Anyone who’s ever read a lick about Bangkok will know just how iconic its food scene is, whether it’s authentic Thai dishes served street-side or experimental fusion cuisine enjoyed in the most glamorous of locales. After whizzing through the city on a motorcycle or meandering amongst temples by boat, you’ll be more than ready to taste your way through a menu at one of the best restaurants in Bangkok.
So, go on and take a look!
80/20
Entering past a pantry filled with jars of the Head Chef’s ‘secret ingredients’, 80/20 invites you into a world of flavour. Originally named in honour of its ratio for Thai versus imported ingredients – although now it’s 100% homegrown – 80/20 serves authentic Thai cuisine with a signature twist. In keeping with the artsy Charoenkrung neighbourhood, there is an eclectic, industrial feel to the restaurant that is dominated by the Kitchen Counter where you can watch the chefs in action. The restaurant serves a 9-course set menu (dishes are changed at least once a month) including things like the Stormy Sea squid appetizer, curry puffs in spicy banana blossom and sweet black banana sauce, and a lip-smacking concoction of coconut, honey and guava for dessert.
EAT ME
Hidden away down a side street in Bangkok’s Silom neighbourhood, EAT ME is anything but subtle with its gallery-like interiors and flavoursome dishes. Satisfying palettes for nearly 30 years, EAT ME serves everything from tender Australian lamb (some of the finest in the city) to dishes you won’t find anywhere else – the mixed clams served in a coriander lime broth is a definite favourite. Chef Tim Butler has a knack for singling out the best from each season and placing them firmly at the forefront of each dish. On the ground floor (the topmost has a private dining room), you’ll find the bar and, with a closing time of 1am, there’ll be plenty of time to sample their superb medley of cocktails, including the indulgent chocolate vodka.
Issaya Siamese Club
Set in lush tropical gardens, the 100-year-old Art Deco villa that houses the Issaya Siamese Club has more than a touch of elegance. With its vivid interiors, curated by designer Hans Bogetoft Christensen, and silk couches that line the picturesque terrace, it’s like entering an entirely different world. The brainchild of Ian Kittichai, this atmospheric eatery has an ever-evolving market menu of Thai flavours with the likes of his signature lamb shank massaman curry and jasmine flower flan for dessert (made with freshly-plucked blooms, no less). Before dinner, soak up the scene with a drink at the bar or wander through the Chef’s herb garden.
Le Du
Entirely steered and inspired by the seasons, Le Du offers its guests a choice of a four or six-course tasting menu, which features a fabulous array of pescetarian dishes. Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn works his magic to whip up modern creations based on Thailand’s rich culinary heritage, all prepared with ingredients from local farmers. Accompanied by wines specially chosen by your sommelier, your meal may include their summer favourite, the rice risotto with aromatic shrimp paste and river prawns, or the warming crab with mushroom and homemade sriracha.
Nahm
Helmed by Chef Pim Techamuanvivit, the food at Nahm has a deep sense of heritage thanks to her research into authentic, traditional recipes (many come from her own family collection). For the full experience, enjoy the set ‘Heritage’ menu. Nahm also makes supporting local farmers, producers and artisans a priority, from the high-quality ingredients to the plates they’re served on. Of course, the team at Nahm also puts their spin on the menu, which includes fragrant curries and stir-fries, served family-style – you’re warmly encouraged to share and celebrate the food!
Suhring
Designed to welcome you in, Suhring has an array of spaces to enjoy their re-imagined German fare, from the gardenside Glass House to a prime spot where you can watch the twin chefs in action. Inspired by family recipes and prepared with the finest local ingredients, the menu is diverse and rich – and changes every two or three months. Iconic dishes include Hemel und Erde (Heaven and Earth), which is an immaculate combination of mackerel, apple and black pudding, seven-day aged lamb or one of the delicious seafood offerings, all paired with a fantastic selection of wines.
Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien
With postcard-worthy views of the Chao Phraya River and grand Wat Arun, Supanniga Eating Room is set in a two-storey wooden house filled with sunshine yellow decor. You’ll feel right at home enjoying a jasmine-infused G&T on the terrace or tucking into dishes passed down for generations, including highlights like the braised pork belly with herbs and cowa leaves, and topped off with pandan cake filled with sago and young coconut.
Jay Fai
Synonymous with its owner (whom it was named after), Jay Fai has been Bangkok street food royalty since the 1980s. Donning a pair of giant goggles to protect her eyes from the smoke, Jay Fai herself prepares the delectable crab omelettes that made her so famous in giant charcoal-fired woks. She’s one of the best chefs in Thailand (her’s is the first street food establishment to be awarded a Michelin star) and in all her years, has never written down a recipe! Apart from her coveted omelettes, diners can enjoy a delectable array of seafood, however, there are no bookings so arrive as early as possible and be prepared to queue.
Samlor
Wonderfully casual and unpretentious, Samlor serves an array of fine dishes inspired by Thailand’s street food and prepared with the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant offers a choice of a la carte dining or the seasonal tasting menu (best booked in advance) with dishes bursting with flavour and accompanied by craft beer or wine. A definite favourite is its Thai Omelette, which resembles more of a souffle with the egg flowing out like silky lava along with jasmine-infused rice.
Blue by Alain Ducasse
Designed by French studio, Jouin Manku, Blue by Alain Ducasse lives up to its name with royal blue velvet carpets and chairs as well as a gleaming bar and elegant chandelier. While it is part of the Ducasse conglomerate, Blue is highly distinctive with a superb setting alongside the Chao Phraya River. The team of chefs pair local delicacies with a French touch, all prepared to the highest standard. But before you get to that, take a seat in the plush lounge where delicate pastries and champagne are served. At dinnertime, look forward to dishes like guinea fowl pithivier with parsnips and sorrel, foie gras on black pepper sable, and Baba au Rhum.
SEEN Restaurant & Bar
Occupying the 26th floor of the Avani+ Riverside Hotel, SEEN Restaurant & Bar has dazzling views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s skyline. You’ll tuck into a contemporary Portuguese-Brazilian menu curated by celebrity chef, Olivier da Costa, surrounded by vibrant beats and mood lighting. Watch the masters at work in the open kitchen where the scent of sizzling wagyu steak wafts out amongst the tables. You can also take in the view from the terrace whilst sipping cocktails by their award-winning mixologists.
