7 Must-Visit Spots for Food and Drink in Thailand
Thai cuisine is a true symphony of flavors where spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter notes intertwine. Traveling through this sun-drenched country means treating yourself to a culinary exploration at every turn. As you wander, regional specialties reveal themselves: the must-try khao soi (a comforting noodle soup) in the north, the refinement of royal cuisine and jasmine rice in the center, or the fiery curries and generous seafood of the south. And with legendary street food everywhere, it’s impossible to go hungry, no matter the time of day or night.
To guide you on this culinary journey, here is a curated selection of seven exceptional spots, ranging from seafood feasts to contemporary cafés, and vibrant cocktail bars run by passionate entrepreneurs.
1. Charmkrung – Bangkok
Located on bustling Charoen Krung Road, this Thai tapas bar follows in the footsteps of its neighboring big brothers. Co-founder Kiki Sontiyart offers a bold menu that reimagines the local aperitif culture. On the menu: forgotten traditional recipes and playful creations like Thai-style porchetta or pani puri
topped with crab salad. With a late closing time of 11 p.m., it’s the perfect spot for epicurean night owls.
839 Charoen Krung Rd (6th floor)
2. Blackitch Artisan Kitchen – Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is brimming with culinary creativity, blending modern influences, Lan Na heritage, and the traditions of the hill tribes. It is here that Phanuphol Bulsuwan, affectionately known as Chef Black, orchestrates a ten-course tasting menu that evolves with the seasons. His approach? To elevate local ingredients with international techniques. His famous jungle curry (kaeng paa
) is the perfect example: he presents jackfruit in three different textures, served in a taco shell to put a twist on a classic dish from central Thailand.
3. Kaen – Khon Kaen
With ten years of combined experience in the restaurant industry, Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat and Kanyarat "Jib" Thanomsaeng founded this restaurant with a clear philosophy: the ultra-short supply chain. Their menu is a true love letter to Thai classics, elevated by locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in their beef stewed with chestnuts and jackfruit seeds, swimming in a rich massaman sauce, or the sea bass baked en papillote in a broth infused with fresh herbs.
140/64 Soi Adulyaram 3 Nai Mueang
4. Samut – Phuket
If you love the taste of the sea, Samut is a must-visit. The restaurant dedicates its tasting menu to locally caught seafood, enhanced by the bold spices of southern Thailand. Banana shrimp, lobsters, king prawns, and razor clams come together in exquisitely crafted dishes. Be sure to save a little room for tu bo
, a signature Phuket dessert combining tubers and coconut cream.
5. Easterly – Chanthaburi
Under the direction of Khanapong Pumarin, a graphic designer, this spot was conceived as a true neighborhood social club. By day, it’s a welcoming café; by night, the space transforms into a lively bar. The meticulously designed decor, featuring exposed brick, wood paneling, and elegant lighting, has made it a gathering spot for the local youth. The establishment even offers rooms for those looking to extend the evening. And for the record, the café across the street, Cap, is run by the owner’s own sister.
182 Sukhaphiban Rd
6. The Norm – Bangkok
This versatile venue is designed to set the pace for your nights. The atmosphere is in full swing in the Main Hall or on the outdoor terrace dedicated to spritzes. For a more intimate atmosphere, head to the Whispering Room, a speakeasy where you can savor Japanese whiskey to the sound of jazz vinyls. Although located in a high-end complex, founder Sitthan "Turk" Sa-Nguankun wanted to create a relaxed and unpretentious space, from the dress code to the music lineup.
7. House of Suzy – Koh Samui
Seeking a slower pace of life after running multiple businesses in Cambodia, New Zealand entrepreneur William Norbert-Munns settled in Koh Samui in 2021. His hyperactivity quickly took over again with the opening of House of Suzy in the Lamai neighborhood. This cocktail bar, popular with the island’s creative community, offers a glamorous aesthetic reminiscent of mid-20th-century Shanghai, with its burgundy tones and soft lighting. Here, you can enjoy artisanal dim sum while sipping on expertly reimagined mixology classics.