A trip to Thailand’s capital of Bangkok would be remiss if there was no mention of the food. The city is famous for its culinary delights that run the gambit from street food to Michelin star restaurants. No matter your taste, you are certain to find something that surpasses your expectation. Let’s look at a selection of some of the best spots to enjoy a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, no matter your budget.

Yaowarat

Although also known as Chinatown, it is one of the best places to find Thai street food in the capital. There is a healthy mix of street vendors and small restaurants that offer a wide variety of dishes including barbecues, pad Thai, noodles, crispy duck, fried chicken, and various curries. Wonderful variety at very pocket-friendly prices that is available from early morning to the wee hours of the night. The stiff competition here means that those that sell mediocre product naturally weed themselves out.

Boonsap Thai Desserts

For those with a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit. Established in the 1940s, it has slowly grown an enviable reputation over the years for being one of the best dessert shops in Bangkok. Located at Prachak, this humble establishment is famous for its decadent selection of desserts, sweets, and cookies. But its most famous dish is the mango sticky rice, made from fresh mango, rice, and coconut milk. Be sure to also give their Thai custard and kanom bueng desserts a shot.

S15 Sukhumvit Hotel

The central location of this Bangkok Boutique hotel makes it easily accessible for any visitor to Bangkok. The hotel restaurant is notable for having a highly popular all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that is moderately priced yet offers an excellent selection of Thai and continental dishes. From barbecued meats to mini desserts, there is something to suit any palate. The experience here is made all the better by the peaceful ambience that allows for indoor and outdoor seating, and first-rate service from the very attentive wait staff.

Raan Jay Fai

This street-side restaurant in Samran Rat stands out for having earned a Michelin Star. The only street food restaurant in Bangkok to accomplish this. At the helm is Jay Fai, a 75-year-old restaurateur who specializes in seafood. Her dishes are made using carefully selected and fresh ingredients often cooked in a wok and to recipes she developed. Amongst the restaurant’s most popular specialities are the crab omelette, crab curries, Tom Yum Goong soup, and dry congee. Though the ambience is modest, the price of the dishes is fairly expensive. Even so, you will often find there is a lengthy wait time for walk-in clients. Best to make a reservation.

Nahm

Another Michelin Star awarded restaurant, Nahm is headed by renowned chef Pim Techamuanvivit. It is located within the Hotel Metropolitan by COMO. Giving a modern spin to traditional Thai cuisine, the dishes here are known for their bold flavours and aromatic scent. Much imagination has been put into producing dishes that are as visually satisfying as they are delicious. Favourite dishes include the red curry duck with snake fruit and turmeric curry of blue swimmer crab with kalamansi lime. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list with a sommelier to aid with recommendations.