Where to Eat in Thailand (Updated 2025)
Where to eat in Thailand: Thailand is a food lover’s dream where every street has something delicious to discover. Whether you want to disciver the best food in Thailand for tourists, to try famous street food in Thailand, or find where to eat cheap in Thailand, this guide has you covered.
We’ll show you the best food spots in Bangkok and other cities where you can eat like a local without falling into tourist traps.
Where to Eat in Bangkok
Bangkok is the beating heart of Thai food culture. The city offers everything from must-try food in Thailand at bustling street stalls to elegant dining experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants. Here’s where to start your food adventure:
1. Silom area
By day, it’s Bangkok’s financial hub. By night, Silom bursts with famous street food in Thailand, especially around Silom Soi 20, Convent Road, and Patpong Night Market, where stalls dish out everything from spicy Thai classics to late-night snacks for office workers, locals, and curious travelers.
Best Restaurants in Silom:
- Hom Duan
- Kha Mu Charoensang
- Lek Seafood
- Samrub Samrub Thai
- Somtum Der
Street food stall on Silom Road in Bangkok serving grilled skewers and som tam (green papaya salad) to locals and tourists.
2. Siam/Ratchaprasong area
Siam is Bangkok’s shopping central, but it’s also a great spot to eat. You can grab quick bites at massive mall food courts, discover cozy Thai restaurants tucked away on side streets, or hit up big-name chef spots if you feel like splurging. The food courts at Siam Paragon, MBK Center, and Central World are worth a visit on their own (they’re huge and surprisingly good), but don’t skip the little local joints hiding just outside the malls for a taste of real Thai flavors.
Best Restaurants in Siam/Ratchaprasong:
- Ban Khun Mae
- Laem Charoen Seafood
- Paragon Food Hall
- Som Tam Nua
- Thong Smith
3. Sukhumvit area
With endless sois (alleys) packed with everything from street carts to rooftop dining, Sukhumvit is one of the best places to eat in Thailand for tourists and expats. The central stretch is where the action is. Focus on Soi 11, 23, and 55 (Thonglor) for the best options. You’ll find it all here: authentic Thai restaurants, international cuisine, and creative fusion spots. It’s also a solid area to discover where to eat cheap in Thailand, with late-night som tam stalls and noodle carts serving locals and night owls alike.
Best Restaurants in Sukhumvit:
- Krua Khun Puk
- Nhong Rim Klong
- Oranuch Thai Dining
- Pier 21 (Terminal 21 Food Court—-Bangkok Best’s Budget Bites)
- Prai Raya
4. Rattanakosin Island
This is the heart of Bangkok’s old city, home to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The food here leans traditional, with old-school noodle shops and curry stalls serving recipes perfected over decades. You’ll also find charming riverside restaurants where you can watch longtail boats drift by while enjoying your meal. Many of these spots serve simple Thai dishes with million-dollar views of the Chao Phraya, making them perfect for a relaxing lunch after temple hopping. The riverside setting adds a special touch to classics like tom yum and green curry.
Best Restaurants in Rattanakosin Island:
- Chakrabongse Palace
- Rongros
- Supanniga Eating Room
- TANA
- Yentafo Phua Ki
5. Khaosan Road
Budget travelers come here to discover where to eat cheap in Thailand. You’ll find Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and cold beers at 3 AM. Just one block away, on Bang Lamphu Road, you’ll find a completely different vibe: the old heart of the city, lined with traditional restaurants and family-run eateries that have been in the same spot for generations. It’s the perfect place to escape the backpacker chaos and taste recipes that locals have been coming back to for decades.
Best Restaurants near Khaosan Road:
- Khao Tom Bowon
- Mae Prapha Crispy Pancake
- Patonggo Cafe
- Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu (Original)
- Tossakan Thai Curry House
6. Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
If you want to try the famous street food in Thailand, Yaowarat Road is non-negotiable. After sunset, it turns into one of Bangkok’s most legendary night markets, with sizzling woks, fresh seafood, and desserts you won’t find anywhere else. This historic district is where Thai-Chinese cuisine truly shines, with century-old restaurants still serving recipes passed down through generations. Wander the narrow alleyways to discover noodle shops, dim sum parlors, and late-night seafood stalls. This is one of Bangkok’s most authentic (and affordable) food adventures.
