Bangkok Thai Food Restaurant Ranking
We’ve compiled a ranking of recommended Thai food restaurants in Bangkok. “Thai food” can encompass everything from street stalls and local eateries to restaurants (both casual and high-end). Some places can be quite challenging for tourists or those new to Thailand, mainly due to language barriers and hygiene concerns. To help you find the right place for you, this ranking includes a difficulty rating (1-3) for each establishment. For the purpose of this blog, “eateries” refer to open-air establishments connected to the outdoors, while “restaurants” are those enclosed by doors or windows.
About the Ranking and Scores
For the Bangkok restaurants we’ve visited, this blog records reviews based on factors like food and drinks, atmosphere, value for money, and customer service. The scores accompanying each review represent the “restaurant’s recommendation level.” These scores are based on the system used by Tabelog (Japan’s top restaurant-review site).
For more details, please see “Bangkok Recommended Restaurant Ranking.”
Now, let’s get straight to the ranking!
1. Heng Chun Seng (Khlong Toei Market, Offal Hot Pot, 3.7 points)
Enjoy authentic Thai-style hot pot at affordable prices. The offal is incredibly fresh, whether it’s sourced from Bangkok’s pantry, the Khlong Toei Market, or meticulously prepared. It’s simply delicious, with no gamey smell or unpleasant aftertaste. While it’s an eatery, part of it extends onto the street, offering a lively street food atmosphere. Be prepared for a queue, as this is a famous spot.
Difficulty: 3
This is an open-air Thai eatery lining a bustling market street; it’s not particularly clean. There’s no air conditioning. While we haven’t used the restroom, based on the exterior, it likely isn’t spotless. We were the only Japanese patrons. The menu has English translations, and the staff spoke English. However, offal terms might not be familiar in English, so utilizing Google Translate is recommended. If that doesn’t suffice, try searching or using Google Lens. Once you’ve experienced it, perhaps with a seasoned companion, you’ll likely feel more comfortable on subsequent visits.
・Detailed Article:
Heng Chun Seng: Thai Offal Hot Pot Specialty @ Khlong Toei Market
2. Baan Isaan (Phrom Phong, Isaan Cuisine, 3.7 points)
As the name suggests, this restaurant serves authentic Isaan cuisine. All dishes are affordable and delicious, but the Chim Chum, with its flavorful broth, is a must-try. You can savor a rich broth seemingly based on herbs, vegetables, and wild greens. The staff are attentive and will assist you, making it easy even for Chim Chim beginners.
Difficulty: 1
This is a clean restaurant, not a casual eatery, so the difficulty level is low. The restrooms are clean, and air conditioning is available. The menu includes Japanese translations. Recommended for tourists and beginners in Bangkok.
・Detailed Article:
Cheap! Delicious! Authentic Isaan Cuisine Specialty “Baan Isaan” @ Phrom Phong
3. Sabai Jai (Ekkamai, Thai Cuisine, 3.7 points)
This is a famous restaurant frequently featured in Japanese guidebooks. With low language and hygiene barriers, it attracts many tourists and those new to Thailand. It excels in Isaan dishes like Gai Yang, Som Tum, and Isaan sausage, all of which are exceptionally tasty. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the most visited Thai restaurants by tourists in Bangkok.
Difficulty: 1
The menu includes both Thai and English. It’s popular with Japanese tourists, often appearing in guidebooks. The restaurant is spacious, with rooms available for large groups and air-conditioned seating. The restrooms are clean. Recommended for tourists and beginners in Bangkok.
・Detailed Article:
A Guidebook Regular! Gai Yang Master “Sabai Jai” @ Ekkamai
4. Rung Rueang (Phrom Phong, Kuay Teow, 3.7 points)
Despite being a Michelin recipient, this famous Kuay Teow (noodle soup) restaurant maintains excellent value. If you want to try Kuay Teow in Bangkok, this should be your first stop. The restaurant expanded in 2024, making it easier to get a table.
