Apart from the world-renowned delicious Thai food, Bangkok is also home to a huge variety of Chinese food and restaurants. Some of Bangkok’s oldest and most famous eateries are located in Chinatown and the historic Phra Nakhon District. Find dim sum for everyone, refined Cantonese, Peking duck with a view, and spicy fare from Sichuan.
Here's where to eat Chinese food in Bangkok from the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2022 edition.
Yu Ting Yuan (one MICHELIN Star)
This lavish venue fuses classical Chinese with contemporary designs. Expansive windows look out on to a reflective pool which comes to life at night with the illumination of contemporary artworks. The Chinese chef has worked with his team for several years and has honed a refined cooking style that emphasises nuance of flavour and strikes the right balance of oil. The Peking duck is a highlight while the dim sum, barbecue and live seafood are all impressive.
Address: 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa, 10120 Bangkok. Tel. +66 2032 0888
Mei Jiang (MICHELIN-listed)
Overlooking the lush gardens of The Peninsula Hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Mei Jiang – which means beautiful river – is an elegant Cantonese restaurant. Classic Chinese delights are prepared by an experienced chef from Hong Kong, and the staff are consummate professionals. Dim sum is a highlight and the “Health” set menu satisfies both the stomach and body and is a speciality of the chef.
Address: 333 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2020 6913
S.B.L. (Bib Gourmand)
After 50 years, this Chinese restaurant was remodelled by the second-generation owner who is keen to make every aspect of the dining experience pleasurable. The menu features mostly traditional Chinese fare with a few creations that show novel twists. Stewed fish maw in gravy and X.O. scallops are among the recommended items. Quality ingredients handled with skill and experience is the formula that guarantees a good meal here.
Address: 710-714 Maha Chai Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2225 9079
Sanyod (Sathon-Bang Rak) (Bib Gourmand)
This tiny noodle shop tucked away in a small alley has attracted a loyal fan base for over 50 years with its tasty Thai-Cantonese fare. Regulars come for the chargrilled roast duck marinated with a secret sauce from the shop’s founder. Egg noodles get a boost in egg content for extra fluffiness. There are four branches in town and this one is the original shop that seats only 25 people but it has extended to a restaurant on the opposite side of the street.
Address: 89 Soi Charat Wiang, Si Lom, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2234 7968
Nan Bei (MICHELIN-listed)
Nan Bei means ‘south’ and ‘north’ so it’s no surprise to discover that this restaurant specialises in China’s southern and northern regions, from where the recipes come and ingredients are flown in. Braised abalone and braised pork belly shouldn’t be missed, though the prized item is Peking duck. Sit at the counter to see the chefs at work or to watch the birds being roasted over lychee wood. Lunchtime dim sum is also worth exploring.
Address: 1041/38 Phloen Chit Road, Lumphini, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2080 0080
Chef Man (Sathon) (MICHELIN-listed)
Hong Kong born chef Man Wai Yi has earned a reputation in town for his Cantonese cuisine and consistently good quality dim sum. The Peking duck is legendary, but you'll need to call and order one day in advance; other standout dishes include the Chef Man style Wagyu short ribs. Chef Man is particularly keen on producing an authentic "home-style" cuisine – which is no real surprise as each station in his kitchen is manned by chefs from Hong Kong.
Address: 33/1 Sathon Tai Road, Yannawa, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2212 3741
Reunros (Rama 3) (MICHELIN-listed)
When Ruenros opened 40+ years ago, its owner came from a medical background, hence the focus on herbal and medicinal braised dishes. The 3rd generation heir now runs it and he chooses all the market fresh ingredients himself every day. Specialties include spring rolls using a family recipe, stir-fried goat with celery, fried rice with salted fish and slow-cooked soup, which is packed with flavour. For dessert, try the taro purée with sticky rice.
Address: 762/2 Rama 3 Road, Bang Pong Pang, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2295 2610
Dai Lou (MICHELIN-listed)
Imagine eating in the home of a powerful Hong Kong mogul (or “Dai Lou” in Cantonese), as seen in the movies. That’s the concept of this Ari restaurant, where the cuisine and décor reflect modern Chinese tastes as well as its rich history. Here abacuses are hung on the wall and become art, and traditional dishes are reworked using new cooking techniques. Among them, the scallops in orange sauce and the pan-fried turnip cake in X.O. sauce are especially recommended.
