10 best places to go for delicious Pad Thai in Bangkok
When it comes to Thai cuisine, there’s one mouthwatering dish that sparks a great debate among visitors and locals alike: Pad Thai. A seemingly humble combination of flat rice noodles, tamarind, fish sauce, tofu, eggs and, of course, the star, prawns, this national dish is quite the hot topic (pun intended) when looking for the best place to relish it. But don’t worry, we’ve gone and tasted our way through Bangkok to find the best pad thai in the city.
Baan Phadthai
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
Address: 21 23 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Google review ratings: 3.9 out of 5 (1,163 reviews)
What their customer think
| Janis Jardiniano “We happened to find this pad Thai restaurant by accident on our last night in Bangkok when the place we wanted to go to only accepted cash. We are thankful to have spent our last meal in Bangkok here. Delicious food and excellent attentive service. We had the chicken and crab meat pad Thai and they were both out of this world. We also had the kale salad. All the ingredients are fresh and delicious.” |
Situated in the charismatic Charoenkrung neighbourhood is the star-studded Baan Phad Thai – a name that aptly translates to “house of Pad Thai.” With Michelin-starred Chef Aom of Saawaan fame at the helm and a Bib Gourmand status under its belt, this place takes the pad Thai game to a whole new gourmet level.
From the moment you step inside, Baan Phadthai enchants diners with a stylish homage to Ayutthaya through its vintage wood partitions and walls adorned with nostalgic paintings and photographs. Expect no less from the dishes, too! The menu offers a selection of mouthwatering pad thai variations including sen jan rice noodles with delicious toppings such as fresh blue Swimmer crab, grilled pork, and grilled chicken. The star dish, Pad Thai Kung Mae Nam Yang, showcases beautifully grilled whole river prawns, rich, flavoursome sauce, and a whopping 18-20 extra ingredients that elevate this classic to a true Thai fusion masterpiece.
Their dessert, Tub Tim Krob, adds a delightful finishing touch, pairing ruby water chestnuts with coconut juice granita, young coconut flesh, and candle-smoked coconut syrup. A fair heads up to the purists – Baan Phadthai’s take on this cuisine classic leans more towards gourmet fusion territory, making it a popular spot for tourists seeking a refined dining experience and, undeniably, a less street-food-centric flavour profile.
Thipsamai
Opening hours: 09:00AM – 12:00AM (Tuesday closed)
Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Google review ratings: 4.2 out of 5 (10,373 reviews)
What their customer think
| Olivia Thame “Delicious Pad Thai! We came here at 10am for brunch and ordered the Superb Pad Thai and the tamarind chicken noodles. Both were amazing flavour and the staff were so kind and explained to us the best way to eat the superb pad thai. The history of the restaurant is very special as well. Well worth a visit when in Bangkok!” |
Been around since 1966, Thipsamai has garnered the title of the oldest Pad Thai restaurant in Thailand. Its original recipe dates back to the 1930s during the World War II, which continues to impress locals and tourists alike.
Catering to all tastes, Thipsamai offers various Pad Thai options, including classic, vegetarian, shrimp Pad Thai, and their luxurious ‘Pad Thai Song Krung’. The smooth Sen-Chan noodles, combined with their orange-hued sauce, create a beautiful balance of sweet and sour flavours. Each mouthful is a testament to Thipsamai’s commitment to preserving the authentic taste of Pad Thai. Additionally, you can also pick up ready-to-cook Pad Thai sauce and cooking kits to recreate the experience at home.
Thipsamai’s fame often means there’s a long queue outside its doors, so make sure to come early to secure your spot. Despite the waiting time, the atmosphere inside the establishment is nothing short of vibrant, friendly, and inviting. Given its rich history, delicious pad Thai, and diverse menu, Thipsamai definitely deserves its legendary status.
