Bangkok, the culinary capital of the world, tantalises taste buds with its never-ending vibrant food scene. From sizzling street food to MICHELIN Starred restaurants, the city offers an unrivalled gastronomic experience. The Thai capital also offers affordability and makes it accessible to all, with hidden gems and local eateries serving up delicious fare at wallet-friendly prices.
If you're seeking a delectable dining experience without breaking the bank, we got you. Here are five budget-friendly gems in and around Bangkok that are recently awarded a Bib Gourmand recognition in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023. Plus, what our inspectors have to say about each place.
What to order? Let’s find out in this video.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
83/3 Phuttha Monthon Sai 2 Road, Sala Thammasop, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok
Kin Kub Koi
The chef-owner here knows seafood. Not only does her family run a wholesale seafood business, but she also ran the previous incarnation of this place in Samut Sakhon for years before moving it here. The results are skilfully cooked dishes made from choice seafood, like standouts grilled river prawns and stir-fried crab with bitter beans and shrimp paste. Two dining zones (with and without AC) are available; both face a leafy courtyard.What to order: Rice with crab meat, milk-steamed crab with roe, kaeng som, grilled river prawns.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
171 Chan Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok
Tang Jai Yang
Tang Jai Yang’s chef started cooking char siu, or Cantonese-style barbecue pork, for family and friends before selling it online. There, it went viral, so he opened this understated place. Since almost every dish on the menu contains succulent pork, you can’t really go wrong.What to order: Pork ribs, char siu, egg noodles, wok-fried rice with assorted vegetables.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
1076 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Samlor
Samlor means ‘tricycle’ in Thai and a traditional one hangs outside this cosy restaurant. Inside the loft-style space, chef Napol creates flavoursome, well-presented elevated Thai cuisine inspired by local street food with specially selected ingredients. They also have a la carte menu, including cut of the day (main course of the day) and catch of the day (fish menu of the day) available. Guests need to check with the chef at the spot what they specially have on that day. The seasonal tasting menu (advance booking required) is also delightful.What to order: Thai omelette, stir-fried braised Nong Khai wagyu beef with Thai basil.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
39 Chaloem Phrakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Soi 9, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok
Baan Pee Lek
Step inside this Northern and Central Thai restaurant hidden on a side street in Prawet District and you enter a charming dining room adorned with an old-fashioned wooden European decor. Opening the menu reveals dishes, many of which are unavailable elsewhere, that honour the owners’ birthplaces, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Highlights include stir-fried beef with Massaman curry served with a puffy croissant, Yam Luang Prabang and fried minced pork with salted mackerel.What to order: Stir-fried pork ribs with massaman curry, stir-fried diced pork with spicy Isan sauce, Yam Luang Prabang, fried minced pork with salted mackerel.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
251 Sukhumvit Road, Thai Ban Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan, Samut Prakan
Krua Boonlert Bangpu
Almost as vast as nearby Ancient Siam, this canal-side restaurant has several dining areas, including a wedding-ready dining room, high-ceilinged pavilion and large terrace. The food is mostly central Thai, with some Thai-Chinese and Isan dishes thrown in. The chef selects quality ingredients and prepares them well, in dishes like fried shrimp with tamarind sauce and Chinese-banquet favourites like stewed duck with brown gravy. Live music spices things up at dinner.What to order: Fried shrimp with tamarind sauce, stewed duck with brown gravy, red curry with river snails, Thai winged bean salad.
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Learn more about Chang’s Spirit of Lamiat at www.changbeer.com/lamiat
Learn more about Chang’s Spirit of Lamiat at www.changbeer.com/lamiat
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