9 Best Massaman Curry Spots in Bangkok
Massaman curry is a must-try dish for anyone exploring Thai cuisine. In 2021, CNN Travel ranked Thai massaman curry as the No. 1 dish in the world’s 50 best foods list. Massaman curry is known for its rich, aromatic blend of spices and slightly sweet, nutty taste. Here are 9 of the best places to get massaman curry in Bangkok.
1. The House of Smooth Curry
The restaurant offers an authentic Thai dining experience in the elegant setting of The Athenee Hotel. Their Massaman Neua (massaman curry with Pon Yang Kham beef cheek) is a must-try. It's a massaman curry with Pon Yang Kham beef cheek, potatoes, and omions. The beef is from Sakon Nakhon Province, which is renowned in Thailand for its exceptional quality. The curry is slow-cooked to perfection and boasts tender meat in a rich, spiced sauce with hints of cinnamon and star anise.
Address: 61 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Massaman curry with Pon Yang Kham beef cheek.
Massaman curry with Pon Yang Kham beef cheek is a must-try. The House of Smooth Curry.
2. Market Cafe
Market Cafe serves a contemporary twist on classic Thai cuisine in a stylish and modern setting. Their rich and flavorful Lamb Shank Massaman, featuring a slow-cooked lamb shank in a fragrant curry sauce, is beyond delicious. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with a blend of warm spices, coconut milk, and peanuts. For a side dish, try Pomelo Salad, which combines the sweetness of pomelo with shrimp, fresh herbs, and a spicy dressing. It’s a refreshing dish that contrasts beautifully with the rich curry.
Address: 4th Floor, 1 Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khlong Toei Nuea, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Lamb shank massaman, pomelo salad.
A slow-cooked lamb massaman curry. Market Cafe Facebook.
3. Krua Aroy-Aroy
Krua Aroy-Aroy is a local favorite, known for its authentic, flavorful dishes. This cozy eatery is especially famous for its rich and aromatic Mussamun Curry, a dish you absolutely must try. Slow-cooked to perfection, the curry features tender beef or chicken simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, coconut milk, and peanuts. It is a delightful harmony of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Krua Aroy-Aroy also offers a variety of other traditional Thai dishes that showcase the depth of local flavors. Nam Prik Kapi (shrimp paste dip with vegetables) and Green Curry are crowd-pleasers, made with fresh ingredients that highlight the essence of Thai home cooking.
Address: 3/1 Pan Rd, Yan Nawa, Bang Rak, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Mussamun curry, green curry, nam prik kapi (shrimp paste dip with vegetables).
Located just opposite the Hindu Temple, this place is a go-to for Thai comfort food. Krua Aroy-Aroy Facebook
4. Tossakan Thai Curry House
Tossakan Thai Curry House specializes in authentic Thai curries and takes serious pride in preserving the traditional recipes. They craft their Massaman Curry with the freshest ingredients, showcasing the complex flavors—blending coconut milk, tamarind, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to make sure that everyone can enjoy their flavorful creations. While located in the touristy area of Khao San Road, the food is as authentic as it gets. Definitely a must-visit.
Address: 225 Ram Buttri Aly, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Mussamun curry with plant-based options.
Authentic chicken massaman curry. Tossakan Thai Curry House Facebook.
5. The Local
The Local keeps the traditional Thai cuisine of the past with a modern touch. When dining here, don’t miss their Massaman Curry with Chicken or Beef. The tender meat is slow-cooked and it melts your mouth while the aromatic massaman curry sauce bursts with layers of fragrant spices and coconut cream. The slow cooking process brings out the most flavorful, succulent meat, mingled with the essense of herbs and spices. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients, making the flavors pop with authenticity.
Address: 32-32/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khlong Toei Nuea, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Mussamun curry with chicken or beef.
Slow-cooked lamb massaman is aromatic and fall-off-the-bone tender. The Local Facebook.
6. Royal Massaman Curry 1942
Royal Massaman Curry 1942 is a hidden gem that remains off the tourist radar, almost like the best-kept secret for local foodies who are reluctant to share their favorite spot due to fear of crowds. As the name suggests, their Massaman Curry with Beef Shank is made from the recipe passed down through generations. The homemade curry paste combines ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, giving it a warm, earthy base. It tastes like massaman curry from the old days. This place is basicly a residential home somewhere in Bangkok, not the easiest location to find but totally worth the trip. Alternatively, it might be a good idea to opt for food delivery for your convenience.
Address: 28 Soi Suan Pak 42/1, Lane 1, Chim Phli, Taling Chan, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Mussamun curry with beef shank.
Traditional massaman curry is made from an old-fashioned recipe. Royal Massaman Curry 1942 Facebook.
7. Khao
Khao masterfully balances Thai heritage with modern techniques, earning its well-deserved Michelin star. Their slow-cooked Lamb Massaman Curry alone is worth the visit. It melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering warmth of cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise, with a subtle hint of nutmeg and mace. Beyond the curry, Khao's menu offers a curated selection of must-try dishes, from extremely delicious Crab Roe Chili Paste to fresh Ocean Seafood Platter. Each dish is crafted with attention to detail, highlighting the best of Thailand's local ingredients.
Address: 15 Ekkamai 10 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Lamb massaman curry, crab roe chili paste, ocean seafood platter.
Lamb massaman is cooked to perfection. Khao Restaurant.
8. Yu Sup Pochana
Yu Sup Pochana is another hidden gem in Bangkok's lesser-known dining district. It's a no-frills halal eatery that serves amazing Massaman Curry with Chicken or Beef. The curry is fragant, creamy, and umami-rich. The meat and potatoes are slowly simmered until tender, fully absorbing the aromatic curry. They also add toasted coconut for an extra nutty flavor. Enjoy the curry with Khao Mok Gai (Thai chicken biryani) and Soup Neau (spicy and sour beef soup), and it could easily be the best meal you ever have in Thailand.
Address: Chorakhe Bua, Lat Phrao, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Massaman curry, Thai chicken biryani, spicy and sour beef soup.
Massaman curry served with Khao Mok Gai (Thai chicken biryani). Yu Sup Pochana Facebook.
9. Nahm
Nahm, a Michelin-starred gem, delivers an exquisite dining experience that blends authentic flavors with modern flair. Among its standout dishes, the slow-cooked Massaman Ponlamai (fruity massaman curry) is a must-try. Lycee and other seasonal fruits infuse the curry with a unique sweetness, and the meats melt into a fragrant sauce of coconut milk, tamarind, and a medley of aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Address: 27 South Sathorn Road, Thung Maha Mek, Sathorn, Bangkok Map
Must-Try: Massaman Ponlamai.
Massaman Ponlamai, a rich curry with sweetness from lycee and seasonal fruits. Nahm Facebook.
