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Where to Eat in Bangkok

Street food so good it has Michelin stars

Bangkok is where street food became fine dining's equal. Pad thai from a cart. Michelin-starred soup from a sidewalk stall. The heat, the chaos, the flavors — it's sensory overload in the best way. And it's absurdly cheap.

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Neighborhoods to Know

Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Vibe: Chaotic, night-focused, overwhelming

Best for: Street food crawl, seafood, late night

Sukhumvit

Vibe: Modern, expat-heavy, diverse

Best for: International dining, rooftop bars

Old Town (Rattanakosin)

Vibe: Historic, daytime, authentic

Best for: Traditional Thai, temple-hopping fuel

Ari

Vibe: Local, hip, less touristy

Best for: Coffee shops, Thai comfort food

Thonglor/Ekkamai

Vibe: Upscale, trendy, nightlife

Best for: Modern Thai, cocktails, see-and-be-seen

What to Eat

Street Food

The sidewalk is the restaurant. Pad thai, satay, som tam, grilled everything.

Must try: Pad thai from a vendor with a crowd

Boat Noodles

Small bowls, intense broth, meant to eat many. A Bangkok specialty.

Must try: At Victory Monument or a dedicated boat noodle alley

Isaan

Northeastern Thai. Spicy, sour, funky. Som tam, larb, grilled meats.

Must try: Som tam (papaya salad) — specify spice level carefully

Rooftop Bars

Bangkok's skyline is absurd. Drink in it. Literally.

Must try: Sunset cocktail overlooking the chaos

Local Tips

  • If a street stall has plastic stools and a crowd, sit down
  • Michelin-starred street food is real here. Jay Fai, Raan Jay Fai — book ahead
  • Spicy means SPICY. Mai phet (not spicy) is a useful phrase.
  • Night markets are for eating, not just shopping
  • Ice in drinks is generally safe in established spots

When to Eat

Breakfast

7-9am

Congee (joke) or noodle soup from a cart

Lunch

11am-1pm

Street food lunch — follow the office workers

Dinner

6-9pm

Night markets fire up, Chinatown comes alive

Late night

10pm-2am

Chinatown street food peaks late

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