Can Srisawat

New year, new home! Time Out Bangkok has moved to new digs in the vibrant, leafy neighborhood of Saladaeng Soi 1. You’ll now find us on the mezzanine floor of the Woof Pack Building, also home to Doc Club & Pub, Pickle.BKK and Guss Damn Good ice cream. We’re finding this lively area near Lumpini Park is packed with gems waiting to be discovered! Think charming all-day eateries, buzzing street food stalls, cozy cafes, and hip community spaces, all just steps away. Here’s what to look out for if you happen to swing by.

Arguably America’s single most important contribution to world cuisine, the humble burger has come a long way in recent years. Quick and easy to prepare, this food-to-go has evolved to the point where the traditional ground beef patty has been replaced with all sorts of delicious alternatives sandwiched between fluffy buns. Today, options exist for vegans and vegetarians and in many other iterations to suit specific national tastes, so that what was once the cheap preserve of teenagers has become elevated to the point of being labelled ‘artisanal’. The fact is, we all love a good burger and in Bangkok aficionados are spoilt for choice. So let Time Out be your guide to the best spots in the city for this favourite of fast foods.

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on and dining outlets all over town are serving up fantastic festive fare to mark the occasion. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to seasonal indulgences, so let us be your guide to some of the best options for family feasting in Bangkok this yuletide. Traditional Christmas lunch or an international smorgasbord of flavours – we’ve got you covered.  

New year, new cafe spots to visit. Although Thailand’s winter is fleeting, the cool weather lingers for a while yet, adding extra pleasure to sipping hot drinks out in the open. Bangkok might be known for busy roads and tall buildings, but it is also a green city with many garden cafes hidden in its sprawl. If you enjoy a good brew in verdant surroundings (and who doesn’t?) check out our picks of these fair-weather favourites.   

In Bangkok, you're spoiled for choice, from timeless street food to more refined dining experiences. For those who appreciate genuine, time-honoured recipes, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite restaurants where you can enjoy classic Thai dishes prepared with care and local flair, any time of day.   Recommend: The best new restaurants that opened this year

Pizza is an irresistible aroma mix of yeasty dough, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and rich and viscous cheese, with various toppings. Your favourites might be made from 48-hour dough or some twisted version of a local spicy dish. As a slice is never enough, we compile this year-end pizza list for you to choose from.

The biggest annual fair in Bangkok has been in full swing for days now but if you’re free this weekend, head on over to Lumphini Park and explore the many exciting booths and food stalls at the 142-acre site. Eat to your heart’s content, enjoy musical performances and cultural shows, shop for seasonal gifts and try your luck in the raffle–it’s all for a worthy cause. Here’s our list of things to do at the Fair before it ends on December 22.

We bring you the best spots in the kingdom’s capital to indulge in the flavour sensation that is tom yum kung.  

Best new restaurants opening so far in 2024. From pizza to sea bass ceviche, every cuisine is drawn to Bangkok.

With such a vibrant and dynamic culinary scene, Bangkok is never short of food stories and among the latest hot news items circulating is the recognition of four city eateries with a first Michelin star. These outlets offer fine dining experiences ranging from classic Thai cuisine to French-Japanese fusion fare and are definitely worth a visit. Don’t leave it too long though – thanks to their newly won laurels reservations are sure to be at a premium. 

This two-kilometre road near Chulalongkorn University has become a  go-to dining spot in Bangkok and in its embrace are a number of restaurants well worth visiting, even if their queues are sometimes long. From easy bites to big meals, check out why this culinary superhighway will boost your appetite  as you wander the Samyan area.

