Must-see restaurants in Thailand

  • Namnigew Pa Nuan

    Chiang Rai

    This semi-concealed gem (there's no Roman-script sign: look for the bamboo doorway) serves a unique mix of Vietnamese and Northern Thai dishes. Tasty food…

  • Krua Medsai Seafood

    Hua Hin & the Upper Gulf

    Massive Medsai is one of dozens of seafood spots next to Cha-am's fishing port. While some of the smaller restaurants out here have more character, few…

  • Jék Pûi

    Chinatown

    Jék Pûi is a table-less food stall incredibly popular for its Chinese-style Thai curries. Try the gaang kěe·o wǎhn lôok chín þlah grai, a mild green curry…

  • Bismillah Halal Food

    Chiang Rai Province

    This homey and popular restaurant does an excellent biryani, not to mention virtually everything else Muslim, from masala to roti and samosas, as well as…

  • Go Pong

    Hat Khao Lak

    Get a real taste of local flavours at this terrific streetside diner. Here they stir-fry noodles and sensational spicy rice dishes and simmer aromatic…

  • Lord Jim's

    Bangkok

    Even if you can’t afford to stay at the Oriental, you should save up for the hotel’s decadent riverside buffet. Dishes such as foie gras are standard, and…

  • Gingerbread House Café & Gallery

    Northern Thailand

    This brick and wood cafe is a nice, air-conditioned retreat from the sun, and offers Western breakfasts as well as simple rice and noodle dishes. There's…

  • Kit Teung Bakery & Coffee

    Northeastern Thailand

    This bright, modern place close to the train station (exit the station and take the second left) has some of the best coffee and tea in town, but it…

  • Savoey

    Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi

    At this chain with other branches across town, you're not going to find heaps of character, but you will get consistency, river views, air-con and a…

  • German Bakery

    Phuket

    This fun, friendly, semi-outdoor restaurant does the best pastries in Rawai and remains a deservedly popular breakfast spot. It makes fine brown bread,…

  • Goodmook*

    Northeastern Thailand

    This delightful place has a cool, retro theme and a mix of Thai and international food (expensive but good), art on the walls, chill music and good coffee…

  • Sukhothai Kitchen

    Sukhothai

    This big and breeezy place is set around a garden with the inevitable lotus pond. The menu spans Thai and Northern Thai dishes, with a few Western options…

  • Karma Sutra

    Ko Samui

    A hip, comfy chow spot that straddles the crossroads heart of Fisherman’s Village, dishing up very good international and Thai eats, with outdoor seating…

  • Baanta

    Ko Chang

    Baanta is an attractive Thai-temple-styled place offering personable service and a wide choice of dishes, from Thai classics to regional specialities,…

  • Cafe Haven

    Trat

    Adjoining Sangjun Guesthouse, Haven is one of the better equipped restaurants in the old guesthouse district, with twisted timber furniture and a large…

  • Ando Loco

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This popular outdoor Mexican hang-out still gets the universal thumbs up. Grab a jumbo margarita, down a 'drunken fajita', line up a quesadilla or two and…

  • Dash

    Chiang Mai

    A cut above the average tourist restaurant, Dash offers flavoursome Thai curries that are full of spice, served inside a smart teak house or outside on…

  • Milano

    Surat Thani

    Often surprisingly busy, this Italian restaurant near the pier bakes up a tasty selection of pizza in its wood-fired brick oven, while pasta and a choice…

  • Fighting Fish Restaurant

    Krabi Province

    The friendly British-Thai owners at Woodland Lodge run this excellent, sociable adjoining restaurant, which plates up carefully concocted, MSG-free, Thai…

  • Smoothie Blues

    Chiang Mai

    This expat favourite is a top spot for breakfast – pancakes, sandwiches, granola, an array of egg dishes from egg-white-only omelettes to decadent…

  • Safety Stop Pub

    Ko Tao

    A haven for homesick Brits, this pier-side restaurant and bar feels like a tropical beer garden. Stop by on Sundays to stuff your face with an endless…

  • Neau-Toon Rod Yiam

    Chiang Mai

    Build your own soup at this yummy corner-shop cheapie. Choose between rice or several types of noodles, spice level, then meat, ranging from basic chicken…

  • Phat Thai Mae Sot

    Mae Sot

    This cosy place serves pàt tai with a local twist: toppings of pork rind and barbecued pork. There's no English-language sign; look for the rustic, semi…

  • Zap Zap

    Kanchanaburi

    Though it has a broad menu, including pàt tai and panang curry, it's the spicy Isan-style sôm·đam that keep the tables full from open to close. For a…

  • Saeng Fah Laep

    Northern Thailand

    This friendly, family-run establishment sells Thai sweets, including a fine kôw nĕe·o má·môo·ang (mango sticky rice). There’s no English sign, but it…

  • Jae Eaw

    Ko Chang

    Locals and domestic tourists fill this simple, open-air restaurant every evening due to its solid reputation, big flavours and prolific menu options. It…

  • Toy's Restaurant

    Kanchanaburi Province

    Toy, a transplant from Nong Khai, makes simple but delicious dishes from all corners of Thailand including massaman curry, pàt tai, Isan-style lâhp (spicy…

  • Fat Cat

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This small, charming, colourful and busy Portuguese-run cafe does wholesome breakfasts including their very own homemade muesli, and delicious coffee. It…

  • Jep's Restaurant

    Ko Samet

    Canopied by arching tree branches decorated with pendant lights, this pretty place right on the sand does a wide range of international food, from Mexican…

  • Up2You

    Ko Chang

    With a nice line in seafood, this open-sided main-road spot near the 7-Eleven offers solid value and a welcoming atmosphere. Tasty scallop stir-fries and…

  • Surin Pochana

    Northeastern Thailand

    A Surin classic, this simple place has served delicious Thai fare, including a good đôm yam and fried frog with basil, since 1943. Walk straight out of…

  • Lanta Seafood

    Ko Lanta

    One of the best of Ban Sala Dan's seafood-by-weight options, with all your other Thai favourites too. The food is good value, as is the location – eat on…

  • Crepe's Corner

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This small and friendly crêpe stall is a hit with adults and kids: choose from a variety of flavours, including Nutella, peanut butter, jam, vanilla…

  • I Do I Do

    Ko Chang

    This friendly palapa-style beach bar and restaurant on Hat Sai Noi, around the corner from Bang Bao, enjoys a great location on the sand. It's a good spot…

  • Sleepy Owl

    Ko Chang

    This popular, modern glass-fronted coffeeshop does a range of Thai meals but is best known for its pizzas, which distinguish it from other Thai…

  • Pranee’s Kitchen

    Ko Tao

    An old Mae Hat fave, Pranee’s serves scrumptious curries and other Thai treats in an open-air pavilion sprinkled with lounging pillows, wooden tables and…

  • Daeng Namnuang

    Nong Khai

    This massive river restaurant has grown into a Nong Khai institution, and hordes of out-of-towners head home with car boots and carry-on bags stuffed with…

  • Barai Coffee

    Nakhon Ratchasima Province

    Just in front of the historical park entrance, this is a convenient stop for a brewed coffee and a blast of air-conditioning. They also do smoothies,…

  • Charlie & Lek Restaurant

    Pai

    Foreigner-friendly, and none the worse for it, Charlie & Lek serves Thai classics as well as a few Northern Thai specialities in a no-fuss atmosphere that…

  • Banana Bar

    Ko Samet

    Casual and relaxed, this ramshackle yet oddly attractive main street spot is a good choice for well-priced Thai food. It offers smallish portions of Thai…

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