The Ranting PandaWe all heart Bangkok, for the Thai food, cheap massage and awesome shopping. We’ve nailed down 5 restaurants to try in Bangkok so that your calories are not wasted.
Also read: 5 Must-Try Food Places in Bangkok
1. Thip Samai
So our search for the best Phad Thai continues in Bangkok and I think we found it! Thanks to our local Thai friend’s recommendation, we went to Thip Samai with much anticipation. There is no BTS or MRT in the vicinity, but it is quite close to downtown Bangkok by Taxi. We took a taxi from Platinum mall and it should cost less than THB100 (approx. SGD4.18) by meter.
This all-time local favourite eatery is akin to the coffee shop we have in Singapore, except that it is located beside the road. The place was packed with locals and foreigners and we are totally amazed by how busy the place is. It is a joy just standing outside the eatery watching the chefs whip up endless plates of Phad Thai.
This is by far the best Phad Thai I have had. It is not too greasy, the texture of the noodles is perfect and there is something unique about the taste that distinguishes it from other Phad Thai. Do try the THB120 (approx. SGD5) orange juice as well, very refreshing.
Overall Experience: Thip Samai long history of close to 50 years is the best testament to its popularity even to today. One of the best local food experience I ever had in Bangkok after visiting this city numerous times, you will not regret coming here.
TheRantingPanda says:
- Budget: SGD5-10
- Taste Bud: 4.5/5
- Ambience: 3.5/5
- Overall Experience: 4/5
Thip Samai
313 Maha Chai | Banglamphu, Bangkok, Thailand
2. Roast Coffee & Eatery
Located in upscale Thong Lor district, Roast Coffee has long been regarded as one of the best cafes in Bangkok. It is about 15-20 minutes walk from Thong Lo BTS so I will recommend taking a taxi from the nearest BTS station instead to save time and arrive in style and comfort. The café is not big and it is always packed, even on a Monday afternoon. Reservations are highly recommended.
Brunch is one of the main draws and there are the usual Egg Benedicts with varying versions such as the more exotic Foie Gras Benedict or the usual Eggs Florentine Benedict.
The Iced Espresso Latte is really interesting, as it is made from Espresso cubes where we then pour the cold milk over, and there goes an Espresso drink!
Also read: Coffee Lovers, Get Your Fix the Right Way at These Places
Try the Eggs Benedict for mains and Strawberry Waffles as dessert!
Overall Experience: Nice, hip café which can be quite noisy during peak hours. Otherwise, this is a nice place to enjoy a slow brunch and take in slow in Bangkok.
TheRantingPanda says:
- Budget: SGD20-30 onwards
- Taste Bud: 4/5
- Ambience: 3.5/5
- Overall Experience: 3.5/5
Roast Coffee & Eatery
251/1, Sukhumvit 55 Road (Thong Lor) | 2nd Fl., Seenspace Center, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
3. Greyhound Café
This is one of the most popular fusion café in Bangkok, with branches in prime locations such as Siam Centre and Siam Paragon. I like Greyhound for the quality food and relaxed ambience, and of course the fairly reasonable prices. Other than the usual Thai fares such as Phad Thai and Tom Yum Soup, expect pastas and burgers as well. As a café, the coffee is not too bad if you need a caffeine boost after all the shopping!
Overall Experience: Serving quality food and well located in the heart of Bangkok, I never feel that I wasted a meal in Bangkok at Greyhound. Highly recommended to try at least once!
TheRantingPanda says:
- Budget: SGD15-20
- Taste Bud: 3.5/5
- Ambience: 3.5/5
- Overall Experience: 3.5/5
Greyhound Cafe
Siam Centre Level 3
Nearest BTS: Siam
4. Why 97
Asiatique is fast developing as a dining destination for Bangkok with plenty of restaurants to choose from. As a first timer to this part of Bangkok, it may prove to be challenging to decide on a restaurant. Why 97 stands out from other restaurants in its chill ambience, predominantly Thai food menu and reasonable prices. A word of warning: expect to pay above the usual restaurant prices for most restaurants at Asiatique.
The best way to get to Asiatique is probably taking the free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS Station, which is quite an experience itself.
The Tom Yum soup with coconut milk and the Phad Thai are both yummy!
Overall Experience: Probably one of the more reasonably priced restaurants in the touristy Asiatique which offers quality Thai food.
TheRantingPanda says:
- Budget: SGD20 onwards
- Taste Bud: 3.5/5
- Ambience: 4/5
- Overall Experience: 3.5/5
Why 97
Asiatique The Riverfront, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
5. Four Seasons Restaurant
Having duck rice in Bangkok? Yes I’m not kidding, Four Seasons Restaurant is a franchise from the famous London chain which is a must try whenever you are in London. Thankfully, I do not have to fly to London anymore to try the duck rice as it is opened in Siam Paragon some time back.
The roasted duck is mouth watering, tender and so juicy with the awesome sauce!
Other than the duck, try the Fried Squid and Eggplant with minced pork as well, both equally good!
Overall Experience: One of my must visit restaurant whenever I am in Bangkok just for the roasted duck.
TheRantingPanda says:
- Budget: SGD20 onwards
- Taste Bud: 4.5/5
- Ambience: 3.5/5
- Overall Experience: 4/5
Four Seasons Restaurant
Four Seasons Restaurant, G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Bangkok, Thailand
Nearest BTS: Siam
Also read: 15 Delicious Street Food in Bangkok
Contributed by The Ranting Panda.
