Top 5 Food Places to Try on Banthat Thong Road, Bangkok

Banthat Thong Road, once known for its clothing shops and car accessories, has recently transformed into Bangkok’s hottest street food destination. Drawing comparisons to Yaowarat (Chinatown) for its vibrant food scene, this trendy neighbourhood is now a must-visit for food lovers, offering a diverse array of delicious treats. 

After the pandemic, the area experienced a revitalisation, becoming a food hub thanks to a collaboration between Chulalongkorn University Property Management Office and local vendors. Today, tourists and locals alike flock to Banthat Thong to enjoy authentic Thai, Chinese, and Japanese dishes. Okay, enough yapping: Here are the top 5 food spots that perfectly capture the essence of this thriving street food paradise!

Also read: 5-Day Thailand Itinerary to Bangkok and Hua Hin for First-Timers

1. Sane Larb Koi: Isaan Flavours That Pack a Punch

Address: 11 Chula 20, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11pm, Daily

If you’re after a spicy food fix, Sane Larb Koi is your go-to spot. This beloved Isaan restaurant is packed with bold, aromatic flavours and is a favourite among Chula students (it’s practically a rite of passage). Dive into their som tum (green papaya salad), larb (spicy minced meat salad), and nam tok (grilled beef salad). Not feeling too adventurous? Their sua rong hai beef and soi juu are just as tasty! Grab some friends, order a bunch of dishes, and enjoy the heat.

2. Jae Keang: Stewed Duck and Spicy Dishes Galore

Address: 679 Banthat Thong Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11.30pm, Daily

Who doesn’t love a comforting plate of Thai-Chinese food? At Jae Keang, you’ll find hearty dishes that are perfect for a chill night out. Their stewed duck is a must-order, but don’t stop there. Order the bamboo shoots in stir-fried crab curry, water spinach in soy sauce, and baked chicken wings in a clay pot for the full experience. This place is all about the perfect balance of spice, savoury, and a dash of sweet.

3. Elvis Suki: Classic Sukiyaki with a Twist

Address: 1456 Banthat Thong Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Opening Hours: 3.30pm – Midnight, Daily

When it comes to sukiyaki, Elvis Suki is legendary. Serving up a rich, smoky broth with a secret sauce (shh, it’s a family recipe), this place has been a staple in Bangkok for decades. Expect tender meat, fresh veggies, and a perfect blend of flavours. It’s so good that there’s often a queue during peak hours, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. Grab a seat, dig into your hot pot, and let the warmth of this iconic dish wrap around you.

4. Jek Meng Hainanese Chicken Rice: Chicken Rice That’ll Steal Your Heart

Address: 112/1-3 Thanon Charat Mueang, Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Opening Hours: 6.30am – 7pm, Daily

For a taste of something comforting and familiar, Jek Meng Hainanese Chicken Rice hits the spot. This place has been serving up mouthwatering Hainanese chicken rice for over 50 years. The “two-colours” chicken rice features both boiled and fried chicken, offering the perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness. Paired with aromatic rice and a tasty bowl of bitter gourd soup, this dish will quickly become your favourite comfort food.

TripZilla Tip: Get the “two-colours” chicken rice for the best of both worlds: Crispy and tender, all on one plate!

5. Jeh Wan: Sweet Dreams Are Made of This

Address: 1700 Banthat Thong Road, Khwaeng Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Opening Hours: 1.45pm – 11.30pm, Monday-Saturday

Craving something sweet to finish off your meal? Jeh Wan is where you’ll want to go. Offering a wide variety of Thai-Chinese desserts, you can customise your sweet treat just the way you like it: Hot or cold, with fruits, beans, tofu pudding, or even in longan juice or milk. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never have a dull dessert moment here. It’s cheap, cheerful, and oh-so-tasty. Oh, and did I mention this is one of Lisa from BLACKPINK’s favourite dessert joints?

A Food Lover’s Paradise Awaits on Banthat Thong Road

Once known for its commercial offerings, Banthat Thong Road has evolved into a vibrant Bangkok street food haven, attracting both locals and tourists alike. From spicy Isaan flavours at Sane Larb Koi to comforting sukiyaki at Elvis Suki, and sweet delights at Jeh Wan, this neighbourhood offers something for every palate.

As the area continues to grow in popularity, it’s clear that Banthat Thong has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers in Bangkok. So, what are you waiting for? On your next trip to Bangkok, gather your friends or bring a date, and explore the culinary wonders that await on this bustling street!

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