Difficulty: 2
Ordering at Rung Rueang is simple: just choose your soup, noodles, toppings, and size. The menu is available in Thai, English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. The new, expanded building from 2024 is spacious and clean. However, the restrooms are old and not very clean, so be aware.
・Detailed Article:
Michelin Awarded Kuay Teow Specialty! “Rung Rueang” @ Phrom Phong
5. Lab, Rap, Rub (Phra Khanong, Thai Cuisine, 3.7 points)
This spot offers delicious Japanese-style dishes like raw liver, yukke, raw meat, and sashimi at very affordable prices (all 80 THB). However, their Thai food is also excellent, with a notable selection of Isaan dishes. You can enjoy both Japanese and Thai cuisine here.
Difficulty: 1
Located within a covered food court area with about 10 stalls, this eatery has an open-air setup. There’s an air-conditioned room available, likely for an extra charge. The food court is clean, with no flies. The restroom is inside the air-conditioned room and is also clean. The menu is bilingual (Thai/English), and staff speak English.
・Detailed Article:
Super Cheap & Delicious Raw Liver & Yukke! “Lab, Rap, Rub” @ Phra Khanong
6. Bamee Konsaelee (Thonglor, Ramen/Fried Rice, 3.7 points)
A Bamee (Thai noodle) shop that has been operating in Thonglor for about 70 years. While the Bamee is excellent, I personally love the fried rice here. The “Char Siu & Chinese Sausage Fried Rice” for 70 THB is superb.
Difficulty: 1
There’s a Japanese menu, and ordering by pointing is perfectly fine. It’s an eatery with fans, and hygiene is not an issue. You’ll rarely encounter flies.
・Detailed Article:
Established 1956. Delicious Fried Rice! “Bamee Konsaelee” @ Thonglor
7. Baan Som Tum (Ekkamai, Thai Cuisine, 3.6 points)
Recommended for Som Tum lovers. You can enjoy freshly made, top-tier Som Tum prepared right in front of you at the restaurant’s dedicated Som Tum counter. Other dishes are also quite tasty and reasonably priced.
Difficulty: 1
The menu is bilingual (Thai/English). The restaurant is very clean and air-conditioned. The restrooms are also clean. Recommended for tourists and beginners in Bangkok.
・Detailed Article:
Over 30 Varieties! Delicious & Affordable Som Tum Specialty “Baan Som Tum” @ Ekkamai
8. Stall A (Near Bangkok Japanese School, Thai Cuisine, 3.6 points)
I’ve passed by this place many times on the way to the Bangkok Japanese School, and it’s always bustling with Thai customers. It’s a truly local Thai eatery with a high barrier to entry, but it’s worth the challenge for Thai food enthusiasts. Highly recommended! They have a wide variety of dishes, and everything we’ve tried so far has been delicious. Personally, the “Crispy Pork Pad Krapow” for 60 THB was the best. Enjoying beer with Yum Woon Sen is also a classic choice. Delicious and cheap – the ultimate Thai eatery!
Difficulty: 3
The menu is only in Thai, and staff only understand Thai. You’ll need to use Google Translate to get by. Normally, you order by writing on paper, but since I looked confused once, they allowed me to show them my Google Translate screen, and they understood. The structure is a simple shack as pictured, with a roof over all seating. There are no fans. The tables are basic, covered with vinyl sheets, but it doesn’t give an unhygienic impression with flies buzzing around.
・Detailed Article:
Delicious Thai Eatery Near Bangkok Japanese School “Stall A”
9. Soi 20 Khao Man Gai Stall (Asoke, Khao Man Gai, 3.5 points)
This Khao Man Gai stall has been operating on Sukhumvit Soi 20 for decades and is always crowded with Thai customers. It’s likely they use older chickens (mother hens) here, resulting in a slightly chewier texture and a more robust chicken flavor. It might be my imagination, but pondering this while eating can be an interesting experience. As of 2025, many street food stalls in Bangkok have closed due to urban development plans. This is one of the few remaining stalls.
