What to Eat in Bangkok: A Food Guide

What to eat in Bangkok

• Pad Thai

  Thip Samai in Old Town is the classic — expect queues after 18:00.

• Tom Yum Goong

  Spicy-sour prawn soup — Pe Aor in Ratchathewi is Michelin-listed at street prices.

• Boat noodles

  Small tourist-friendly bowls at Victory Monument stalls (25 THB per bowl).

• Mango sticky rice

  Mae Varee in Thonglor is the go-to; peak mango April–May.

What to drink

Tap water is not safe — drink bottled or filtered only. Chang, Singha and Leo are the local beers; Mekhong 'whisky' (rum) mixes with Coca-Cola for a national cocktail.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• Never touch anyone's head — deeply disrespectful in Buddhist culture.

• Feet are the lowest — never point them at people or Buddha images.

• Wai (palms-together bow) is greeting; return it to elders and monks.

Where to eat in Bangkok

• Sukhumvit (Asok/Thonglor/Ekkamai)

  BTS spine — international dining, mid-range to luxury hotels, best for first-time.

• Riverside (Charoen Krung)

  Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, Four Seasons, Capella — palatial river hotels with sunset views.

• Silom / Sathorn

  Business district with rooftop bars (Vertigo, Sky Bar) and Lumpini Park.

• Rattanakosin (Old Town)

  Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun — temple walkability, boutique heritage stays.