Top 12 Restaurants in Bangkok

Yes, Bangkok has a thriving Michelin-starred dining scene with over 25 restaurants awarded stars in the most recent Michelin Guide. The Thai capital features establishments ranging from fine dining venues like Le Normandie by Alain Roux and Sühring to more accessible options like Jay Fai's street food stall. Bangkok's Michelin star restaurants showcase diverse cuisines including traditional Thai, innovative fusion, French, and Japanese, establishing the city as one of Asia's premier culinary destinations.

Jay Fai (or Raan Jay Fai) is Bangkok's famous Michelin-starred street food establishment, retaining its prestigious one-star rating since 2018. Run by Supinya "Jay Fai" Junsuta, an elderly chef known for her signature goggles and exceptional wok skills, this modest shophouse serves legendary crab omelets, drunken noodles, and tom yum soup. Located on Maha Chai Road near Bangkok's old town, Jay Fai represents the exceptional quality possible in Thai street food, with dishes priced higher than typical street vendors but delivering extraordinary flavor and craftsmanship.

Currently, there are no 3 Michelin star restaurants in Thailand. The highest recognition awarded in Thailand has been 2 Michelin stars, with restaurants like Sorn, Chef's Table, and Le Normandie by Alain Roux achieving this distinction in Bangkok. The Michelin Guide began evaluating Thai restaurants in 2017, and the country's culinary scene continues to evolve and gain international recognition, suggesting potential for future 3-star establishments as Thailand's fine dining landscape matures.

Bangkok is renowned for several iconic dishes that represent the heart of Thai cuisine:

• Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and protein choices like shrimp or chicken
• Tom Yum Goong: Spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili
• Som Tam: Spicy green papaya salad with peanuts, dried shrimp, and lime juice
• Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet coconut rice served with fresh mango slices
• Boat Noodles: Rich, intense pork or beef broth noodle soup traditionally sold from canal boats
• Green Curry: Aromatic coconut-based curry with eggplant, bamboo shoots, and herbs

These dishes can be found throughout Bangkok, from high-end restaurants to authentic street food stalls in areas like Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, and Sukhumvit.

Yes, eating street food in Bangkok is highly recommended for an authentic Thai culinary experience, but with some precautions. Bangkok's street food ranks among the world's best, offering exceptional flavors and value. For safety, choose busy stalls with high turnover and where locals eat, ensure food is freshly cooked at high temperatures, and avoid raw ingredients or unfiltered water. Popular street food areas include Yaowarat (Chinatown), Sukhumvit Soi 38, and the Or Tor Kor Market. Some vendors have maintained the same recipes for generations, providing a taste of traditional Thai cooking that can't be replicated in restaurants.

Rice (khao) is unquestionably the most consumed food in Thailand, serving as the foundation of Thai cuisine and culture. Most Thai meals feature rice in some form, whether jasmine rice accompanying curries and stir-fries, sticky rice with northern and northeastern dishes, or rice noodles in favorites like pad thai and boat noodles. Beyond rice, common daily Thai foods include som tam (papaya salad), various curries, pad kra pao (stir-fried meat with holy basil), tom yum soups, and simple stir-fries. These dishes balance the five fundamental Thai flavors: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter.

Supinya "Jay Fai" Junsuta is Bangkok's most celebrated street food chef, achieving international fame after her modest shophouse restaurant received a Michelin star in 2018. Now in her 70s, Jay Fai is instantly recognizable by her signature goggles worn while cooking over blazing hot charcoal fires. Her legendary crab omelets, drunken noodles with seafood, and tom yum soups have attracted food enthusiasts from around the world, including celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain. Despite international recognition, Jay Fai maintains traditional cooking methods, personally preparing each dish with meticulous attention to quality. Her restaurant on Maha Chai Road often requires reservations weeks in advance.

While great restaurants can be found throughout Bangkok, some neighborhoods are particularly known for their dining scenes. Thonglor, Ekkamai, Asok, and Silom are especially popular for their concentration of high-quality restaurants offering diverse cuisines.

Restaurants on Eat in Bangkok are ranked based on a combination of factors, including customer ratings, number of reviews, and overall popularity. We prioritize restaurants with consistently high ratings and a substantial number of reviews to ensure reliability.

For popular restaurants, especially in high-end areas like Thonglor and Sukhumvit, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for dinner on weekends. Many restaurants offer online reservation systems or accept bookings via phone.

Bangkok offers dining options for every budget. Street food can cost as little as 40-80 THB per dish, while mid-range restaurants typically charge 200-500 THB per person. High-end dining experiences can range from 1,000 THB to several thousand baht per person.