A culinary journey through Thailand’s capital: The best restaurants to try in Bangkok
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Bangkok’s culinary scene is ever-evolving, and each year the city continues to be a hotspot for foodies seeking both traditional and innovative dining experiences. From Michelin-starred establishments to fresh hidden gems, here’s our list of the best restaurants in Bangkok that you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.
1. Chim by Siam Wisdom
Founded by Chef Chumpol Jangprai, a master of Thai gastronomy, Chim by Siam Wisdom restaurant preserves and elevates traditional Thai flavours using contemporary cooking techniques, earning it a coveted Michelin star. The menu is a gorgeous culinary journey through Thailand’s heritage, featuring classic dishes like Tom Yum Goong, grilled river prawns and Singhol curry, all crafted with exceptional, locally sourced ingredients. Adorned with teak wood furnishings and soft lighting, Chim is an intimate dining experience that remains distinctly Thai. Eating here must be the closest thing to feeling like Thai royalty.
2. Gaa
Gaa, now with two Michelin stars, is a culinary playground led by Chef Garima Arora. Situated in a 60 year old baan ruen-style building on Sukhumvit Soi 53, Gaa redefines modern Indian cuisine. Chef Garima, known for her boundary-pushing approach, creates a unique dining experience where traditional Indian ingredients meet contemporary gastronomy. The tasting menu features dishes like char-grilled lotus stem with buttermilk and a reimagined version of the classic Indian kulfi. A must-visit for those looking to explore the intersection of heritage and modernity in Indian cuisine.
3. Samrub Samrub Thai
Chef Prin Polsuk’s Samrub Samrub Thai is a homage to traditional Thai cuisine, presented with a modern twist. The restaurant’s intimate setting and exclusive two-round seating per night make it one of the most sought after dining spots in Bangkok. The menu, which changes regularly, features dishes inspired by Thai royal cuisine and regional specialties. Expect bold flavours and spicy heat as he redefines your experience of Tom Yum and Khao Chae. This is a true gem of Bangkok’s dining scene.
4. Paste
Situated in the prestigious Gaysorn Village, Paste is renowned for its meticulous approach to Thai cuisine. Chef Bee Satongun, awarded Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2018, draws inspiration from historical Thai recipes, bringing them into the modern era with bundles of flair and finesse. The restaurant’s elegant interior, with a striking spiral sculpture made of silk cocoons, sets the stage for a meal that’s both visually and gastronomically stunning. Highlights include the Southern Thai curry of blue swimmer crab and the fermented wild boar with pickled garlic.
5. Le Du
Le Du, an icon of the city and another Michelin-starred gem, celebrates the diversity of Thai ingredients through a modern lens. Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, a champion of Thai fine dining, presents a menu that highlights seasonal produce sourced from local farmers. The signature dish, Khao Kluk Kapi, features plump river prawns atop aromatic shrimp paste rice, an homage to the restaurant’s philosophy of elevating traditional flavours.
6. Mezzaluna
Perched on the 65th floor of the State Tower, Mezzaluna is a breathtaking dining experience with spectacular views of Bangkok. This two Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its refined European cuisine crafted by Chef Ryuki Kawasaki. The tasting menu, inspired by seasonal ingredients, includes meticulously plated dishes such as Wagyu beef with black truffle and foie gras, paired with an exceptional selection of wines.
7. Restaurant POTONG
Set in a beautifully restored 120-year-old shophouse in the heart of Bangkok’s historic Sampeng area, Restaurant POTONG is a celebration of Chef Pam Utarntham’s Thai-Chinese heritage. This Michelin-starred spot provides a huge 20 course tasting menu that takes diners on a sensory journey through Asian flavours and textures. Dishes like the five-spice-aged duck and crab curry with mud crab roe emulsion showcase Utantham’s innovative approach to traditional recipes. The unique setting, with its historic architecture, makes this an unforgettable Bangkok dining experience.
8. Sühring
The classic and iconic Sühring, led by twin brothers Mathias and Thomas Sühring, is a modern interpretation of traditional German cuisine in an intimate setting. Awarded two coveted Michelin stars, the restaurant is nestled in a beautifully restored villa surrounded by lush gardens. The tasting menu highlights the best of German flavours, with dishes like Brotzeit, a selection of German cold cuts and spreads, and Spätzle, a delicate handmade pasta. Those two stars are there for a reason.
