies, and vinegar. The fish balls have an amazing bouncy texture, but the real highlight are the fish wontons that explode with a pepper fish sensation.
For egg noodles and Chinese fish balls, this is one of the best restaurants in Bangkok (here’s another place I love for their egg noodles).
Lim Lao Ngow (ลิ้มเหล่าโหงว)
Address: 645 1095 Mittraphan Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100 (Google map)
Open hours: 6:30 pm – 11 pm from Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Monday)
Price: 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 they are legendary in Bangkok for a fried noodle dish called kuay teow khua gai (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่).
I ate here with Khun Tan and Khun Tape on a huge late night Bangkok street food tour.
The restaurant is a very cool shop-house located in the alleys of Worachak Market. The restaurant is open at night, but the market is not, so when you walk there, you feel like you’re walking into a dark unknown, closed alley. But then you smell the smoke wafting down the alley.
Immediately as you arrive, you’ll notice how she cooks with a sauce pot, over a raging hot flaming charcoal fire. Her cooking skills and fire skills alone make her one of the best chefs in Bangkok.
When you eat at Jay Hong (ร้าน เจ้ฮ้งก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่วรจักร), the first thing you’ll want to order is their classic khua gai with wide rice noodles (คั่วไก่เส้นใหญ่), but also don’t miss the same dish made with thin rice vermicelli (คั่วไก่เส้นหมี่).
Finally, order a plate of fried rice, which is probably the smokiest fried rice you’ll ever taste. Rather than cooking the noodles pancake style, she scratches them over the hot fire.
Without a doubt it’s one oft the best restaurants in Bangkok with the most unique cooking style.
Jay Hong (ร้าน เจ้ฮ้งก๋วยเตี๋ยวคั่วไก่วรจักร)
Address: Soi Ban Dok Mai 1, Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100 (Google map)
Open hours: 4 pm – 10 pm on Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday)
Prices: 40 – 100 THB per person

10. Hay baked chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน)
10. Hay baked chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน)
Known in full as Uncle Peen Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน), this has to be one of the most unique styles of grilled or smoked or baked chicken I’ve ever seen or eaten.
It’s actually a traditional Thai countryside cooking method, but it’s very rare to find, especially at a restaurant where you can buy it (rather than just at home).
The chicken is marinated before being set up on an upright pole in the ground. An old oil drum is then placed over the top of the chicken, and rice straw hay is tucked around the oil drums. Next, the hay is lit on fire, and it burns all the way through, releasing the smoke and heat into the upside down oil drum where the chicken is.
This process of baking the chicken in burning hay is repeated a number of times, and in about 45 minutes emerges one of the most beautiful golden chickens ever. The process also keeps the chicken incredibly juicy.
Uncle Peen Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน)
Address: Ngiu Rai, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom 73120 (Google map)
Open hours: 9 am – Noon or until sold out
Prices: 120 THB per chicken
Thank you for checking out this list of best street food and best restaurants in Bangkok 2018!
Hope it gives you some ideas about what to eat when you’re in Bangkok.
Finally, in 2019 I plan to blog a lot more about Thai restaurants and Thai recipes – so stay tuned. If you’re not already, make sure you sign up by email so I can notify you of new posts and our best Thai food content.
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Nam Dang
4 years ago
Hi Mark,
Hope nothing is but just the best to you and your family during the holiday season. And thank you for sharing all the amazing youtube videos. I am your big fan.
Anyway, I am going to Bangkok in few weeks. And it is my first time in Bangkok. I just wonder you have any advises for us. I love foods just like you.
I truly appreciate your time and help
V/R
Nam
Joel Bruner
4 years ago
Hello Nam Dang! Thanks for writing, thanks for your great support. Im sure youll have a great time in Bangkok – just remember to follow your nose, and to try and step out of your own ‘comfort zone,’ just a little bit,’ and enjoy trying new things in Bangkok (on of the best things about Thailand for sure is the Bangkok street food scene). Have a great trip!
S Neill
4 years ago
There is one little new restaurant that meets your list in my opinion. MAYs Bangkok is amazing recommend ut.
Ray
4 years ago
Hi Mark, I’m reading in some reviews that Jay Hong the cook/owner has gone elsewhere, do you know if that is so? I may try some of these places next trip but some are well out of Bangkok.
Tan Letran
5 years ago
Hi Mark , thank you for your review , We will coming to Bangkok in December 2019 staying first at the Peninsula then at the Intercontinental . Any tips for lunch & dinner within walking distance of those hotel . We are also travel to Kanchanaburi and Ayatthaya for 2 nights , any tips on hotel and eating places in those places .thank you in advance
Dimitri
5 years ago
Amazing dedication to food sampling…
Hedy
5 years ago
I visited Panya Seafood upon reviewing this article during the NY vacation in BKK. All the seafood was truly tasty and was mixed with a very strong southern thai representation of herbs and flavors. The crab and mantis shrimps were GIANT! We finished the whole meal in silence. The treat brought us deep happiness. Though the price were a bit on high end, the size, quality and service made everything worth the visit. I would definitely recommend the place!
mark thearle
5 years ago
Firstly Happy New Year to you and your family Mark and thankyou for your informative and entertaining vlogs around Thailand and around the world me and my family look forward to your postings each time your production and filming skills deserve to be on Television its so expertly done and enjoyable keep up the great work and maybe me and my Thai wife will bump into you around Bangkok one day i hope.
