One of the most discussed topics in Bangkok’s culinary scene is where to find the best Pad Thai in Bangkok.
There are different opinions on whether creating a list of the best Pad Thai dishes in town is possible. Some argue that it’s not possible due to the vast availability of the dish. Others provide specific addresses instead of place names, acknowledging that street food is the best option. Lastly, some are lost, hungry, and looking for guidance on where to find the best Pad Thai in Bangkok.
It’s safe to assume that our roundup is tailored for those who love Pad Thai, one of Thai cuisine’s most well-known and adored dishes. This dish is popular among tourists and locals and can easily be found everywhere in Bangkok. But where do you start if you want to try the best Pad Thai in the city? We’ve got you covered with a guide to some of the most recommended places that are easy for anyone to try, whether you’re new to the dish or a seasoned Pad Thai enthusiast.
Consider it a starting point or a fail-safe list to check off, with various options to suit different tastes. The famous chef Pad Thai? Natural wine pairing for your Pad Thai? Vegetarian options? They have it all. You can fight us on this list, but Pad Thai is for everyone.
Where to find the best Pad Thai in Bangkok
Thipsamai
Definitely the most mainstream, best known, and arguably the most legendary of all Pad Thai places in Bangkok, Thipsamai is an institution. It is very famous for its Pad Thai, which claims to be the oldest Pad Thai restaurant in the country (a reputation that dates back to before WWII). These days, beyond the massive queues, you can find a varied and classic menu here, including traditional, vegetarian, and shrimp Pad Thai, as well as ‘Pad Thai Song Krung’ made with fresh deep sea prawns, crab meat, sliced calamari and sliced mango. They even sell ready-to-cook Pad Thai sauce and cooking kits for diners to take away.
There’s an outdoor seating area for those who prefer to eat their Pad Thai with a little fresh air, as well as a takeaway section if you have limited time. The vibe here at Thipsamai is very much old-school Bangkok with a communal atmosphere and a long history of authenticity. The restaurant now has two branches, both located in the old city of Bangkok, near the temples of Rattanakosin. Whether you’re a Pad Thai novice or a devotee, you definitely should make a visit to Thipsamai to experience Bangkok’s legendary Pad Thai.
Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu
With a Michelin Bib Gourmand mention for four years in a row, most Bangkok foodies will agree that Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu is the best Pad Thai restaurant in the city. The brainchild of celebrity chef Andy Yang, the dishes here are classics, made with premium ingredients, and will satisfy even the snobbish city dweller. Homemade rice noodles, organic duck eggs, and Berkshire pork (you might know it as Kurobuta) are the game’s stars here, with grilled pork neck, crispy pork belly, and giant grilled prawns topping off each meal. dish. Luckily, beyond Dinsor Road, you can find Andy Yang’s Pad Thai at Siam Square Soi 10 and Mahanakhon CUBE.
Perfectly cooked to order every time, you can add crushed peanuts, preserved radish, shallots, and even some fresh lime to top off your Pad Thai. This is definitely the kind of Pad Thai you want to savor slowly and enjoy every bite. Of course, it also helps that the restaurant has an inviting atmosphere with vibrant interior design that makes it seem more like a cozy home than a commercial eatery. All in all, it’s no wonder that Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu has earned its reputation as the best Pad Thai spot in Bangkok.
Baan Phad Thai
Baan Phad Thai literally translates to “house of Pad Thai.” It is located in charming Charoenkrung and is run by Michelin-starred Chef Aom, Saawaan’s leading lady. Made with an 18-ingredient secret sauce, the Pad Thai here uses sen jan rice noodles, and features interesting toppings such as fresh blue swimmer crab, grilled pork, and grilled chicken. The interiors here are decorated with old Ayutthaya wooden partitions, with nods to the old days in the form of commemorative paintings and photographs on the walls. A good setting for Pad Thai with equally satisfying dishes to satisfy.
The menu here is extensive, so there’s something for everyone’s taste. Whether it be vegan, vegetarian, or meat and fish dishes, you have the freedom to choose. The Fried Morning Glory and Stir Fried Pork Noodles are must-try dishes that go well with the Pad Thai. For those looking to be adventurous, the Tom Yum Pad Thai is a refreshing option that features a sweet-and-sour flavour with the fragrant smell of lemongrass. If you’re looking for an authentic Pad Thai experience, Baan Phad Thai is definitely the place to be.
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Pad Thai Mae Am
Pad Thai Mae Am has been around for over 30 years and serves traditional Pad Thai made from local ingredients. Placed on a banana leaf and wrapped in egg, the Pad Thai here is a true classic, and much loved above all for its noodles. Located along Rama IV, come to Pad Thai Mae Am for the noodles, but definitely stay for the desserts as well – they have mango and durian sticky rice, just to name a few.
Pad Thai Mae Am also offers some more unique dishes, such as Pad No Moo Grob – crispy pork crackling with stir-fried noodles, or Khao Moo Grob Tim Krob – BBQ pork on rice topped with crispy fried pork crackling. These dishes are a perfect addition to your meal, as they are freshly prepared and provide the perfect combination of sweet and savory. With its variety of Pad Thais and Thai-style desserts, Pad Thai Mae Am is a local favorite for all kinds of meals.
Pad Thai Aree
For when you’re looking for convenience, stop by Pad Thai Aree and check out their interesting Pad Thai menu. They have vegetarian, chicken, and shrimp options, but also a host of other toppings to go with your noodles. These include crispy wontons, fried mussel pancakes, and even oyster omelette, for a unique interpretation of the classic Thai dish. Something for those with an adventurous palate, or just craving something different.
Aside from these savory options, Pad Thai Aree also offers a selection of traditional Thai desserts such as mango sticky rice and fried bananas. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to try their signature sweet and savory combination, Pad Thai Panang. It’s a delicious balancing act of sweet and sour, and it’s sure to leave you wanting more.
Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar
We’re ending our list with arguably the most stylish of the lot. Run by chef Ton de Le Du and his brother Tam, Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar specializes in Pad Thai and Khao Soi, along with a great selection of natural wines. Beneath the sultry red lights, enjoy your Pad Thai here with grilled pork jowl, wagyu beef or jumbo river prawns. Mayrai has also more recently opened a second branch on Wireless Road, inside Chef Ton’s other casual Thai restaurant, Baan.
Baan infuses an eclectic fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine, offering a variety of dishes that move between Europe, Japan and Thailand. But if you’re just looking for good, traditional Pad Thai, Mayrai is the perfect place to experience some of Bangkok’s best. Whether you’re searching for re-imagined Thai classics or some street-food favorites, Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar is definitely worth a visit.