Best Restaurants in Chinatown (Yaowarat):
- Fikeaw Yaowarat
- Lim Lao Ngow
- Nai Ek Roll Noodle
- Nai Mong Hoi Thod
- Patonggo Savoey
7. Thonglor area
Thonglor has earned its reputation as Bangkok’s trendiest dining district, where innovative chefs experiment with traditional Thai flavors while maintaining respect for authentic techniques. The area attracts Bangkok’s young professionals and creative class, resulting in a dining scene that’s both sophisticated and accessible. From Instagram-worthy cafes to award-winning restaurants, Thonglor represents the modern evolution of Thai cuisine.
Best Restaurants in Thonglor:
- 55 Pochana
- Baan Ice
- Jirakaan
- Khua Kling Pak Sod
- Krua Jiang Mai
- Mae Varee
8. Historic Old Town (Phra Nakhon)
Just beyond the main tourist circuit, these traditional food streets give you a real taste of Bangkok’s everyday eating culture. Around Sam Phraeng (Phraeng Phuthon, Phraeng Nara, and Phraeng Sanphasat) and the Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha), it feels like stepping back in time. Family-run shophouses serve recipes that haven’t changed in generations, while locals crowd around plastic tables for Thai comfort foods that have fueled Bangkok for decades. It’s a little rough around the edges compared to the tourist hubs, but that’s the charm. You’re eating shoulder-to-shoulder with office workers, students, and neighborhood regulars who know exactly which stall does the best tom yum.
Best Restaurants in Bangkok Old Town (Phra Nakhon):
- Krua Apsorn
- Mit Ko Yuan
- Nattaporn Ice Cream
- Sae Phun
- Thai Tham
Where to Eat in Other Thai Cities
Thailand’s food scene goes way beyond Bangkok. Each city has its own flavors, from Chiang Mai’s herb-filled northern dishes to Phuket’s seafood feasts and Hua Hin’s beachside markets. Whether you’re chasing street food, local specialties, or laid-back spots with a view, these destinations show you a different side of Thai cuisine. You’ll find and plenty of places where locals actually eat.
1. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand, and its food scene feels completely different from Bangkok’s. This is where you’ll find khao soi (creamy curry noodles), sai ua (spicy northern sausage), and nam prik num(green chili dip). The historic Old City is full of cozy, traditional restaurants, while Nimman is the place for modern, creative takes on northern dishes. Make time for the lively night markets and if you’re a hands-on foodie, try a local cooking class to bring a bit of Chiang Mai flavor home with you.
Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai:
- Huen Muan Jai
- Huen Phen
- Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak
- Khao Soi Khun Yai
- Khao Soi Mae Manee
- Tong Tem Toh
2. Phuket
Phuket isn’t just about the beaches. It’s a food lover’s paradise too, especially if you love fresh seafood. Thanks to its history as a trading port, the food here is a flavorful mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, with local favorites like mee hokkien and o-tao, Phuket-style oyster omelet you won’t find anywhere else. You can dig into a plate of grilled fish at a beachfront shack, splurge at a fancy resort restaurant, or wander Old Phuket Town for authentic eats far from the touristy crowds.
Best Restaurants in Phuket:
- Loba Bang Niao
- Mor Mu Dong
- Nam Yoi
- O Tao Bang Niao
- One Chun Restaurant
- Tu Kab Khao
3. Pattaya
Pattaya gets a bad rap for being all about the party scene, but honestly, the food here is incredible, especially if you’re into fresh seafood and want options beyond just Thai food. With so many expats calling this place home, you’ll find everything from authentic German beer gardens to killer Indian curry spots alongside amazing local Thai joints. The floating markets are a fun way to eat your way through different vendors, and there’s nothing quite like digging into som tam or grilled prawns at a beachfront restaurant while watching the sunset. It’s way more foodie-friendly than people give it credit for.
Best Restaurants in Pattaya:
- Joi seafood
- Khrua Ban Por Ta
- Loong Riang Pa Malee
- Lung Shall Kitchen
- Mum Aroi
- Nang Nual Pattaya
- Po Pamong Seafood
- Thepprasit Night Market
4. Koh Samui
This tropical paradise combines resort dining with authentic local cuisine, creating a unique food scene that balances luxury with tradition. The island’s coconut groves provide fresh coconut for many dishes, while the surrounding waters offer incredible seafood. From beachfront barbecues to sophisticated resort restaurants, Koh Samui offers diverse dining experiences that showcase southern Thai flavors with their characteristic use of coconut, chilies, and fresh herbs.