Serving up juicy perfection and amazing flavours, this burger house slaps American culture firmly on the dining table. Patties are made from affordable dry-aged wagyu and there’s also a great Beyond Veggie alternative. Try the Mr. Goodburg (B230) or the Classic & Simple (B195) for an authentic taste of the States. Located at the Racquet Club in Thonglor, it’s a prime option for post-work out re-fuelling. The Racquet Club, 17 Sukhumvit 71 Rd, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana. 063-093-7201. Open Daily 11am-11pm

Local beef shines at this grab-and-go burger stall. Whether you visit the Phrom Pong branch or the open-air On Nut kiosk, it’s a chance to savour classic homemade burgers. Crispy dry-aged patties find their match with signature potato buns. Easy Burger also creates seasonal menus so burger buffs have something new to look forward to every quarter.  593/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Klongtan Nuea, Watthana. 097-979-7836. Open Mon 11am-2am, Thu-Sun 11am-2am. Closed Tue-Wed

Billy’s Smokehouse uses Himawari wagyu to make their exquisite beef patties, which become elevated to the divine with caramelized onions and signature sauce. No worries if you want to grab something really big – their bacon triple cheeseburger (B450) includes five strips of crispy bacon and three beef patties and could probably feed two.  888/23-24 Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathum Wan. 02-65-4398. Open Daily 11am-10pm

This eatery in trendy Ari has become a go-to spot for burger fans. Size matters in American cuisine, which is why Barney’s beef burgers (starting at B160) come in single, double and triple patty iterations. Juicy and filling, the great flavour of the Thai-Angus beef is what keeps aficionados coming back for more. 404 Phahonyothin Soi, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai. 097-126-2192. Open Daily 11.30am-8pm

When big appetites require big burgers, they head to this joint near BTS Chong Nonsi station. Juicy Thai wagyu beef is paired with brioche buns and you can maximise the experience with the must-try meaty Smash Triple Cheeseburger (B399). Also excellent for non-beef eaters is the PBB Burger (B299) comprising a pork bacon patty plus bacon slice.  190 Phiphat 2, Si Lom, Bang Rak. 091-818-7032. Open Daily 11am-9pm     

An old clothing warehouse turned into a specialty coffee shop with a western-style garden. Caffeine addicts will love the choice of coffee beans, which include Southern American origins from Brazil and Columbia (starting from B140). For a milk coffee experience, try a white coffee (B160) in which caramel cream meets brown sugar. Flavours seem heightened while sipping slowly beside the calm pond.    Khlong Lam Chiak Rd, Nawamin, Bueng Kum. 084-670-6772. Open Tue-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Closed Mon 

A nature-filled cafe run by a teacher named Angoon in the Thong Lor area. It’s a tree-huggers paradise. Check out the beverages at the little white house at the entrance, grab a hot cappuccino or espresso (B50) and take a stroll through this green oasis. You can also support the Mirror Foundation by buying affordable clothes at their occasional flea market. 65/1 Thong Lor Soi 3, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 080-997-7065. Open Daily 10am-5am 

There’s nothing hazy about Mok (meaning “fog” in Thai). This cafe is a clear winner when it comes to combining coffee and nature. You can sit by the pond in the garden area and enjoy Thai classics such as red braised chicken noodle (B149) and fried pork with herbs (B89). Iced orange espresso (B90) is the perfect tropical pick-me-up with a slice of delicious red velvet cake (B100). Prasert-Manukitch Rd, Ram Inthra, Khan Na Yao. 094-639-2364. Open Daily 9am-8pm

Leave your laptop at home because this forest cafe on Srinakarindra Road doesn’t have free wi-fi. But then you’ll only have eyes for the scenic beauty surrounding you, as you walk through tall trees and creeping vines sipping on a Thai-style iced coffee (B110). There are some wonderfully fecund backdrops for snapshots.  Premier Corporate Park, Srinagarindra Soi 57, Nong Bon, Prawet. 063-270-8998. Open Daily 7.30am-6.30pm  

Amongst the Chinese restaurants in Huai Kwang is a garden cafe serving hot Kusmi tea. At the 1.5-acre plot of greenery you’ll discover a tea master making hot beverages while telling tall stories as he reads the leaves. Selected teas contain unique aromas and benefits, so try his floral joy (B80) made from white champaka or herbal blue fly with its lemongrass note (B80). If your tastes are more contemporary, grab a caramelized Thai tea (B80). 73 Suwan Mani Soi 23, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang. 064-952-0999. Open Tue-Wed 9.30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-6pm. Closed Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri  

