Best Food in Banthat Thong, Bangkok: Top Restaurants & Street Eats
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
Banthat Thong Road has become one of Bangkok’s hottest food streets, offering a mix of trendy restaurants and classic street food. From Michelin-recommended eateries to hidden local gems, this area is a must-visit for food lovers.
The Best Restaurants and Street Food on Banthat Thong
Banthat Thong was originally a street of stalls selling sports equipment and shops selling car accessories.
With the arrival of the MRT in Yaowarat (Chinatown) and the gentrification that followed, many shopkeepers and residents migrated to this district, gradually transforming the old shops into restaurants. A snowball effect took place, and little by little the street became a succession of restaurants offering a wide range of flavours. Since 2010, the whole area has also benefited from modernisation by Chulalongkorn University, which also owns a large part of the district. The presence of the University has a major influence, as many students live nearby, making it a dynamic and very friendly neighbourhood. They also benefit from the variety of restaurants on offer, including Thai, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. So, unlike Chinatown, there’s a whole range of cultural diversity on offer, with many different faces of Asia.
Must-Try Dishes: Local and Modern Eats
The main street, Banthat Thong, is over two kilometres long. There are restaurants all along it, as well as artisans (always food-related) and street food vendors. In addition, there are a number of perpendicular streets that are also very lively. Some of these lead to the University Centenary Park and, above all, Suang Luang Square, where a small but very pleasant night market is held on weekends. Second-hand clothes, handicrafts, various creations, stalls run by students selling small items as well as food. The whole area is pedestrianised, and sometimes the pedestrian zone extends into the other streets.
Trendy Restaurants vs. Traditional Stalls: Where to Eat
Over two kilometres of restaurants line either side of the street. As you can see, the choice is vast and finding the right restaurant at the first attempt is no easy task. You’ll find everything from savoury to sweet, mainly Asian cuisine. Vegetarians will find a few restaurants, and there are a few Indian restaurants, but you have to find them. This little paradise for gourmets offers a very wide range of choices, from old and traditional restaurants - the oldest being over 60 years old - to trendy new names. To save time, here is a small selection of the restaurants we particularly like:
Jok Sam Yan, a unique experience
This restaurant has been in existence for 60 years. It sells rice porridges called Jok. The dish is made up of boiled rice, pork dumplings, grated ginger, chopped coriander, diced liver and boiled eggs. A variety of seasonings can also be added.
Jae O, a cuisine recognised by all
A very popular restaurant that is always packed. It is famous for its Congee, or Kao thom, a dish similar to rice porridge, but with a less pasty consistency and served as rice immersed in a spicy chicken broth.
Another dish worth discovering is Mama Oho. This is a noodle soup seasoned with a spicy Thai chilli paste, lime and other ingredients. It makes a hot and sour soup, topped with crispy pork bellies.
Louisvanich, traditional Thai cuisine
A very popular 100% Thai restaurant. Here you’ll find the famous fried noodles and rice dishes that can be served with a variety of curries. There’s the classic and unmissable Prad Kra Pao, a beef hash with fresh basil leaves and chillies. Simple and perfect. Then there’s the other great classic, Tom Yum, with its typical prawns and herbs.
Chuan Kin Mookata, Thai barbecue in the heart of Bangkok
The speciality here is Mookata, a Thai barbecue where pork and various ingredients are grilled. It’s the kind of restaurant where it’s best to be in a group to chat while you make your meal.
Jae Wan Suan Luang Chula, Asian sweets
For those with a sweet tooth, this is a restaurant that focuses exclusively on desserts. You can try Nam Tao Hu: fresh hot tofu milk eaten with crushed ice and a range of toppings such as sweet bean curd, ginkgo, green beans, grass jelly and Bua Loy (small dumplings made from glutinous rice flour). Other dishes include :
- Taothueng: cold beans in longan syrup topped with crushed ice.
- Taohuay: curdled milk with sweet beans dipped in boiled ginger juice. Surprising!