Sawasdee Ratchawat
Opening hours: 7:00AM – 4:00PM
Address: 955 11 Thanon Nakhon Chaisi Rd, Thanon Nakhon Chai Si, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Google review ratings: 4.2 out of 5 (363 reviews)
What their customer think
| Jae H Choi “Amazing food! The price & taste got us all good! Must try some of their Thai pancakes if you happen to be nearby. Will definitely come back again for next time.” |
Sawasdee Ratchawat may not be as widely known among tourists as other contenders on this list, but it packs a punch when it comes to delivering an authentic Pad Thai experience. Despite being around for decades, this hidden gem has remained a well-kept secret, mainly enjoyed by locals in the know, but that doesn’t make it any less deserving of praise.
Boasting a diverse menu with mouthwatering dishes at reasonable prices, Sawasdee Ratchawat offers casual Thai-style dining rather than a formal restaurant experience. With perfectly balanced sweetness and a generous serving of peanuts, the Pad Thai here hits all the right marks. And for spice lovers, the chef can adjust the heat to your preference.
Besides its delicious Pad Thai, Sawasdee Ratchawat is also famous for its hoy thord (mussel pancake) and khanom phak kad (radish cake). But just a heads up, this hidden gem has a few quirks – it’s a bit out of the way from the city centre and closes a tad early in the evening. You can either take a Grab ride or catch a bus to Ratchawat Market to reach this local favourite.
Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu (Dinso Rd)
Opening hours: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Address: 115/5 Dinso Rd, Baworniwet, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Google review ratings: 4.2 out of 5 (941 reviews)
What their customer think
| Rathian “A Pad Thai restaurant around Democracy Monument area. The quality of foods was good. Using fresh quality of pork jowl, crispy pork, and shrimp. Pad Thai was tasty. Attentive service.” |
Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu has earned itself high praise and a loyal following, including four consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand mentions. Owing to its popularity, numerous Bangkok foodies regard this gem as the city’s top Pad Thai spot. With celebrity chef Andy Yang leading the charge, you can expect nothing less than exceptional quality and delicious fare that satisfies everyone.
Using homemade rice noodles, organic duck eggs, and Berkshire pork (also known as Kurobuta), Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu takes pride in the top-notch ingredients that shape its dishes. For the ultimate Pad Thai experience, indulge in their signature Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu Moo Yang, a scrumptious combination of chargrilled pork neck, crispy pork belly, and massive grilled prawns.
Aside from its original location on Dinsor Road, you can now enjoy Chef Andy Yang’s incredible dishes at two more spots: Siam Square Soi 10 and Mahanakhon CUBE. Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu offers diners a relaxed environment where they can savour exceptional Thai cuisine, which is a testimony to the restaurant’s Michelin Guide recognition.
Pad Thai Mae Am
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 8:00PM (Saturday closed)
Address: 2879 Rama IV Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Google review ratings: 4.2 out of 5 (224 reviews)
What their customer think
| Fun Food Travelling “One of the best Pad Thai in Bangkok and this last month here we ate it a lot in different places 😜. Perfect balance of flavours. An authentic hidden gem you cannot miss.” |
For those who crave the traditional and classic version of Pad Thai, Pad Thai Mae Am is a must-visit spot in Bangkok. This modest, local-favourite joint is conveniently within walking distance from the Klong Toey MRT Station and has been serving up their original Pad Thai recipe for over 30 years.
With only two noodle-based dishes on the menu – Pad Thai and Kuay Diow Gai (thick rice noodles with chicken) – they expertly bring things back to basics. The eatery’s no-frills ambience includes miniature stools for seating, and the walls are decorated with old photos and magazine clippings, giving it a charming touch of nostalgia.
The Pad Thai recipe here is as old-school as it gets, with the noodles prepared in advance using tamarind paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce. It’s then given a re-fry to achieve that classic pinkish hue. The result? A truly outstanding Pad Thai experience that’s neither too greasy nor too clean, striking the perfect balance of flavours.