This little building presents a lively trio of art, coffee and plants. A coffee bar serves a wonderful black yuzu orange (B140), a drink to take you straight to the tropics. There’re bean bags and foldable chairs if you want to sit out under the trees. Tattoo enthusiasts can go upstairs and pick designs to be inked by artists and special guests. 1532 Sutthisan Winitchai Rd, Huai Khwang. 095-463-6528. Open Mon-Tue 10am-6pm, Thu-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Wed

Using natural products from their farm in Nakhon Pathom, this cafe transforms the bustle of Thong Lor into a soothing space. Coffee beans from Chiang Mai take centre stage – try a great espresso (B80) – as does a profusion of flora in the glasshouse setting and in the garden beyond. Afternoon tea sets for two are popular (B399), accompanied by coconut-centric sweet Thai classics such as traditional coconut pudding and custard. Sharing is caring at this café and three percent of revenue is donated to the Sookjai Foundation supporting organic farm practices.  9/2 Phrom Phak Soi, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-084-8649. Open Daily 9am-6pm

Sweet, spicy, thick and strong on flavour, what’s not to like about khao soi from northern Thailand? The meaty curried noodle dish is a Thai staple and now Khao So-I, the iconic eatery originally established in The Rose of the North, has opened a second branch in Bangkok, serving up this classic at a new outlet in Siam Paragon. Located on the ground floor of the upmarket mall, the restaurant sports traditional Thai-style wooden décor very much in keeping with the original flavours of its time-honoured signature dish. Their strong broth is a winner, blending familiar sweet and spicy flavours that complement delicious egg and crispy-fried noodles.   To celebrate the latest branch, Khao So-I also presents two new dishes featuring Australian wagyu beef. Go big with five meaty slices in the Ultimate Khao Soi (B599), or try a standard bowl of juicy Beef Tongue Khao Soi (B199). You also have the option of pimping up your bowl with extra toppings of braised beef (B59) and scallops (B129). Pork, chicken and seafood iterations of wonderful khao soi are also on the menu.  Check out this northern delight by hopping on the BTS Skytrain to Siam station. G/F Siam Paragon. Rama I Rd. 080-073-0238. Open 10am-10pm  

An iconic clothing brand for 50 years, did you know that since 2014 Ralph Lauren has also served coffee and pastries? Now, a decade on, Thailand’s first Ralph’s Coffee shop has opened at Central World, offering the aromatic beverage in various iterations and tasty cakes to match.   Located on the first floor of the Beacon zone close to its sister retail outlet, Ralph’s Coffee is all about the heady brew and crafted pastries. Boasting the fruity notes of South American and African beans is Ralph’s signature coffee (B165), while white coffee fans will enjoy an ultra-smooth cappuccino (B175). Drip coffee and decaf beans are also on the menu, as are seasonal treats such as ginger bread latte and apple tea. Sipping coffee at this green-hued colonial style cafe is made all the sweeter with a slice of rich chocolate cake (B295) inspired by Ralph Laurent himself.  Joining outlets in Japan, China and Hong Kong, this latest Ralph’s Coffee shop offers a haven of rest for those shopping in the Ratchapasong District.  Ralph’s Coffee. 1/F Central World. 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan. Open 10am-10pm.

Thailand is blessed with an astounding variety of tropical fruits, which is why ice cream and sorbet maker Lamoon is able to source key ingredients from more than 30 farms around the country. And by using only the best of this seasonal produce, it ensures that each scoop tells a story. From the highlands of Chiang Rai in the north to the plains of Yala in the south, these wonderful ingredients inspire Lamoon to make modern interpretations of ice cream that go far beyond what is offered by the ubiquitous carts that ply the streets of the nation’s towns and cities. Artistic designs, vibrant flavors and sheer diversity of selection in the form of ice cream bars, cones and tubs make Lamoon a delight for sweet lovers. Known and loved worldwide by customers seeking authentic tastes of Thailand, Lamoon meticulously selects agricultural products during peak growing seasons in order to offer the freshest taste. From February to May favorite summer fruits such as emperor durian from Rayong and ok-rong mango from Nakhon Pathom flavour refreshing ice creams and sorbets that are ideal treats to beat the heat. And even during the monsoon season, the best mangosteens from Chanthaburi and bananas and santol – a tropical fruit similar to a fuzzy peach – come to life in delicious chilled desserts. As the cool season draws on, Thai melons also come into their own and tangy passion fruit and juicy strawberries make their way into rich sugar-free yoghurts and scintillating sorbets.  These incredi