- The Bua Loy: balls of glutinous rice flour dipped in hot milk or ginger juice. The dumplings are stuffed with a black sesame seed paste.
- Chao Kuay: This is grass jelly in grass jelly juice with crushed ice. It’s special and worth discovering.
There are, of course, other great and small restaurants to discover. All you have to do is let yourself go and choose by instinct - after all, what would a trip be without discovery!
Practical information about Banthat Thong
How to Get to Banthat Thong
Banthat Thong is not served directly by the BTS or MRT. The best way is to go to Hua Lamphong Station, then you have two options: either take a taxi, tuk-tuk or motorbike, or walk. It takes about 15 minutes. But be warned, if you want to explore the whole street, Banthat Thong is more than 2 km long…
Timetable
Many restaurants open in the afternoon and close around 10pm. Many are open until midnight. They are open 7 days a week, even on public holidays.
Affluence
The restaurants are very busy at weekends and in the evenings. The area is very popular with Asian tourists, so depending on the season, it can be more or less busy. For the most popular restaurants, a ticket system is in place, giving you plenty of time to stroll around.
Little tip
Please note that some restaurants do not have a map in Roman script! So it’s best to have a good translator or to do things at random!
Tours to discover Thai flavours
If you’d like to discover Bangkok while savouring typical Thai dishes, here are two tours with guides - no headaches, we’ll take care of everything!
Bangkok: Backstreets culinary tour with over 15 tastings
Enjoy over 15 tastings during a culinary experience in the backstreets of old Bangkok. Join a tour led by food guides and sample satay, prawn dumplings, broken fish fillet soup and much more.
Bangkok: visit the markets, temples and gastronomy by tuk-tuk at night
Discover the beauty of Bangkok by night and visit sites that most tourists only see during the day. Travel the streets of Bangkok in the back of a tuk-tuk and stop for delicious food and drinks. Visit sites such as Wat Prayoon (a UNESCO World Heritage temple), the Flower Market and Chinatown.
FAQ about Banthat Thong, Bangkok’s gastronomic quarter
What is Banthat Thong?
Banthat Thong is a Bangkok street renowned for its culinary diversity. Once known for its sports and car accessory shops, it has become a veritable paradise for gourmets, with a multitude of Thai, Japanese, Korean and Chinese restaurants.
What kind of restaurants can you find in Banthat Thong?
There is a wide range of restaurants, from street food stalls to gourmet establishments. Asian cuisine predominates, with Thai, Japanese and Chinese specialities.
Are there vegetarian restaurants in Banthat Thong?
Yes, but there are fewer of them. There are a few Indian restaurants and some vegetarian stalls, but you have to look hard.
What are the opening hours of the restaurants?
Most restaurants open in the afternoon and close around 10pm. Some stay open until midnight, and they are generally open 7 days a week, even on public holidays.
How do I get to Banthat Thong?
The district is not directly served by the BTS or MRT. The easiest way is to take the MRT to Hua Lamphong station, then walk about 15 minutes or take a taxi, tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi.
🎟 Do I need to book to eat at Banthat Thong?
Most restaurants operate without reservations. However, the most popular ones set up a ticket system to manage the wait, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
🏆 What’s the best area to eat in Bangkok?
That depends on what you’re looking for! Banthat Thong is an excellent choice for a varied and affordable dining experience. Yaowarat (Chinatown) is renowned for its street food, while Sukhumvit and Sathorn offer international and gourmet restaurants. For a local and traditional feel, also explore the night markets such as Talad Rot Fai or Or Tor Kor.
Are there other things to do in Banthat Thong apart from eating out?
Yes, you can take a stroll along the side streets, visit the Suang Luang Square night market or relax in University Centenary Park. The area is also bustling with students from Chulalongkorn University.
Are menus available in English?
Not always! Some restaurants only offer menus in Thai, so it’s advisable to use a translator or rely on the photos to choose your dish.
Ideas for going out in Bangkok
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to get out and about in the City of Angels, follow our guide to find out how you can enjoy a good night out or get off the beaten track!
