Must Try Food in Bangkok
Khao Gaeng Hia Hee
We arrived in Thailand at night, so we tried to get an early start on our first day in Bangkok. Before everything opened, we headed to Khao Gaeng Hia Hee, a small stall on a random road in Bangkok’s Chinatown. We found this place through Mark Wiens, a legendary food travel vlogger who is our first source of amazing food when traveling. Mark is based in Thailand, so we really trusted his expertise when we rolled up on this absolute hole in the wall.
Thankfully, the food was amazing. We ordered a classic Thai breakfast of yellow curry. It came in a few styles, one with noodles, and another with slow-cooked beef tenderloin and rice. I didn’t know what to expect, but we were happily blown away with amazing savory goodness. It was the perfect start to our Bangkok food adventure.
Jeng Kung Fish Ball Noodle
Tucked away in one of the smallest alleys I’ve ever seen in Chinatown is Jeng Kung Fish Ball Noodle. This is quite literally a hole in a wall, with a microscopic kitchen and a few tiny tables. It was so intimate that we decided not to take pictures to bother the staff. Jeng Kung a popular spot for tourists in Bangkok because of its quaint atmosphere and amazing food. They make their fish balls fresh every day, and while the noodles were good the fish balls were the best we’ve ever had.
If you aren’t used to Asian cuisine, you might not know what a fish ball or fish cake is. These little balls are made with fish paste, starch, and seasoning, and are usually deep-fried or boiled. They turn into little bombs of seafood goodness in your mouth. This was definitely one of the most hidden and tiny shops we’ve been to, but we are so glad we decided to take the risk.
Manpai Sainam
Bubble in the Forest is a viral Instagram restaurant with a massive blue pool and individual pods to eat inside. There are hundreds of posts of influencers going here, so we had to check it out. It was a long taxi ride away from the city, so when we finally got there we were confused because it looked a little different in person. It turns out, that our taxi driver did not drop us off at Bubble in the Forest, but rather at Manpai Sainam, a nearly identical restaurant only a few minutes around the corner. By the time we realized the mistake it was too late and we had already ordered food.
We decided to stick around because it seemed very similar to Bubble in the Forest, and we had the place entirely to ourselves. We took some nice pictures in our hut and on the dock. In the end, it looked almost identical so we weren’t complaining. Luckily the food was shockingly good. We got a few lemonade-style drinks and crispy fried pork. The pork was amazingly crunchy and juicy, with great flavor and texture. We were a little bummed when we realized we were at the wrong place, but the food definitely made up for it, and the environment was great as well. Regardless of which cafe you decide to visit, you’re probably going to have a good time.
Cabbages and Condoms
You read the name right, this business is based on condoms. Before you freak out, this wild restaurant’s story is uplifting. As Thailand’s economy boomed in the 80’s and 90’s, so did its population. During this time there was a lack of birth control and sexual health information, leading to unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Cabbages and Condoms was established to help spread awareness of sexual health.Â
The restaurant is completely decked out in condom-theming. There are mannequins with condom clothing, condom lamps, and a condom craft gift shop. Instead of mints, you’re encouraged to take a condom at the end of your visit. While it seems a little weird, there’s nothing overtly sexual or crude about the restaurant, so it felt surprisingly classy for what it is.
As for the food, I ordered a tom yum and Yemisi had the pork pad Thai. It wasn’t world-class, but it was way better than I expected coming from the condom restaurant. They have a huge menu with lots of options, and we saw lots of families even with young children enjoying the atmosphere. Thankfully, instead of being gross and kitschy, it was oddly charming. Additionally, their message is uplifting, promoting health and family planning, so we have to give Cabbages and Condoms a thumbs up!
Pad Thai Kratong Thong
How could we go to Thailand without getting pad Thai? You may know that this dish was invented purposefully in the 1930s to build a sense of national unity in cuisine. We’re so glad they did because pad Thai is one of the world’s greatest noodle dishes. This was our first taste of Thai food in the country, and it did not disappoint.
We started off strong with pad Thai Kratong Thong. The dish was cooked perfectly, and we were already smiling from ear to ear. Here they serve the pad Thai in a sort of fried waffle cone bowl thing, which I don’t think is traditional but is so good. Of course, we had to get mango sticky rice as well. This popular dessert is simple yet perfect, with sliced mango and steamed rice with sweetened condensed milk. Don’t worry, you’ll see plenty more mango sticky rice when we get to Phuket. This place ended up being some of the best food we had in Bangkok.
Factory Coffee
Factory Coffee is one of the biggest specialty coffee shops in Thailand. They have a wide selection of some of the highest quality beans in the world, having just recently won the 2025 Thailand roasting championship. As soon as we arrived, we knew it was legit from the massive line winding outside the door. After a 45-minute wait, we finally got to order and were impressed with their interesting and comprehensive menu.
I ordered a pour over and the White Citrus, an infused coffee with citrus and milk, and Yemisi ordered the Honic, a honey citrus tonic with cinnamon. All of our drinks were incredible, with an attention to detail you would never get at a chain like Starbucks. I usually get a pour over, but after seeing the high-quality signature drinks menu I decided to get both. Even though it was packed, if you’re a real coffee lover I think a stop by Factory is well worth the wait.
Holey Artisan Bakery
Yemisi found this bakery on Instagram and since we were in the area we decided to visit. We heard that they have amazing sourdough, and since it’s hard to get sourdough where we live, we knew we needed a sandwich. They also have delicious bakery items of course, so we picked up a chocolate cake as well. I hadn’t had a normal sandwich in so long, and it was shockingly refreshing for how simple it was. If you’re in Bangkok and missing a Western lunch, I can vouch for Holey Artisan Bakery.
Paga
Yet another specialty coffee shop was just around the corner from Holey. I got a tropical cold brew, and Yemisi ordered the rose lemonade. The drinks were great, and we arrived as they were roasting upstairs which smelled heavenly. We really liked the interior of Paga, as it has a very soft rounded aesthetic and pure white walls. If you’re choosing a shop for vibes, we think Paga wins over Factory, however, both had top-class coffee.
Crackhouse
First off, A+ name. Crackhouse is a breakfast place with two locations in Bangkok. We decided to stop by before we left the city. I got a crack griddle, a sort of egg McMuffin thing. Yemisi got a chorizo breakfast burrito. Both were top-notch and very filling. It was a great way to start the day and fuel ourselves for our next day in Phuket.
Final Thoughts
You just can’t go wrong with food in Bangkok. Whether it’s pad Thai, tom yum, or Chinese, this city has you covered. There are endless restaurants and stalls to explore, and I can’t wait to visit again and explode my stomach on the worlds best food.
Check out our Travel Diary
