Top 5 Best Places for Traditional Thai Food in Bangkok

The Michelin-Starred Street Food Legend

Ranked #1 not just for the hype, but for the history. Jay Fai is the only street food stall in Bangkok to hold a Michelin Star. The owner, a 70+ year-old icon who cooks wearing ski goggles to protect her eyes from the roaring charcoal fire, is a sight to behold. Her Crab Omelet (Khai Jiao Poo) is legendary—a massive golden roll stuffed with huge chunks of fresh crab meat. It’s expensive for street food, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime meal.

Opening Time: Wed – Sat: 09:00 – 19:00 (Closed Sun, Mon, Tue).

Location: 327 Mahachai Road, Samran Rat (Old Town).

How to get there:

MRT Subway: Take the Blue Line to Sam Yot Station. It is a 10-minute walk from there.

Note: Walk-ins only. Arrive very early (before opening) to put your name on the list, or be prepared to wait 2-3 hours.

The River View & Grandma's Recipes

If you want the perfect balance of view and flavor, Supanniga is unmatched. Located right on the Chao Phraya River, the Tha Tien branch offers a direct, stunning view of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) across the water. The menu features traditional recipes from the owner’s grandmother, focusing on dishes from Eastern Thailand (Trat province). The Moo Cha Muang (Pork belly stew with sour herbs) and Crab Meat Curry are absolute must-tries.

Opening Time: Daily, Mon - Fri 10:00 – 22:00 and Sat - Sun 11:00 - 22:00.

Location: 392/25-26 Maharat Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang (Riverside).

How to get there:

MRT Subway: Take the Blue Line to Sanam Chai Station. Walk 5 minutes towards the river.

Boat: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier.

The Heritage Dining Experience

Dining at The Local feels like stepping into a living museum. Housed in a 100-year-old wooden teak house, this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is dedicated to preserving rare, ancient Thai recipes that are hard to find elsewhere. Each dish comes with a story. Their Gaeng Run Juan (Beef curry with shrimp paste) is a rare royal dish you must experience. It is authentic, educational, and incredibly delicious.

Opening Time: Daily, 11:30 – 22:30.

Location: 32-32/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23.

How to get there:

BTS/MRT: Take the BTS to Asok Station or MRT to Sukhumvit Station. It is a 10-minute walk down Soi 23, or take a quick motorbike taxi.

The Classic Fine Dining Standard

For decades, Baan Khanitha has been the benchmark for high-end traditional Thai dining. The Sukhumvit 23 branch is set in a beautiful Thai-style house with lush gardens, offering a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a first night in Bangkok. The service is impeccable (staff wear traditional silk outfits), and the food is consistently excellent. Their Tom Yum Goong is widely considered one of the best and most balanced in the city.

Opening Time: Daily, 11:00 – 23:00.

Location: 36/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23.

How to get there:

BTS Skytrain: Take the BTS to Asok Station. It is located deeper in Soi 23, so a taxi or motorbike from the station is recommended.

The Historic Pad Thai Institution

You can't visit Bangkok without eating Pad Thai, and Thipsamai is the oldest and most famous Pad Thai restaurant in the country. Operating since 1966, this place always has a line out the door. They are famous for their Superb Pad Thai, which is wrapped in a thin egg omelet. It is cooked over charcoal fire, giving it a distinct smoky aroma. Don't forget to order their famous Fresh Orange Juice, it’s expensive but honestly life-changing.

Opening Time: Wed – Mon: 09:00 – 00:00 (Closed Tuesdays).

Location: 313 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat (Near the Giant Swing).

How to get there:

MRT Subway: Take the Blue Line to Sam Yot Station. It is a 10-15 minute walk.

Taxi: Tell the driver "Pad Thai Pratoopee" (the local name for the area).