Difficulty: 3
There are only three items on the menu, and a Japanese menu is available, so language is not an issue at all. Hygiene, however, is a significant hurdle. It’s a street stall, so it’s not very clean, and there are flies.
・Detailed Article:
Recommended Khao Man Gai Stall on Soi 20 (Between Asoke and Phrom Phong)
10. Im Chan (Phrom Phong, Thai Cuisine, 3.5 points)
A famous Thai eatery also featured in Japanese guidebooks. It ranks high on Tabelog’s Bangkok rankings. You can enjoy a variety of Thai dishes at affordable prices. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the most visited Thai restaurants by tourists in Bangkok.
Difficulty: 1
The menu is bilingual (Thai/Japanese/English). There are two buildings across the street, both belonging to Im Chan. It’s an open-air eatery, and there might be a few flies, but it’s generally manageable if you’re not too concerned. This is a good option to try after experiencing a food court.
・Detailed Article:
Easy for Tourists! Reliable Thai Eatery “Im Chan” @ Phrom Phong
11. Pink Khao Man Gai (Phrom Phong & others, Khao Man Gai, 3.5 points)
Another famous Khao Man Gai restaurant often featured in Japanese guidebooks. Located within the food court at EmQuartier, you can enjoy Khao Man Gai with peace of mind. They reportedly have about 6 branches in Bangkok.
Difficulty: 1
The menu is bilingual (Thai/English). Since it’s in the EmQuartier food court, hygiene is not an issue at all. Safe for travelers and beginners in Thailand.
・Detailed Article:
Khao Man Gai Destination! “Pink Khao Man Gai” @ Phrom Phong EmQuartier
12. Thonglee (Asoke, Thai Cuisine, 3.5 points)
This Thai eatery is famous for its “devilish Gai Tod” (fried chicken), which is addictive and pairs perfectly with beer. The “Fried Pork Liver (Tap Tod)” for 100 THB, seasoned with garlic and pepper, is also outstanding, featuring plump, fresh liver. This place truly shines with its seasonings.
Difficulty: 2
The menu is available in Thai and English. Feel free to ask the staff in English if you need explanations for the various dishes. I recall there being some flies. The clientele consists mainly of Thai locals, other Southeast Asians, and Chinese tourists; Japanese visitors are rare.
・Detailed Article:
Excellent Gai Tod & Fried Pork Liver! Thai Eatery “Thonglee” @ Soi 20
13. Poo Thong (Phra Khanong, Thai Cuisine, 3.5 points)
Recommended for those craving delicious fried rice. Even though crab is expensive in Bangkok, Poo Thong offers generous portions of crab-laden fried rice at a reasonable price. It’s fantastic!
Difficulty: 1
Poo Thong is located inside a covered building, similar to a food court. It seems primarily for takeout, with only about five small seats available. The building is clean, so hygiene is not an issue. The menu is simple, making language barriers non-existent.
・Detailed Article:
Crab Fried Rice (Khao Pad Poo) Specialty “Poo Thong” @ Phra Khanong
14. Polo Fried Chicken (Lumpini, Gai Tod, 3.4 points)
Recommended for Gai Tod (fried chicken) enthusiasts. Isaan dishes like Som Tum are also delicious. Despite being a Michelin recipient, the prices are very reasonable.
Difficulty: 1
The menu is bilingual (Thai/English). The restaurant is clean and air-conditioned. The restrooms are also clean. Recommended for tourists and beginners in Bangkok.
・Detailed Article:
Famous Gai Tod Spot! Also Serves Isaan Cuisine! “Polo Fried Chicken” @ Lumpini
15. Midori Khao Man Gai (Chit Lom, Khao Man Gai, 3.4 points)
Recommended for those who prefer a lighter style of Khao Man Gai. They offer a variety of other menu items like Kuay Teow, satay, beer, and tea, allowing for diverse dining experiences.
