When we are fortunate enough to live in a city that allows a one or two hour drive to some of the freshest crabs and shellfish, with the crashing waves as part of the entrée, we become accustomed to constantly having the best access to seafood.
But what about those days when it’s just easier to be in Bangkok, but the rich, flavoursome catch of the day cravings have to be satisfied? We have compiled a series of Bangkok’s leading seafood establishments, and we hope to catch you by the fish tank.
Prai Raya (Bib Gourmand)
A Bangkok branch of the Phuket staple, best known for eclectic, colourful southern home cooking such as the crab packed yellow curry bowl and the ‘can’t go wrong’ bai liang vegetable stir-fried with chunks of omelette, best served with a steaming plate of rice. This place is perfect for classic southern dishes, to be paired with wine and enjoyed on their outdoor garden, or simply with the other Thais in the main dining room.
Recommended dish: Yellow curry crab with noodles
59 Soi Sukhumvit 8, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Je Ngor (Michelin Plate)
This is where you come for the three C’s: crab, comfort and consistency. Whilst there are several branches of Je Ngor scattered across Bangkok, the branch on Sukhumvit 20 holds a special place for us. Thai-Chinese style seafood dishes such as the meaty black pepper crab, the whole steamed fish or regardless of your choice, Je Ngor is best enjoyed with a bigger group, such as a family dinner or a catch up with friends, over crab of course.
Recommended dish: Black pepper crab
68/2 Soi Sukhumvit 20, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, 10110
Somboon Seafood, Surawong (Michelin Plate)
Somboon Seafood on Surawong stands proudly right on the main road and has evolved into somewhat of an institution. The chain has been around since 1969, legendary for its take on Thai-Chinese seafood dishes such as crab in a claypot with glass noodles, and fried curry crab, known to ignite the taste buds in even the most reluctant seafood diner. Somboon can seat approximately 200 people, but its efficient service even during their busiest hours is a testament to how meticulously they’ve perfected their craft.
Recommended dish: Fried curry crab for the table
169/7-12 Surawong Rd.,Surawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Sornthong (Michelin Plate)
It’s difficult to miss Sornthong. Just seek out the yellow sign with ‘seafood’ laminated in glowing green and crowds with steaming platters of seafood splashed across their tables.
Affordable and consistently delicious, don’t be fooled by the casual interior. Sornthong is one of the best places in town for high quality chilli crab, oysters, stir-fried clams and fresh juicy prawns.
Gather a group of friends who are ready to feast and over order, drink bottles of iced cold beer and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty with the crabs - the hand scrub at home will be worth it.
Recommended dishes: Pepper crab best enjoyed with a plate of mixed fried rice
Rama 4 Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Hia Wan Khao Tom Pla (Bib Gourmand)
In the case of comfort food cravings, look no further for a cosy yet energetic shophouse situated in the bustling street food haven on Chan Road. You’ll find fellow eaters hunched over stools, focused on the bowls of boiled rice with generous chunks of white fish meat. The must-try dish is surely its namesake, khao tom pla, but if you still have an appetite, go ahead and order other favorites such as woonsen glass noodles with steamed prawns or the yum dish (Thai salad) with mixed vegetables, prawns and some spices for good measure.
Recommended dish: Can’t go wrong with the khao tom pla signature dish
2 Thanon Chan, Khwaeng Thung Wat Don, Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120
Octo Seafood Bar
For something slightly different, or occasions like a birthday or date and you’d like to dress up a little, head over to the newest kid on the Sukhumvit block to Octo on Soi 24. An upscale, fresh seafood (literally, there’s live fish to see in the tanks) joint that also doubles as a place to drink till late.
Standout dishes here include the fresh seafood tower, mud crab, garlic sprinkled crab, to name a few. The atmosphere is lively, and people are still discovering the place. Our take on a Saturday night? A bottle of white and a side of fresh oysters, please.
Recommended dish: Seafood cold platter
88/22 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand
