Bangkok Food Guide - Where and what to eat in Bangkok

Bangkok is a food paradise, with tons of options, ranging from affordable street fare to the exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the city. Regardless of the type of cuisine you prefer, you are bound to find tasty food that suits your palate.

With so many choices, it can be tough at times to decide what to eat, especially if you are only spending a few days in the city. During our time in Bangkok, we managed to enjoy some delicious food, local and international fare, which we wish to share with you guys. Check out our reviews of the eateries and restaurants we headed to, and make sure you try it for yourself when you are there!

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For your convenience, refer to this list of places you should head to for a meal while in ​Bangkok!

1. After You Dessert Cafe

2. Roast

3. Soul Food Mahanakorn

​4. The Clinton Street Baking Company

5. The Local

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1. After You Dessert Cafe

After You Dessert Cafe is a famous dessert chain in Bangkok, with multiple branches throughout the city, including at Siam Paragon, MBK Center, and Terminal 21.

Locals love it, and it is evident by the long queues it attracts at mealtimes. Tourists have also caught on with it, exacerbating the already long queues. What this means is that you are more likely to get a seat at odd timings, such as at 3 pm on a weekday. But hey, if you are really serious about desserts, you should really try this cafe.

After You Dessert Café

Popular desserts include the Thai Tea Kakigori (shaved ice dessert), while their honey toasts that come in different flavours are must-tries. The Kakigori, which is essentially a shaved ice dessert, has ice that is really fine and melts instantly in your mouth. Along with the sweet toppings and condensed milk, it is quite a luxury for dessert lovers. We had the matcha toast and only have nice things to say about it! If you really have a sweet tooth, we suggest going for their Royal Thai Milk Tea to go along with their desserts, since YOLO. We regret only coming here once!

After You Dessert Café's famous Kakigori and Honey Toast

Address: เทอร์มินอล 21 อโศก, 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand (Terminal 21 Branch)

Opening hours: 10.30 am to 10 pm (Mondays to Fridays); 10 am to 10 pm (Saturdays and Sundays) (Terminal 21 Branch)

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2. Roast

Roast is a fantastic brunch place in Bangkok and can be found at 2 locations. The first is at Thonglor while the other is arguably at a more conveniently located EmQuartier, a shopping mall just beside Phnom Phong BTS station.

Roast at EmQuartier

This cafe has the standard brunch menu, with its must-eats ranging from the Roast Breakfast to the Smoked Salmon Rosti. Top it all up with a Latte and you will be good to go! If you are over brunch and prefer a "proper" meal, you will be pleased to know Roast serves them too, both starters and mains like pasta and steak.

The famous Roast Breakfast

Remember to save some room for desserts, especially when Roast is famous for them as well. The Half Baked (cookie dough and crumbs, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate and caramel sauce) comes highly recommended while the strawberry waffle is a proven hit. Trust us when we say that the meal at Roast will last you for some time!

Strawberry Waffle and the famous Half Baked dessert

Address: 1 Helix Building B 693 695 Sukhumvit Road แขวงคลองตันเหนือ Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm (EmQuartier)

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3. Soul Food Mahanakorn

Soul Food Mahanakorn is a local restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine. Located by Thong Lo BTS station, it is one of the more accessible restaurants in Bangkok. It is also good to know that this restaurant was recognised by Michelin for having affordable fare, and was awarded the Bib Gourmand!

Soul Food Mahanakorn

As with many Thai eateries, they recommend tamarind ribs. If you have been eating too many of these, try the soft shell crab. Deep-fried to perfection, it is crispy as you bite into it! The stir-fried morning glory provides you with some tasty greens and provides you with the appetite to have more. Finally, have the mango sticky rice to finish the meal. A simple dish, this local favourite brings the whole meal home!

Tom Yam soup at Soul Food Mahanakorn

As you enter the restaurant, it may feel a little small, but this is just perfect, as it gives you the homely feel as you enjoy some local comfort food. Having said that, be sure to make a reservation as you would not want to be turned away due to the restaurant being full!

A must in Bangkok: Mango sticky rice

Address: 56/10 ถนน สุขุมวิท 55 ซอย ทองหล่อ Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Opening hours: 11.30 am to 3.30 pm (Saturdays and Sundays); 5.30 pm to 11 pm (Mondays to Sundays)

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4. The Clinton Street Baking Company

The Clinton Street Baking Company originated in New York City, but made its way into Asia, opening outlets in Dubai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Its menu is deceptively simple, offering American-style breakfast fare, such as pancakes and chicken & waffles.

Located in the premier shopping mall Siam Paragon, it is located just beside Siam Kempinski Hotel. This either makes it easier or more difficult for visitors to get here, depending on where you are heading from!

The Clinton Street Baking Company Bangkok

We highly recommend the blueberry pancakes (3-stack of course!) and chicken & waffles, which are simply delicious! The pancakes come with warm maple syrup (imported from New York), and it tastes that much better when you bite into the blueberry-filled pancake. Believe us when we say you might even find the 3-stake pancakes too little.

That is why we also suggest getting the chicken & waffles, so you can find a balance between sweet and savoury. Crispy deep-fried chicken is simply heaven when you drizzle some maple syrup on it. Mix it with some buttermilk waffles and you never want to leave this place. Enjoy!

Blueberry pancakes and Chicken and Waffles

This restaurant also serves other food, including burgers, buffalo wings, and seafood, during lunch or dinner. However, we suggest the star is always going to be its all-day breakfast fare. One thing is for sure: save some room for desserts!

​Address: 991 Siam Paragon, Suite G21, G Floor, Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm

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5. The Local

The Local is an authentic Thai restaurant in Bangkok and is one that is worth going to get a taste of real Thailand. In fact, it is so good that this restaurant was given a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which is awarded to eateries and restaurants that serve tasty food at affordable prices.

The Local Bangkok

The restaurant is designed with a cosy feel, where one walks past an outdoor dining area and a “museum” of sorts, with old recipe books, china, and cookware, on display. By the time you reach the main dining area, you feel like you are ready for some local cuisine!

Fresh deep-fried fish at The Local

For those heading here for a meal, we strongly recommend going over on an empty stomach. Its menu is so extensive, one may forget to save room for desserts and order too many mains! Among favourites include their deep-fried fish and spareribs. The ribs are oh-so-tender while the curry is not too spicy. Of course, if you are up for a challenge, ask for a really spicy version!

Tamarind ribs at The Local

Believe us, when we say you will likely head here again for another meal!

Address: 32 32/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.30pm to 11pm

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Google Maps: List of attractions and food places in Bangkok!

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