Ah... the smell! The taste! The sights! So many choices and only so many meals? Which to choose? Where should I go? What's safe to eat? If you're in Thailand, just consult this page! So, sit back, relax, and read about all that food you wish you could eat right now! Also, please note that for the restaurants, the restaurant name and address can be clicked on to bring up additional details.
Clickable hotlinks by subject: [Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
STREET FOOD: Tips and Tricks
[Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
Cost: Impossibly low
There are horror tales of food poisoning, endless traveler's diarrhea, and hospital visits. At least that's what I heard from people left and right before I first made my forray into the world of Southeast Asia! In fact, for almost half a year I had only had street food once. Since those first timid steps, I've now plunged whole-heartedly into the world of street food. And never once - not once! - have I come down with food poisoning.
The Food
Now I admit, be somewhat careful: fresh fruit juices, coconut, papaya, and seafood (fish and shrimp, primarily) all add up to a higher risk of food poisoning because these foods tend to be more sensitive to quick decay in Bangkok's 90 degree (Fahrenheit) heat. Therefore, glance over and see how the street vendor keeps these particular foods and then decide whether you're up for the risk. Nine times out of ten you should be fine, but nevertheless, be on your guard.
The Vendor
Watch and see how many local Thai people go to the street vendor. If there are many people eating there, that indicates a very high probability the food will not cause your stomach any unnecessary difficulty (unless it comes from the high level of spices!). After all, if the locals eat there and have trouble, they will choose to stay away. If a large number of tourists are eating there, well, that doesn't really mean all that much in terms of food safety.
That's a wrap - errr, rap! Stay safe, but above all, remember, it's all about the experience! That is, avoid the bad experiences and enjoy to the fullest the good! Bon Appetit!!!
FINE DINING
[Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
Cost: High. All venues will have live music on weekends. Call ahead to check!
SIROCCO
> Lebua at State Tower +66 (0) 2624 9999
> Sathorn. Spectacular river and city views
Long touted as "the world's highest Al Fresco restaurant" and (in)famously featured in "The Hangover Part II", the skybar and restaurant at Lebua never fails to impress. Magnificent setting that is photo-perfect and can be quite romantic but take note that the bar can become very crowded during the summer months (standing room only). The massive area available does make it possible to have a quiet, romantic dinner away from the tourists. The bar and most of the restaurant is also located outdoors, therefore be careful or rain can very easily spoil the evening. The cocktails and drinks at this location are superb. The food is also quite good, although can perhaps seem a bit overpriced.
VERTIGO
> Banyan Tree Bangkok +66 (0) 2679 1200
> Sathorn. Spectacular city views
Vertigo is atop the slender Banyan Tree Hotel located in the very middle of the Sthorn district. From the restaurant and bar, you can have a fantastic view of the city, overlooking both the business district and Lumphini park. The bar, located at one end of the rooftop at Vertigo, can also become very busy, with tourists snapping pictures potentially spoil a romantic dinner at the nearby tables. Again, open-air so watch out for potential rain!
THREE SIXTY LOUNGE
> Millenium Hilton Hotel Riverside +66 (0) 2442 2000
> Sathorn. Spectacular river and city views
Personally, I would bill this as one of the most romantic locations in all of Bangkok. This rooftop bar is totally enclosed with huge windows yielding spectacular views, which makes it a nice venue rain or shine. The lights are VERY dim and the dessert cocktails especially are exquisite, especially when paired with the complementary snacks. In love with a girl (or guy)? Grab her/him and bring them out for a spectacular evening!
RED SKY
> Centara Grand at Central World +66 (0) 2100 1234
> Central BKK. Spectacular city view
Red Sky is a rooftop restaurant and bar located in the central part of Bangkok, atop the Centara Grand hotel that forms a part of the Central World mall complex. What can you say? After a busy day shopping with your girlfriend (or boyfriend), take a break from Siam Paragon, Central World, and the crowds by escaping to this rooftop getaway. Drinks aren't necessarily the best, but it has good and sanook (Thai word for fun) atmosphere!