Jinda S Blackman
5 years ago
I enjoy watching each of your videos but don’t comment that often. I just love the way you present your food. It looks so yummy. The camera is super good too, it makes me feel like I’m going along with you and Ying. Thank you Mark!
Ben Parris
5 years ago
My wife and I are coming back to Thailand again in May but this time with our newborn baby son. As usual I’m trying to read up as much as I can before we leave so we waste no time in finding amazing food in Bangkok and Hua Hin. Thank you for all of your videos and food tips. I love trying to find places you eat at!
Rory
5 years ago
Hi Mark , great post. I know a couple on your list , but now I have plenty more to try, they sound amazing. Best wishes for this coming New Year 2019 and look forward to many more fab postings. Kind regards Rory
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Rory!
nui acain
5 years ago
Thank you so much Mark, I agree the 10 best restaurants in Bangkok that you recommended. I have tried some when I was there around March to June 2018 absolutely ridiculous delicious and I will go to the one that i have not been yet sometime next year 2019 I would like to say thanks for your hard work and gave us the most outrageous foods around the world. Hopefully you and your family are all doing well. Have a very happy new year 2019
Sawaddee Ka
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Nui, Happy New Year to you and your family!
Peter
5 years ago
Yum a rama
Kath
5 years ago
Hi Mark
Thanks for the recommendations. We are staying in Bangkok for 3 nights in feb(can’t wait). Not been for 3yrs and want to show family around.
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you Kath, hope you and your family have an amazing upcoming trip.
Jerry
5 years ago
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Mark. Have you been to Gaa, directly across from Gaggan? I ate at both restaurants in November. Gaa has a very innovative menu and most courses were very delicious. One or two courses needed some work, but it’s a new restaurants and I’m sure they will improve with time. Best, Jerry
Jerry
5 years ago
Sorry, forgot to add: Chok dee pee mai, khrup.
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Hi Jerry, Happy New Year. Yes, I ate at Gaa, actually before she officially opened, so would love to go back again. Thanks!
Neil Watt
5 years ago
Thanks for your great food reviews I love BKK best food city in the world do you have a favorite place for Yum won Sen my favorite dish alongside Pork noodle soup !
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Hey Neil, thank you very much. I don’t eat it too often, let me think, I’ll get back to you if I can think of a place. Thanks!
Nash
5 years ago
Great work Mark, I am going to make sure I visit Uncle Peen Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน) on my next trip to BKK next year, I have visited many of your recommendations from Soei where I ate two times once at the train station and now at there new location, well worth the trip, and a Muslim Biriyani place in Silom Road area, all very good, I especially want to visit Uncle Peen Hay Baked Chicken (ไก่อบฟางลุงพิน) since its a tough location to get to. Cheers
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Nash, that chicken is amazing, hope you can check it out next time!
Agustin
5 years ago
I enjoy receiving your emails about Thai food. Hope when I go to Bangkok the plates are as tasty as your pictures
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you Agustin!
Suphot
5 years ago
Thanks for the info, I’ll be in Bangkok from January till February after chinese New Year. I shall enjoy these places
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you Suphot, great to hear that!
Raymond Loh
5 years ago
We love Bangkok because of you! You food trails is amazing that we keep coming to Bangkok every year. Keep it up.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Raymond. Happy New Year!
Jörg
5 years ago
Hi Mark! Thank You so much for Your work and for sharing Your amazing discoveries. Lots of Love from Bavaria <3
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Jörg!
Doris Kuusk
5 years ago
I love barbecued chicken……we are staying again Anthony bourdin at the Chatrium suites riverside mid January, any chicken close by? Mark, I have been following you for years, one of these days you will replace Anthony Bourdain! I’m Swiss, I have seen your Swiss food degustation…..you had too much food in one day! The traditions are more important than the food , you need to be in the alps for a fondue or Raclette. I do admire your drive! Wishing you and your family a healthy and successful 2019.
Doris Kuusk
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Doris. Would love to visit Switzerland again, that sounds delicious. Not too far away, check out Jay So https://www.eatingthaifood.com/best-som-tam-in-bangkok/ for amazing papaya salad and grilled chicken wings.
XAN
5 years ago
I am now in Bangkok and I am going to try them all!!
Thanx Mark
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thanks, awesome to hear that!
Carol
5 years ago
Have you tried Jim Thompson’s new restaurant Spirit on soi somkid? It’s a house with a garden just next to central childlom. Food is great!
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Hey Carol, great to hear from you. I have heard about it, but haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for letting me know!
Alexander Strötges
5 years ago
I love thai jungle food too. The restaurant at chonburi is one of the best.
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Hey Alexander, glad you love it too!
Andrew Bonham
5 years ago
Hi Mark
Thanks for the restaurant lists
Looking forward to trying them
Is there a cooking class that identifies ingredients and preparation of basic dishes and then a book that on return home we can experiment
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Andrew!
Alexander Strötges
5 years ago
Stinky beans are my favourite vegetable in the world.
FAYE GRAVES
5 years ago
you sure make me miss thai food, mmmm
Bill Best
5 years ago
Thanks, Mark! Greetings from Canada!
I still have the PDF ebook you sold years ago with the list of recommended restaurants and places to see. Looking forward to one day finally visiting Thailand! Till then I live vicariously through your videos. :)
Mark Wiens
5 years ago
Thank you very much Bill!