The wait is over. Sorn, the lauded Thai restaurant under the guidance of chef Supaksorn Jongsiri, has become the first restaurant in Thailand to earn three coveted Michelin stars. The announcement came on November 28 and placed Sorn at the head of more than thirty restaurants in the kingdom to receive Michelin accolades this year. “If you’re strong enough, they will look up to you. I worked really hard and showed that dreams really can come true,” Supaksorn said in an emotional acceptance speech. Referencing his young son the chef added, “Someday you will learn in school about the first man on the moon, but today your dad became the first man in Thailand to earn three Michelin stars. A very small piece of history has been written but it will never change. Definitely, absolutely, this is for Thailand.”  Among the restaurants recognised by Michelin in the 2025 edition of its annual dining guide were five new outlets; Akkee, Aulis, Avant, Coda and Goat. 

Watching movies in the open air was part of Thai culture right up to the 1980s. With the advent of movie chains in retail centres the custom faded, but we can now relive those bygone days, and watch all-time classics in the greenery area of BITEC Buri Fest in Bang Na. Bring your blankets and picnics to BITEC’s outdoors for a retro-culture movie experience as you watch 12 films nang-klang-plaeng style – traditional outdoor screening – from November 29 to December 15.  Romantic favourites feature Before Sunrise, Lost in Translation, Notting Hill, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and About Time making you wipe a tear as they tug at your heart-strings once again. Legendary award-winning favourites include The Shawshank Redemption and Fight Club; and Home Alone brings the Christmas spirit to Bangkok. This two-week outdoor screening opportunity under the stars, presents a chance to watch these classics one more time with your friends and family and to take you back to those pre-internet streaming days.  Hideout Film Night, Nov 29-Dec 15. 6.30 pm onwards. BITEC Buri Fest. Book your ticket via Ticketmelon.

After a much-welcomed major restoration Erawan Bangkok, adjoining the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and the famous Erawan Shrine, has re-opened as a vibrant dining and wellness lifestyle experience. A mixture of new and previous tenants, mostly upscale restaurants and wellness outlets, are housed in the sparkling white interiors of the iconic Thai-designed facade. The Erawan Tea Room is back with its classic take on Thai cuisine and afternoon teas, as is Nara Thai Cuisine with their much-loved interpretation of Thai favourites. New eateries such as Jharokha by Indus and Chisana Nami, serve contemporary Indian and Japanese dishes respectively. Coffee lovers are also well-catered for as they can sip Turkish slow-bar coffee at Shaloba or a traditional espresso at illy Caffe.  Erawan Bangkok’s wellness tenants occupy the health-centric third and fourth floors. Soma Health Clinic and PAPILLA by KIM LIM tailor their services to your personal needs for truly revitalising experiences. The cultural offerings of Scene Erawan – an art gallery and screening space on the first floor – combine Thai heritage with modern aesthetics, complementing the mall’s fresh-yet-Thai-colonial design and eco-conscious ethos.

Bangkok’s heat is relentless, and when the sun’s beating down, a little refreshment can go a long way. Introducing Festilia — an Italian juice that feels like a cool breeze from the Mediterranean, now available in Thailand. Festilia hails from the sun-soaked orchards of Sicily, where every bottle starts its journey. The fruit is hand-picked, ensuring that each sip is packed with natural, pure flavour. Whether you're craving the sharp kick of shogun orange, the zing of white grapefruit, the refreshing blend of sweet lemon and mint, or the smoothness of Valencia orange, Festilia brings an authentic slice of Italy right to your hands in Thailand. But this juice isn’t just about flavour — it’s also about what’s left out. Festilia is free from added sugars and preservatives, so what you're getting is as close to the orchard as it gets. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamin C, making it not only a thirst-quencher but a health-boosting companion for those long, hot days. No plane tickets to Sicily are required. You can pick up Festilia at retailers across Thailand, including Tops Supermarket, Villa Market, and The Mall’s Gourmet Market, or grab a bottle online via Shopee or Lazada. Discount alert: from October 26 to November 27, you can snag a bottle for B75 (down from B85) at Villa Market and The Mall’s Gourmet Market. It’s a great time to dive into flavours you won’t forget anytime soon.

