5 best Isaan restaurants in Bangkok
Are you craving bold Isaan flavours? Bangkok has hidden gems that deliver. Isaan food is known for its perfect spicy, sour, and savoury mix, offering a delicious glimpse into the region’s rich culture. From grilled meats to spicy salads, each dish showcases traditional flavours.
Whether you love som tam, larb, or gai yang, Bangkok offers plenty of spots to savour authentic Isaan food without leaving the city. Here are the top 5 Isaan restaurants in Bangkok where you can enjoy an authentic taste of the northeast.
5 best Isaan restaurants in Bangkok
1. Baan E-sarn Muangyos
Address: Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening hours: 5PM to 3AM
Google review rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (1,247 reviews)
What their customers think
| Kyle Schlesinger “Old style authentic Isaan restaurant. This is where you can get the best traditional Thai food at reasonable price! Food is delicious. Would recommend! Always a wait so get a ticket to get in line!” |
Baan E-sarn Muangyos is a relaxed spot in Bangkok known for its genuine northeastern Thai dishes. It’s famous for its spicy Som Tam salad, a must-try for anyone who loves a bit of heat. creates a friendly atmosphere, perfect for late-night dining, as it stays open until 3 AM. The lively, country-style atmosphere adds to its charm, and the menu highlights traditional flavors. Baan E-sarn Muangyos attracts a busy crowd, providing a friendly and simple environment for enjoying genuine Isaan cuisine.
- Must-try food: spicy papaya salad, grilled chicken, grilled pork skewers, spicy minced meat salad, and crispy pork belly.
2. at Isan
Address: 593/25 Soi Sukhumvit 33/1, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening hours: 12PM to 11PM (Wednesday closed)
Google review rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (131 reviews)
What their customers think
| Heidi Merckx “Only discovered this nice small restaurant just before our return flight! Very clean and cosy with very friendly staff. We enjoyed delicious isan food! Pad Thai and fried Rice one of the best we’ve eaten. Highly recommended!” |
at Isan is a top-rated restaurant with an impressive 4.9-star rating. It impresses diners with a wide range of traditional dishes from northeastern Thailand. The menu features spicy salads, grilled meats, and aromatic rice dishes, all highlighting the bold and vibrant flavours of Isaan cuisine. The restaurant focusses on quality and authenticity, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This makes at Isan a favourite among both locals and visitors eager to enjoy the rich tastes of Isan.
- Must-try food: mango sticky rice, spicy duck salad, isaan sausage, and sticky rice with custard.
3. Esaan Nation Kitchen
Address: 390/1 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Opening hours: 10AM to 2AM
Google review rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (634 reviews)
What their customers think
| Sunaina Sabanani “Amazing food !! From the outside you wouldn’t be so sure of the food. But trust me it’s a cute small authentic Thai place with delicious food.” |
Esaan Nation Kitchen stands out for its vibrant, authentic Isan dishes. It serves a range of traditional foods, highlighting the bold flavours of northeastern Thailand. Diners can savour spicy salads, grilled meats, and aromatic rice dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients, for a standout meal. The restaurant’s lively vibe makes it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. By prioritising quality and authenticity, Esaan Nation Kitchen delivers a true taste of Isan cuisine, satisfying any craving for its unique flavours.
- Must-try food: spicy papaya salad, minced meat salad, grilled chicken, grilled pork neck, and isaan sausage.
4. Jaekoy
Address: Yupin Apartment Building 362/2-3 between 14 Phetchaburi 12 Alley, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
Opening hours: 10AM to 3AM
Google review rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,523 reviews)
What their customers think
| S Yeoh “Very reasonable price. Not so crowd and the food serve fast. Tomyum kung is really taste great. Will come again to try other dishes. Recommended” |
Jaekoy is a popular restaurant known for its authentic Isaan flavours. It offers a diverse menu that showcases the bold and vibrant tastes of northeastern Thailand. The restaurant has a casual, semi-indoor setting that creates a relaxed dining experience. Try their signature dishes like yum pla dook fu, a deep-fried minced codfish served with a refreshing green mango salad, or the spicy tom zaab soup made with kaffir lime and lemongrass. With generous portions and affordable prices, Jaekoy is a great choice for anyone craving genuine Isaan food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Must-try food: Isaan-style seafood salad, spicy grilled shrimp, and deep-fried fish with mango salad.
5. Loong Yai Thai Esarn
Address: 532 Thanon Asok – Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400
Opening hours: 11AM to 10PM
Google review rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (531 reviews)
What their customers think
| Zashnain “Loong Yai Thai Esarn (ลุงใหญ่ ไทย อีสาน) is a gem for authentic Thai cuisine. Having visited multiple times, I can attest to the exceptionally efficient, quick, and polite service. The restaurant’s popularity among locals is a testament to its quality. The food is superb, bursting with fresh flavours, and the desserts are refreshingly sweet. Each visit has been a delightful experience, with consistent five-star service and dishes that never disappoint. I strongly recommend Loong Yai Thai Esarn for anyone seeking genuine Thai flavours in a welcoming atmosphere.” |
Loong Yai Thai Esarn is a lively restaurant known for its authentic Isan dishes. It offers a diverse menu filled with bold and spicy flavours from northeastern Thailand. Diners can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, including the popular som tam (papaya salad), larb (spicy minced meat salad), and grilled meat, all prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
The restaurant’s energetic vibe and friendly service make it a top choice for both locals and visitors. With its focus on quality and genuine flavours, Loong Yai Thai Esarn ensures a memorable dining experience for anyone craving true Thai cuisine.
- Must-try food: grilled pork salad, spicy papaya salad, Thai hot pot, crispy fish with mango salad, and larb moo (spicy minced pork salad).
Bangkok’s top Isaan restaurants provide an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse and vibrant flavours of northeastern Thailand. You can taste a variety of dishes, from spicy som tam salads to tangy laab and fragrant rice dishes. Each restaurant brings its own unique twist to these beloved dishes, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Do you know which Isaan dishes you absolutely must try? Check out our article to learn about 15 Isaan foods that you should try to experience the bold, vibrant flavours of northeastern Thailand!