Address: 77 Soi Phahonyothin 5, Phahonyothin Road, Sam Sen Nai, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2103 6566
Wah Lok (MICHELIN-listed)
Following three successful decades in a five-star hotel, Wah Lok boasts a strong following and several awards; it now also has its first branch outside Singapore. The mix of modern and classic interior is elegant in style, with a finely carpeted dining area below a high ceiling. The artistically plated food is high in quality, using premium imports such as lobster from Boston and Australian beef. The Peking duck skin is excellently prepared with a thin crispy texture.
Address: 491 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2090 7888
Koa Chun Huad (Bib Gourmand)
For more than five decades, Koa Chun Huad, with its simple interior, has been attracting throngs of locals on the Thonburi side. Named after the chef-owner who has worked in many a kitchen in Chinatown, it serves classic Thai-Chinese flavours. Every dish impresses but the highlights are the boiled pork slices, perfectly complemented by a soybean sauce; and the Chinese vegetable stew with an alluring amalgam of sweet and bitter natural flavours.
Address: Soi Somdet Phrachao Taksin 34 (Kobo), Bukkhalo, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2 468 2383
Yih Sahp Luhk (26 Braised Beef) (Si Kak Phraya Sri) (MICHELIN-listed)
Yih Sahp Luhk may mean “easy to cook” in Cantonese, but its dishes are also easy to eat, and you could imagine enjoying them every day. Chef Tee builds on recipes from his father’s famed noodle shop to create his own take on classic beef-noodle shop fare, plus beef soup, rice bowls, appetizers and salad. His signature dish, Braised Short Ribs Rice Pot, is excellent, as is the Wang Burapa Rice Bowl. Non-beef items, including scallops and pork, are also available.
Address: 19/1-2 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Bangkok. Tel. +66 6 2545 9293
Jok's Kitchen (Yaowarat) (MICHELIN-listed)
In the debate between quality and quantity, this Thai-Chinese spot hidden in a wet market sides with quality. Starting with a single table, it has since expanded to five. The skilled chef, whose family has sold crabs for over 80 years, sources quality ingredients to create an Omakase set menu which he cooks chef’s table-style. The shrimp wonton, deep-fried snow fish with soy sauce and stir-fried kale with salted halibut are recommended. Booking is mandatory.
Address: 23 Soi Charoen Krung 21, Phlapphla Chai Road, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2221 4075
Somboon Seafood (Surawong) (MICHELIN-listed)
Fried curry crab allegedly put this legendary seafood chain on the global culinary map back in 1969. Known for fresh ingredients, impeccable cooking and reasonable prices, it now has seven branches around town and this is the biggest one, seating up to 200 people. Apart from the must-order crab dish, try prawns and glass noodles in clay pots and garlic fried mantis shrimps. Set menus are available for parties of more than 10.
Address: 169, 169/7-12 Surawong Road, Suriyawong, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2233 3104
Lukkaithong (The Emquartier) (MICHELIN-listed)
The restaurant has a rooster theme, because it’s the zodiac sign of the owner’s father. You’ll hear a rooster crow every time a customer rings the bell for service. The menu is basically Chinese cooking with a Thai twist and the signature Hakkanese dish Kao Yok (stewed pork belly with pickled vegetables) takes two days to make. The shaved ice dessert (Pang Cha Royal Thai Tea) is hugely popular and can be ordered at the Fucheer Lounge outside.
Address: 693 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. Tel. +66 2003 6301
Konchong Konprung (Bib Gourmand)
The menu at this Chinese comfort food spot traces back to family gatherings the owners attended in their youth. Cherished recipes from those gatherings, plus fresh creations from the chef, are served in a warm, inviting space accented with a homely décor and nostalgic Chinese posters. A highlight is the pickled plum and garlic soup with minced pork balls, which brings together enticing herbal aromas and complex flavours with satisfyingly textured pork balls.
Address: 109 Soi Inthamara 3, Sutthisan Road, Sam Sen Nai, Bangkok. Tel. +66 9 7251 8178