PARK SOCIETY, HI SO
> Sofitel So Bangkok +66 (0) 2624 0000
> Sathorn. Spectacular city view (including Lumphini Park)
Park Society and Hi So is primarily a bar that serves light snacks. Some areas within this multiple-rooftop bar are quite romantic, others more for a large group. Relaxing setting with great cabanas and other fun furniture to sit on and enjoy a quiet drink with a special someone!
LE BAR DE L'HOTEL
> Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit +66 (0) 2126 9999
> Central BKK. Nice city views
Central Bangkok, especially around the centralized location of Asok and the shopping mall of Terminal 21 is incredibly busy day and night, especially after work is finished around 5pm. The noise of backed-up traffic and people talking and moving around can become very overwhelming during the rush hour crush. Sofitel is located a short walk from all of these locations, and it can be eerie to ascend to the height of the building and suddenly hear just light music and the sound of - nothing. The atmosphere and views and night can be spectacular and romantic, although the drinks and complementary snacks were not all that impressive.
THE SILVER WAVE
> Chatrium Hotel and Residence Riverside Bangkok +66 (0) 2307 8888
> Sathorn. Spectacular city views
The Silver Wave is a Chinese restaurant located atop the Chatrium Hotel Riverside. Fully enclosed, it has huge windows and several balconies yielding great views of and around the river. The food is absolutely fantastic and the prices are very moderate, making it one of my new favorite getaways during the rainy season or just as a place to hang out and relax. The atmosphere can be quite romantic with light music and the cocktails are well-made, albeit somewhat strong. What more can you ask for?
FLOW RESTAURANT
> Millenium Hilton Hotel Riverside +66 (0) 2442 2000
> Sathorn. Great environment, limited river view
What can I say? All the hotels have great if pricey international buffets on the weekend. This just happens to be one of my favorites! The Millenium Hilton Hotel is very impressive and well-designed. The restaurant is located on the ground-floor and opens up to a terrace that overlooks the river. Can be a great location to just hang out and watch the boats and ferrys make their way up and down the river!
FEATURED FOOD PLACES
[Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
Cost: Varies By Location. A selection of several of my recommendations!
THE BURGER COMPANY
3 Soi Ekkamai 10, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Near Ekamai BTS, Central BKK. +66 (0) 2714 4249
Burgers, the way they should be made! Huge, somewhat greasy patties topped with lots of cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes - you name it! One of my favorite burger joints in Bangkok. Getting tired of McDonalds for your American food fix? Head on over to The Burger Company!
CREPES AND CO
Thonglor Soi 8, Bangkok, Thailand
Near Thonglor BTS, Central BKK. +66 (0) 2653 3990
Crepes and Company specializes in French-style cuisine. While the dessert crepes are absolutely fabulous, the dinner crepes in my opinion are the ones to die for! The atmosphere isn't quite as nice as some places, but the food makes up for that!
AFTER YOU DESSERT CAFE
J Avenue, Thonglor 13, Bangkok, Thailand
Central BKK. +66 (0) 2712 9266
After You is a Thailand-based franchise started by a young Thai lady. The food itself is fabulous, as are the many kinds of cakes, desserts, and specialty-flavored coffees (ok, fine, lattes) available. My favorite dessert here is called "Honey Toast" ... yeah, yeah, at first I turned up my nose to it too. But it is delicious and a staple for my Bangkok diet. Oh, the figgy pudding isn't bad either.
NADIMOS
Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand
Central BKK. +66 (0) 2619 8167
Lebanese food is IN! Nadimos has a very Hi-So feel and price associated with the absolutely best Lebanese food in Bangkok. The humus with pine nuts, accompanied by the bread (I call it by the Indian name, Na'an) is great. The grilled vegtables and falafel are also quite nice. Finally, in the words of Tony Stark in the movie Avengers, "let's have some shawarma!"
Clickable hotlinks by subject: [Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
That's right, sing about it! I LOVE lunch too!!!
STREET FOOD: Tips and Tricks
[Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
Cost: Impossibly low
There are horror tales of food poisoning, endless traveler's diarrhea, and hospital visits. At least that's what I heard from people left and right before I first made my forray into the world of Southeast Asia! In fact, for almost half a year I had only had street food once. Since those first timid steps, I've now plunged whole-heartedly into the world of street food. And never once - not once! - have I come down with food poisoning.
The Food
Now I admit, be somewhat careful: fresh fruit juices, coconut, papaya, and seafood (fish and shrimp, primarily) all add up to a higher risk of food poisoning because these foods tend to be more sensitive to quick decay in Bangkok's 90 degree (Fahrenheit) heat. Therefore, glance over and see how the street vendor keeps these particular foods and then decide whether you're up for the risk. Nine times out of ten you should be fine, but nevertheless, be on your guard.
The Vendor
Watch and see how many local Thai people go to the street vendor. If there are many people eating there, that indicates a very high probability the food will not cause your stomach any unnecessary difficulty (unless it comes from the high level of spices!). After all, if the locals eat there and have trouble, they will choose to stay away. If a large number of tourists are eating there, well, that doesn't really mean all that much in terms of food safety.
That's a wrap - errr, rap! Stay safe, but above all, remember, it's all about the experience! That is, avoid the bad experiences and enjoy to the fullest the good! Bon Appetit!!!
FINE DINING
[Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
Cost: High. All venues will have live music on weekends. Call ahead to check!
SIROCCO
> Lebua at State Tower +66 (0) 2624 9999
> Sathorn. Spectacular river and city views
Long touted as "the world's highest Al Fresco restaurant" and (in)famously featured in "The Hangover Part II", the skybar and restaurant at Lebua never fails to impress. Magnificent setting that is photo-perfect and can be quite romantic but take note that the bar can become very crowded during the summer months (standing room only). The massive area available does make it possible to have a quiet, romantic dinner away from the tourists. The bar and most of the restaurant is also located outdoors, therefore be careful or rain can very easily spoil the evening. The cocktails and drinks at this location are superb. The food is also quite good, although can perhaps seem a bit overpriced.
VERTIGO
> Banyan Tree Bangkok +66 (0) 2679 1200
> Sathorn. Spectacular city views
Vertigo is atop the slender Banyan Tree Hotel located in the very middle of the Sthorn district. From the restaurant and bar, you can have a fantastic view of the city, overlooking both the business district and Lumphini park. The bar, located at one end of the rooftop at Vertigo, can also become very busy, with tourists snapping pictures potentially spoil a romantic dinner at the nearby tables. Again, open-air so watch out for potential rain!
THREE SIXTY LOUNGE
> Millenium Hilton Hotel Riverside +66 (0) 2442 2000
> Sathorn. Spectacular river and city views
Personally, I would bill this as one of the most romantic locations in all of Bangkok. This rooftop bar is totally enclosed with huge windows yielding spectacular views, which makes it a nice venue rain or shine. The lights are VERY dim and the dessert cocktails especially are exquisite, especially when paired with the complementary snacks. In love with a girl (or guy)? Grab her/him and bring them out for a spectacular evening!
RED SKY
> Centara Grand at Central World +66 (0) 2100 1234
> Central BKK. Spectacular city view
Red Sky is a rooftop restaurant and bar located in the central part of Bangkok, atop the Centara Grand hotel that forms a part of the Central World mall complex. What can you say? After a busy day shopping with your girlfriend (or boyfriend), take a break from Siam Paragon, Central World, and the crowds by escaping to this rooftop getaway. Drinks aren't necessarily the best, but it has good and sanook (Thai word for fun) atmosphere!
