Best Thai restaurants in Bangkok for traditional cuisine lovers

Age-old Thai ways of cooking combine with international techniques as chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn presents local culinary favourites elevated with contemporary panache. His 11-course fine dining tasting menu (B3,850) at this modern eatery twists tradition with brilliant touches to create standouts such as Andaman tiger prawn with homemade pickled lime and Surat Thani & Barron Point oysters in a piquant tom-kha soup. Presentation offers a dazzling feast for the eyes, while familiar flavours sparkle on the palate.     

14/3 Somkid Soi, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. 092-441-6547. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-midnight

This fine dining restaurant, which reopened last year, is committed to showcasing the essence of Thai cuisine. Headed by Duangporn "Bo" Songvisava and chef Dylan Jones, it draws inspiration from the four key regions of Thailand – North, Northeast, Central and South – offering a diverse array of traditional dishes. What sets it apart from other fine dining experiences is its “samrub” serving style. Priced from B3,980, their samrub menus are designed for communal enjoyment, allowing you to savour a notable selection of meals with friends or family around the table.

Sukhumvit Soi 53. 02-260-2962. Open Thu-Sun 6.30pm-10pm

Named after the rainy season, this restaurant highlights seasonal dishes that change throughout the year. Under the guidance of chef Pongtawat "Ian" Chalermkittichai and chef Frederic Meyer, the menu combines international techniques with local ingredients to create standout dishes, such as their signature massaman curry lamb shank, offered as part of their course menu (B1,990). With a focus on fresh, regionally sourced ingredients, each visit promises a new dining experience.

4 Chuea Phloeng 2 Soi, Thung Maha Mek. 083-889-4304. Open Daily 11.30am-2.30pm & 5pm-10.30pm

This restaurant brings a contemporary twist to the fine dining experience, with a strong focus on locally procured ingredients from selected farmers and producers. Award-winning chef Pongtawat "Ian" Kittichai, the founder, designs his menus around authentic Thai tastes and aromas. In addition to offering dishes inspired by the four main regions of Thailand, the restaurant hosts special events that appeal to food enthusiasts. Whether you're in the mood for a fine dining course (B1,800) or prefer an a la carte option, there's something here for anyone craving true local flavours.

Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, 2 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini. 02-666-3333. Open Daily 12.30pm-3pm & 5.30pm-10.30pm

Le Du Kaan takes its name from the Thai word for ‘season’ and its menus reflect this philosophy by highlighting fresh, local ingredients sourced directly from farms and fishing communities across the country. For a taste of Northeast Thai cuisine, try som tum puu nim, a papaya salad featuring soft-shell crab (B420). For a classic from central Thailand, goong mae nam yang (grilled river prawn, B1,600) captures the essence of riverside dining right in the heart of Bangkok. Round off your meal with kluay buad chee, a delightful dessert of banana ice cream paired with banana sponge and coconut custard (B350), typically served as a sweet finale.

56/F, The Empire, No.1, Sathon Rd. 02-407-1654. Open Daily 11.30am-1am

Located within the COMO Metropolitan Bangkok hotel, this restaurant offers expertly crafted traditional dishes alongside a relaxing poolside dining experience. Chef Pim Techamuanvivit, the owner, is committed to preserving genuine flavours by thoughtfully sourcing local ingredients from across the country to create some of the finest Thai classics. The heritage course (B3,400) features ample servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok Sathon Rd, Thung Maha Mek. 02-625-3388. Open Wed-Sun midday-2pm & 6pm-9pm. Closed Mon-Tue

Relax and enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at this restaurant near the Meng Jai intersection, a popular destination for all-day dining paired with live folk music in the evenings. The terrace provides a casual setting to savour classics like grilled pork neck (B180) or pad Thai with prawns (B180), making it a suitable spot to unwind in the lively Huai Kwang area. If you’re in the mood for some fun, they also offer karaoke rooms for a bit of musical entertainment.

569/1 Pracha Uthit Rd, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang. 02-691-0641. Open Daily 11am-11.30pm

At this eatery, traditional herbs take centre stage as chef Bongkoch ‘Bee’ Satongun crafts aromatic Thai classics with a modern twist using regionally sourced ingredients. With curry paste as a base for many dishes, the signature course (B4,300) features notable options such as smoky southern yellow curry and a refined take on gaeng tai pla, which includes razor clams, cockles, prawns, black pepper and tamarind. These dishes showcase the vibrant local tastes that define Thai cuisine.

Gaysorn Centre (Gaysorn Village), 999 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini. 02-656-1003. Open Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm & 6pm-11pm

This 30-year-old Thai restaurant combines local flavours with a modern setting. Originally starting as a curry and rice stall, it has since elevated the southern Thai dining experience by serving traditional dishes in a cosy space adorned with basketry. Highlighting Chumphon cuisine, their southern-style pork and egg stewed in brown sauce (B220) and yellow curry with green taro stalk and seabass (B285) offer a taste of unique spices and flavours that you might not have encountered before.

108 Pradiphat Rd, Phaya Thai. 081-817-6255. Open Tue-Sun 11am-9pm. Closed Mon

Thai seafood enthusiasts will appreciate what this restaurant has to offer. Conveniently located near Chatuchak Market, this 40-year-old establishment merges the rich tastes of seafood with Thai cuisine, making it a go-to spot for local comfort food. Simple yet memorable dishes like steamed snow fish in soy sauce served with flat rice noodles (starting from B250/g) and dry seafood porridge (B175) have become their signatures, demonstrating that even unassuming offerings can leave a lasting impression over the years.

101 Kamphaeng Phet Rd, Chatuchak. 081-985-4568. Open Daily 10.30am-9pm

A tribute to their grandmother, this eatery evokes nostalgia by offering long-lost dishes from eastern Thailand. Emphasising the heart and soul of Thai seafood, they obtain most of their ingredients from local coastal producers. Dishes like pu jah, a blend of crabmeat and pork steamed inside crab shells (B380) and a spicy dip made with seawater crab eggs and crab meat, served with fresh vegetables (B350), deliver rich flavours that transport you straight to the seaside.

392/25-26 Tha Suphan Soi, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang. 092-253-9251. Open Daily 11am-10pm

Taan, which means “eat” in Thai, offers an elevated dining experience crafted by executive chef Monthep “Thep” Kamolsilp. Drawing on his French culinary training, he combines Western cooking techniques with traditional Thai flavours. The menu features seasonal dishes, including the Ayutthaya course (starting from B2,100), where you can savour classics like boat noodles (noodles in pork blood soup) and nam prik nam ya (grilled prawns with banana blossom and sesame paste). To enhance your meal, consider pairing your food with a refreshing drink, such as klin jun (a gin and tonic infused with Thai elements) or um daeng (iced Thai tea with pomegranate, ginger and lime).

Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok 865 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan. 065-328-7374. Open Daily 6pm-11pm