K-streat is a newly-opened Korean street food hub that has taken Samyan Mitrtown by storm. Opening its doors on October 3 as the newest spot for Korean cuisine lovers, the hub gathers 11 new eateries originating from South Korea. Covering many things from bibimbap and rice rolls to fruit tea, there’s no better time to relive your favourite K-drama scenes and enjoy authentic food with your friends.  Korean street food has rocketed its popularity in Thailand for more than a decade. This food hall on the fourth floor of Samyan’s shopping mall offers a variety of menus. You can try chewy Korean instant noodles from Nongshim Shin Ramyun, where you can get service from a noodle-making machine. Blended into Thai flavour, their ramyun also have tom yum flavour from Jay Fai, a Michelin-starred street food. Craving for Korean classics, Bbja serves bibimbap with toppings of your choice (Korean rice bowl, B169). Moogyodoong Yoojung Nakji might please spicy food lovers with their spicy stir-fried minor octopus (B260) and you can choose the level of spiciness too.  Not limited to traditional dishes, many fusion foods from Platter 7 also present Thai and other ingredients on their fried rice menus. Grab your finger food at 77Kentucky as they give you many options for their fried chicken from original to spicy flavour.  An egg bread set (B169) from Eggseoul might be a dessert in which you can savour sweetness and creaminess in one bite. Don’t forget to refresh yourself with beverages from Te

After closing for three years, Bo.lan finally reopens its kitchen to serve Thai samrub-style fine dining experiences to Bangkok foodies once again.  Once featured in Netflix's Chef’s Table, chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and chef Dylan Jones, founders of Bo.lan, focus on elevating Thai cuisine in a home setting. Different from the typical fine dining format, samrub courses – a set of Thai food including soup, curry, meat and rice served at the same time – promote a culture of eating together like a Thai family dinner. Try it for yourself by booking a seat for either the Bo.lan Brief (10 servings; B3,980), the Bo.lan Balance (13 servings; B4,600) or the Bo.lan Feast (15 servings; B4,800), each set equally sure to impress. Local cuisines of Thailand show their characteristics in this restaurant, from dishes using salty cured fish from Isan (northeastern) to southern Thai curry and central Thailand’s chilli jam-coated rice, inspired by a recipe from the early 1900s.  Pair the food with a menu of signature drinks, each with its own rustic flair, such as taking flavours from ya dong – a woody, spicy Thai liquor. Finish off the experience with a generous serving of Thai-style desserts that you can pick and choose from. The wooden home in which Bo.lan is set is a warming change of scene from the busy Sukhumvit Road. It is adorned with classic local decorations that further help to set the scene. There’s even crafted souvenirs at the front door if you’d like a take-home memento. In 2

Save some room on your bookshelf as Book Expo Thailand 2024 returns to Bangkok on October 10-20. To celebrate the build-up to Halloween, this year's theme is 'Read Until the Next Life'. On Oct 19, from midday to 2 pm, you can dress up as a ghost and enter the 'Ghosts from Books' costume contest for a chance to win a total of B45,000 in prizes. With over 300 publishers expected, you can expect to find mountains of Thai nonfiction and fiction in every genre imaginable. For global bookworms, there will also be international stalls offering books in English, Chinese and many other languages. Grab some discounted books and hopefully finish them before the next year’s fair. As well as books, you can queue up to have your favourite authors sign your books or listen to talks by writers and Thai thought leaders. The full line-up is not yet available, but stay tuned here. Taking place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.