Best Restaurants in Koh Samui:
- Ban Suan Lung Khai
- Jun Hom
- Kapi Sator
- Krua Chao Baan
- Ran Lan Saka
5. Krabi
Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine beaches, Krabi also offers exceptional southern Thai cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and coconut-based dishes. The region’s unique geography creates distinct flavors, with dishes that are often spicier and more intensely flavored than central Thai cuisine. Local markets offer authentic experiences, while beachfront restaurants provide stunning settings for enjoying regional specialties.
Best Restaurants in Krabi:
- AnChaLee Restaurant
- Kotung Restaurant
- NAHM The Taste of Krabi
- Nong Joke
- Ruanthip
6. Hua Hin
Hua Hin might be known as a royal getaway, but it’s also a great spot to eat your way through Thailand’s coastal flavors. You’ll find everything from beachside seafood shacks to classic Thai restaurants in the town center, plus plenty of fancy resort dining if you feel like splurging. The night market is a must for fresh seafood and local snacks, while the nearby fishing villages serve up some of the most authentic dishes you’ll find anywhere along the coast.
Best Restaurants in Hua Hin:
- Chow Mong Restaurant
- Ko Mark
- Jaras Hua Hin
- Sook Sook Pochana
- Tarachan Restaurant
7. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital, is as much about food as it is about ruins. Around the city, you’ll find restaurants serving recipes that have been in the same families for generations, along with plenty of dishes featuring super fresh river fish. Many spots let you dine in old wooden houses or riverside settings, so you can soak up the historic vibe while digging into flavors that date back to the kingdom’s glory days.
Best Restaurants in Ayutthaya:
- Baan Ta-Koh-Rai
- Joong Borikan
- Kaow Laor
- Roti Sai Mai Abeedeen-Pranom Sangaroon
- Ruan Thai Kung Pao
8. Kanchanaburi
Famous for the Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi also offers unique dining experiences that blend central Thai cuisine with Burmese influences from across the nearby Myanmar border. The province’s location along the Myanmar border creates interesting culinary influences, while its rivers provide excellent freshwater fish. Many restaurants offer scenic riverside dining, and the area is known for its excellent som tam and other northeastern Thai dishes brought by migrant workers.
Best Restaurants in Kanchanaburi:
- Fried Frogs Restaurant
- Good Times Restaurant
- KAAN Riverkwai
- Keeree Mantra
- Khrua Anong
9. Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost city, is where you can dive into real northern Thai food without the heavy tourist crowds. The dishes here pull flavors from nearby Myanmar and Laos, giving the food a bold, unique twist you won’t find in Bangkok. Wander the local markets for an authentic bite, or check out a few of the newer restaurants that keep traditional cooking alive while making things a bit more traveler-friendly.
Best Restaurants in Chiang Rai:
- Aek Ocha
- Khao Soi Pa Yao
- Ma Long Der
- Nam Ngiaw Mor Din Pa Aeed
- Nam Ngiao Pa Suk
Thai Dining Etiquette
Understanding basic Thai dining customs will enhance your experience. Meals are typically shared family-style, with multiple dishes ordered for the table. Rice is the foundation of most meals, and it’s common to have a variety of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and spicy – represented in different dishes. Don’t be surprised if your food arrives at different times; this is normal and allows you to enjoy each dish at its peak freshness.
Essential Thai Food Phrases
- “Mai pet” (not spicy) – “ไม่เผ็ด”
- “Pet nid noi” (little bit spicy) – “เผ็ดนิดหน่อย”
- “Aroi mak” (very delicious) – “อร่อยมาก”
- “Check bin” (check please) – “เช็คบิล”
Food Safety Tips
Choose busy restaurants with high turnover, especially for street food. Look for vendors who cook food fresh to order rather than pre-prepared items sitting under heat lamps. Bottled water is recommended, and ice in reputable establishments is generally safe. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t look or smell right, it’s better to find another option.
Budget and Tipping
Street food typically costs 30-80 baht per dish, local restaurants range from 80-200 baht per dish, and upscale restaurants can range from 300-1000+ baht per dish. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated. Generally, 10% service charge at upscale restaurants or rounding up the bill at casual spots is standard. Many locals simply leave small coins as tips at street food stalls.