Acclaimed chef David Thompson lists his top 10 favourite eateries in Bangkok.
#1 Oyster Omelette
Located in Chinatown, this is my favourite place of all in Bangkok. It’s absolutely scrumptious!
#2 Yaowarat Road Durian
Also in Chinatown, opposite Dtalart Gao, which means “old market”, this place has the best durians in town, especially the long-stalked ones, known as garn yao. Durian is one of my favourite meals, hands down.
#3 Appia
On Sukhumvit Soi 31, this is one of my favourite places to eat when I get bored with Thai food. It’s a delicious Roman trattoria that’s worth negotiating the Bangkok traffic for.
#4 Or Tor Kor (OTK) Market
In Thanon Kamphaengphet, this is quite the tourist trap, but still terrific, open every day from about 10am and closing around 4pm. You can ride the sky train or BTR underground there, but a taxi is much easier. It has some of the best produce in Bangkok. You can source fantastic meats, including sausages and grilled pork, as well as curries. They also have the most refreshing, fresh sugar cane juice, made using rollers. There’s also an Aladdin’s Cave of fruit with some of the best lychees in the world.
#5 Soi linchi
Behind the Metropolitan Hotel, this place serves absolutely delicious pad see ew – stir-fried rice noodles with egg, pork and Chinese broccoli.
#6 Sam Yan Market
This local market has lots of fresh vegetables, great fish and food shops. It’s where to eat in the daytime.
#7 Baan Klang Nam
In Bangkok Square at Jatujak Market on Rama III Road. This place has great seafood that is simple and delicious, especially the deep-fried grouper with fish sauce.
#8 Siam Paragon
Shopping malls should not always be disdained and there are some surprisingly good restaurants at Siam Paragon on Rama I Road. Four Season does amazing roast duck, and on the fourth floor, there is a great beef noodle place.
#9 Nahm at Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok
Of course I’ll recommend my own restaurant. But if you don’t eat here, try Bo.lan on Sukhumvit Soi 53. They change their menu often, but there is a always something fantastic to eat.
#10 Krua Apsorn
Just up from the National library on Samsen Road, Apsorn’s Kitchen serves some of the best Thai street food in the world. I believe they have the best crab, stir-fried in curry powder. It’s always busy for a reason – you won’t find fresher food!