9 Best Pad Thai Spots in Bangkok
Bangkok is home to some of the most authentic and delicious Pad Thai spots that locals love to visit. While the city is filled with bustling tourist-centric restaurants, the true gems often remain hidden, known only to the locals. If you're searching for authentic Pad Thai that offers a genuine taste, then look no further. We have compiled a list of the top 9 Pad Thai spots in Bangkok, with a focus on non-touristy locations where the locals go for the real deal.
1. Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu
Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu has become famous for its unique twist on traditional recipes. Their signature dish is Pad Thai with Grilled Pork, which adds a smoky, char-grilled flavor that elevates the dish. The chef cooks each plate with high heat from a charcoal fire, giving it an unmatched smoky aroma. This is where Bangkok locals head to when they crave an innovative yet classic take on Pad Thai.
Address: 115/5 Dinso Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: The intense smoky flavor and top-quality ingredients.
Smoky, char-grilled Pad Thai topped with crispy pork cracklings. Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu Facebook.
2. Baan Phadthai
For those who want a taste of Bangkok’s Pad Thai culture in an intimate, home-like setting, Baan Phadthai is the place to go. This restaurant aims to preserve the traditional way of preparing Pad Thai while using the finest ingredients. The menu comes with five options: crab, river prawn, grilled chicken, grilled pork, and vegetarian. Every dish is cooked to order, keeping the noodles perfectly chewy, and the seasoning is just right.
Address: 21-23 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: A taste of nostalgia with premium ingredients.
Pad Thai with five options: crab, river prawn, grilled chicken, grilled pork, and vegetarian. Baan Phadthai Facebook.
3. Lung Pha Pad Thai
Located just a short walk from the famous Thipsamai Restaurant, Lung Pha serves a homey version of Pad Thai, with no unnecessary frills—just perfectly balanced flavors of tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Surely, the dish is less flashy compared to its famous neighbor but you will be surprised to find out a lot of locals actually prefer Lung Pha's. Both spots offer an excellent Pad Thai, but your choice might depend on whether you’re looking for an authentic, local meal or a more famous and polished dining experience.
Address: Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: Traditional, consistent Pad Thai that never disappoints.
Lung Pha’s humble, no-frills shop, located just a short walk away from its famous neighbor, Thipsamai. Lung Pha Pad Thai Facebook
Pad Thai that feels like home. Lung Pha Pad Thai Facebook
4. Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar
For a unique combination of Pad Thai and wine, Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar offers a fusion of flavors that surprisingly works. The bar serves approximately 100 wines, with a focus on biodynamic, natural, and organic. You may also try "Ya Dong" (ยาดอง), Thai herbal moonshine, made from rice whiskey, herbs, spices, and honey. Their Pad Thai with Prawns is perfectly cooked with a balance of sweetness and tanginess. The atmosphere here is laid-back and stylish, ideal for a casual dinner with friends.
Address: 22 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: Authentic Pad Thai paired with an excellent wine selection and traditional Ya Dong.
Authentic Pad Thai packed with flavors. Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar Facebook.
The wine selection includes biodynamic, natural, and organic. Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar Facebook.
5. Pad Thai Khun Chu
Tucked away in a small alley, Pad Thai Khun Chu is a lesser-known spot but highly respected by those in the know. The owner personally prepares each dish, ensuring that each Pad Thai plate is perfect. The restaurant uses homemade sauces and freshly ground peanuts, which makes a world of difference in the flavor profile. Locals love it for the authenticity and personal touch that goes into every dish. Try their original Pad Thai with Prawns and "Khaosan Road Style" Pad Thai with pork crackling.
Address: 11/11 Charoen Krung Rd, Bang Rak, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: Exceptional Pad Thai with homemade sauces and customized toppings.
Khun Chu serves traditional Pad Thai with homemade sauce and freshly ground peanuts. Pad Thai Khun Chu Facebook.
6. Nava Pad Thai
Nava Pad Thai serves up classic Pad Thai with no gimmicks. Tourists completely overlook this place, despite being only 650 meters away from Khao San Road. It is a small, no-frills restaurant that offers great value for money and a flavor that locals swear by. Their Pad Thai is delicious, smoky, sweet, sour, and savory. They also make very tasty Pad Kee Mao ("Drunken Noodles", or spicy stir-fried noodles with holy basil). For the best dining experience, pair it with local beer, such as Singha or Chang.
Address: Banphanthom Alley, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: Traditional, authentic flavors with affordable prices.
Classic Pad Thai that locals swear by. Nava Pad Thai Facebook.
Nava Pad Thai is a go-to for locals looking for a simple yet satisfying meal. Nava Pad Thai Facebook.
7. Pad Thai Narok Taek
The name "Narok Taek" means "Hell Breaks Loose," which perfectly describes the fiery flavors served here. They specialize in spicy Pad Thai, which packs a punch. Locals who love their food with heat come here to challenge their taste buds. The noodles are stir-fried with a special spicy sauce that gives the dish an intense flavor, while the crunchy peanuts and fresh bean sprouts balance the heat. Try their signature Pad Thai with Fresh Shrimp if you are a fan of spicy dishes.
Address: 286 Lat Ya Rd, Khlong San, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: Perfect for spice lovers seeking a thrilling food experience.
True to its name, “Narok Taek” (Hell Breaks Loose), Pad Thai is cooked over a fiery stove and a flaming wok. Pad Thai Narok Taek Facebook.
Here, Pad Thai is served on a sizzling hot plate. Pad Thai Narok Taek Facebook.
8. Pad Thai Kratong Thong by AMA
Served in crispy, bite-sized golden pastry cups, the restaurant's version of Pad Thai combines the traditional savory flavors with a delightful presentation. Their signature Pad Thai Kratong Thong is packed with stir-fried noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, scrambled egg, tofu, and the perfect blend of tamarind sauce. Garnished with crushed peanuts, dried shrimp, and lime wedges, the dish is a delightful mix of texture and flavor. The crispy pastry shell adds an extra layer of crunch that complements the softness of the noodles, creating a balanced and satisfying bite.
Address: 270-272 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: Delicious Pad Thai with crunchiness.
Old-fashioned Pad Thai with a new twist. Pad Thai Kratong Thong Facebook.
9. Padthai Chapaa
A hidden gem, Padthai Chapaa is a favorite among locals who prefer Pad Thai with high quality. The noodles are cooked with special homemade sauce, and the heat adds an intense smoky flavor. Their use of premium ingredients, such as Hokkaido scallop, lump crab meat, shrimp, and grilled pork neck, makes the dish extraordinary. For a perfect Pad Thai experience, try it with crunchy peanuts, fresh lime, and chili flakes.
Address: 39/1 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Bangkok Map
Why locals love it: A tasty balance of flavors served with high-quality ingredients.
Tasty Pad Thai with lump crab meat. Padthai Chapaa Facebook.