Heng Hoi Tod Chaw Lae
Opening hours: 10:00AM – 1:00AM
Address: 1326 Banthat Thong Road Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Google review ratings: 4.9 out of 5 (3,316 reviews)
What their customer think
| Calbee Cracker “Excellent Thai food at wallet-friendly pricing. Every dish was excellent. All the chili sauces were home-made and so good. Service was prompt. Unforgettable meal.” |
Heng Hoi Tod Chaw Lae on Samsen Road is a go-to spot in Bangkok, famous for its delicious shrimp Pad Thai. Open until 1 AM, it’s a perfect place to satisfy late-night cravings. Each dish is made fresh to order, ensuring it’s hot and bursting with flavour.
What makes this Pad Thai stand out is its secret sauce, carefully perfected over the years. The fresh shrimp and perfectly cooked noodles create a tasty balance that both locals and tourists love. If you’re looking for authentic Thai flavours, Heng Hoi Tod Chaw Lae’s Pad Thai is a must-try.
Lueng Pha Pad Thai
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 11:30PM (Monday closed)
Address: QG33+4WW, Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Google review ratings: 3.9 out of 5 (332 reviews)
What their customer think
| Yaowanut “very soft noodle, I love Phat Thai Man Kung (Shrimp fat) and There’s no queue, No need to wait.” |
What makes Lueng Pha special is its focus on quality and authenticity. Each dish is cooked fresh to order, with perfectly cooked noodles and rich flavours from their homemade prawn oil sauce. The tempting smell attracts diners looking for a classic Thai meal. Plus, the prices are affordable, making it a top choice for a genuine taste of Bangkok.
Pad Thai Kratong Thong by Ama
Opening hours: 10:00AM – 5:30PM
Address: 270 272 Tha Suphan Alley, Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Google review ratings: 4.7 out of 5 (1,739reviews)
What their customer think
| Hai Phan “This is my best place for food in Bangkok. They have some good choices of food with reasonable price. You will find a long Q but believe me, it is worth to try. The owner is extremely nice and friendly. Staffs are all friendly too. The place is small but very well organized. Highly recommend to visit.” |
In addition to the signature dish, you can enjoy other Pad Thai variations with chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients and carefully prepares each dish for a consistently tasty experience. The cosy ambiance, with its wooden furnishings and Thai decor, creates the perfect backdrop for savouring this modern twist on a traditional favourite.
Tamnanthai Restaurant Nana Ploenchit
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 11:00PM
Address: 18 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Google review ratings: 4.6 out of 5 (1,054 reviews)
What their customer think
| Bengona Fernandez “Excellent lunch experience! Great quality and well executed fried fish with salad and cashews. Highly recommended.” |
Their Pad Thai is made with fresh ingredients and a special sauce that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savoury lavors. The menu features various Pad Thai options, including classic shrimp, as well as chicken and tofu. In addition to Pad Thai, Tamnanthai offers a range of other Thai dishes like curries, stir-fries, and salads, catering to different tastes.
The friendly staff at Tamnanthai are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations or accommodate dietary needs. With its convenient location, tasty food, and excellent service, Tamnanthai Restaurant Nana Ploenchit is a great choice for a satisfying Pad Thai experience in Bangkok.
Mayrai Padthai | Winebar
Opening hours: 12:00PM to 9:00PM (Monday closed)
Address: 22 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Google review ratings: 4.6 out of 5 (75 reviews)
What their customer think
| Chitlada Kullapanich “Pad Thai is good and worth the price. It’s a small and cozy bar/restaurant. Many options for food choices. The grilled pork neck is really good too. Will come back here again.” |
So, there you have it! A selection of pad thai havens to cater to every taste, style and budget. Skip the trial and error when in Bangkok and head straight to these drool-worthy establishments!
Do you know which foods to try in Thailand? Don’t forget to check out our articles about Thai food.
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