Difficulty: 2
The interior is clean, and there were no flies. There is no air conditioning, only fans. Restrooms were not checked. The menu is bilingual (Thai/English/Chinese).
・Detailed Article:
Old and Famous Shop Near Platinum “Kwan Heng (Midori Khao Man Gai)” @ Chit Lom
16. Pier 21 (Asoke, Thai Cuisine, 3.4 points)
This is the first place beginners to Thailand should visit: Pier 21. It’s a food court located in Terminal 21, a shopping mall directly connected to Asoke Station. Compared to other food courts like EmQuartier or Emporium, it’s notably cheaper.
Difficulty: 1
At most stalls, the menus are bilingual (Thai/English). Being in the Terminal 21 food court, hygiene is not a concern at all. It offers immense peace of mind and satisfaction to travelers and beginners in Thailand.
・Detailed Article:
Cheap Food Court “Pier 21” at Asoke Terminal 21
17. Sab Sud Chai (Thonglor, Thai Cuisine, 3.3 points)
This restaurant is popular with young Thais, giving it a lively atmosphere. While the Chim Chim flavor isn’t strictly traditional, its modern twist is something I personally enjoy.
Difficulty: 1
The interior is stylish and clean, with no hygiene issues. Restrooms were not visited. The menu has English translations. Use Google Translate to navigate.
・Detailed Article:
Thais Drink Until Morning! Isaan Cuisine Restaurant “Sab Sud Chai” @ Thonglor
18. Nongkhai Chim Chum (Ekkamai, Chim Chum & Mookata, 3.3 points)
Enjoy delicious Chim Chum and Mookata at local prices. They also offer various Isaan dishes. Personally, I find the broth of their Isaan soup to be very flavorful, and the Chim Chum broth here is no exception. Be sure to finish your meal with Mama noodles!
Difficulty: 2
The menu is bilingual (Thai/English/Chinese). Staff speak English. According to Google Maps reviews, the restrooms might lack toilet paper and aren’t very clean, so be cautious.
・Detailed Article:
Popular Isaan Restaurant for Mookata too! “Nongkhai Chim Chum” @ Ekkamai
19. Talingpling (Thonglor, Thai Cuisine, 3.3 points)
A high-end Thai restaurant with a garden, recommended for gatherings, parties, and dates. The building and grounds are luxurious, they offer tuk-tuk shuttle service, and all dishes are delicious. You’re sure to have a splendid time here.
Difficulty: 1
The menu is bilingual (Thai/English). The restaurant is very clean and air-conditioned. The restrooms are also clean. Recommended for tourists and beginners in Bangkok.
・Detailed Article:
Delicious Dishes Across the Board! Garden Thai Restaurant “Talingpling” @ Thonglor
20. Isaan Bar & Restaurant (Thonglor, Isaan Cuisine, 3.3 points)
Enjoy authentic cuisine from Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region. The “Som Tum” (80 THB) and “Isaan Style Chicken and Glass Noodle Soup” (120 THB) are exceptionally delicious. However, they are very spicy, so unless you enjoy extreme heat, ask for “no spicy” or “less spicy” when ordering.
Difficulty: 1
The menu is bilingual (Thai/English). It’s a standalone restaurant, and you’re unlikely to encounter flies. Although it’s a 1-minute walk from Thonglor Station, it’s slightly off Sukhumvit Road, so you might get lost without Google Maps, but it’s reachable with navigation.
・Detailed Article:
Hidden Gem Near Thonglor Station “Isaan Bar & Restaurant”
Conclusion
How did you like our “Bangkok x Thai Food” restaurant ranking? We hope it helps you enjoy delicious Thai food affordably.
We’ll update the ranking as we add more reviews, so please check back regularly!
※This blog can be found by searching for “Bangkok Gourmet Blog”!