PARK SOCIETY, HI SO
> Sofitel So Bangkok +66 (0) 2624 0000
> Sathorn. Spectacular city view (including Lumphini Park)
Park Society and Hi So is primarily a bar that serves light snacks. Some areas within this multiple-rooftop bar are quite romantic, others more for a large group. Relaxing setting with great cabanas and other fun furniture to sit on and enjoy a quiet drink with a special someone!
LE BAR DE L'HOTEL
> Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit +66 (0) 2126 9999
> Central BKK. Nice city views
Central Bangkok, especially around the centralized location of Asok and the shopping mall of Terminal 21 is incredibly busy day and night, especially after work is finished around 5pm. The noise of backed-up traffic and people talking and moving around can become very overwhelming during the rush hour crush. Sofitel is located a short walk from all of these locations, and it can be eerie to ascend to the height of the building and suddenly hear just light music and the sound of - nothing. The atmosphere and views and night can be spectacular and romantic, although the drinks and complementary snacks were not all that impressive.
THE SILVER WAVE
> Chatrium Hotel and Residence Riverside Bangkok +66 (0) 2307 8888
> Sathorn. Spectacular city views
The Silver Wave is a Chinese restaurant located atop the Chatrium Hotel Riverside. Fully enclosed, it has huge windows and several balconies yielding great views of and around the river. The food is absolutely fantastic and the prices are very moderate, making it one of my new favorite getaways during the rainy season or just as a place to hang out and relax. The atmosphere can be quite romantic with light music and the cocktails are well-made, albeit somewhat strong. What more can you ask for?
FLOW RESTAURANT
> Millenium Hilton Hotel Riverside +66 (0) 2442 2000
> Sathorn. Great environment, limited river view
What can I say? All the hotels have great if pricey international buffets on the weekend. This just happens to be one of my favorites! The Millenium Hilton Hotel is very impressive and well-designed. The restaurant is located on the ground-floor and opens up to a terrace that overlooks the river. Can be a great location to just hang out and watch the boats and ferrys make their way up and down the river!
FEATURED FOOD PLACES
[Street Food] [Fine Dining] [Featured Food Places]
Cost: Varies By Location. A selection of several of my recommendations!
THE BURGER COMPANY
3 Soi Ekkamai 10, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Near Ekamai BTS, Central BKK. +66 (0) 2714 4249
Burgers, the way they should be made! Huge, somewhat greasy patties topped with lots of cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes - you name it! One of my favorite burger joints in Bangkok. Getting tired of McDonalds for your American food fix? Head on over to The Burger Company!
CREPES AND CO
Thonglor Soi 8, Bangkok, Thailand
Near Thonglor BTS, Central BKK. +66 (0) 2653 3990
Crepes and Company specializes in French-style cuisine. While the dessert crepes are absolutely fabulous, the dinner crepes in my opinion are the ones to die for! The atmosphere isn't quite as nice as some places, but the food makes up for that!
AFTER YOU DESSERT CAFE
J Avenue, Thonglor 13, Bangkok, Thailand
Central BKK. +66 (0) 2712 9266
After You is a Thailand-based franchise started by a young Thai lady. The food itself is fabulous, as are the many kinds of cakes, desserts, and specialty-flavored coffees (ok, fine, lattes) available. My favorite dessert here is called "Honey Toast" ... yeah, yeah, at first I turned up my nose to it too. But it is delicious and a staple for my Bangkok diet. Oh, the figgy pudding isn't bad either.
NADIMOS
Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand
Central BKK. +66 (0) 2619 8167
Lebanese food is IN! Nadimos has a very Hi-So feel and price associated with the absolutely best Lebanese food in Bangkok. The humus with pine nuts, accompanied by the bread (I call it by the Indian name, Na'an) is great. The grilled vegtables and falafel are also quite nice. Finally, in the words of Tony Stark in the movie Avengers, "let's have some shawarma!"
