Best restaurants to dine in on Charoenkrung Road
As the oldest road in Bangkok, Charoenkrung Road is deep-rooted with historical and cultural importance. Originally constructed over a millennia ago in 1861, the 8.5-kilometre stretch of road has withstood the test of time and has served as a vital commercial artery from its inception until the present day.
In just a short stretch, Charoenkrung Road has witnessed Bangkok’s transformation into today’s bustling metropolis. Charoenkrung Road has also undergone a transformation itself. From its early days as a trading hub to a modern melting pot of cultures. The area is now home to a thriving arts scene in parallel with the introduction of art galleries, and the popularisation of street art.
But most importantly, the road is home to many trendy cafes and restaurants, making it a popular destination for many travellers. Here are the 10 restaurants that you cannot miss on your next venture to Bangkok’s most tenured stretch of road.
Must-visit restaurants on Charoenkrung Road
Ailati Resto
Opening hours: Everyday, 12 to 10pm
Location: 1495 Charoen Krung Road, Khwaeng Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Ailati Resto has quickly established itself as a home away from home for many of its patrons and for good reason! Ailati is a cosy and friendly neighbourhood Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Charoenkrung area, just a few steps away from the Saphan Taksin BTS station. They offer a unique Italian dining experience, bringing all the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine to the heart of Bangkok.
They offer a varied menu of esteemed Italian dishes all within a pleasant dining experience, perfect for all occasions. Whether you are looking to grab a bite after a long day of work, looking for a quick meal, or having a special night out with a special someone, Ailati is a perfect spot for you, and you are sure to fall in love with every bite that you take.
From appetizers to pasta and pizzas, main courses, desserts and a selection of Italy’s finest wines, diners will not be left disappointed in the very slightest. Other than their exceptional cuisine, their vintage looks and stylish interiors are definitely a highlight, giving their customers a glimpse of Italy from the backdrop of Bangkok. They remain true to their mission: provide the authentic taste of Italy, while making you feel right at home.
Must try dishes:
- Siciliana Pizza: Crisp and airy crust, rich tomato sauce, milky and creamy mozzarella, serviced with a hearty mixture of tuna, olives, and anchovies.
- Pistacchio-crusted Tuna: Seared tuna encrusted in a layer of crushed pistachios, served alongside vegetables and dijon mustard
- Tiramisu: A classic dessert pairing coffee, with a sweet taste of cocoa. Tiramisu is a favourite among diners at Ailati.
80/20
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 6 to 11pm
Location: 1052, 1054 Charoen Krung 26 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
80/20 is a Michelin-starred restaurant, also located on Charoenkrung Road in Bangkok. They are well known and respected for their unique, and innovative approach to Thai cuisine. The name of their game involves using 80% locally sourced ingredients and 20% imported ingredients, although, in recent years, the amount of locally sourced ingredients has increased to almost 100%, reflecting a dining experience created specifically to highlight the best of what Thailand’s culinary landscape has to offer.
Located in a charming old-town shophouse, their industrial-chic design perfectly complements their take on food. As 80/20 aims to blend contemporary aesthetics with traditional elements, they also emphasise modern cooking techniques while staying true to traditional Thai flavours, all while located on Bangkok’s oldest, and most traditional road
Must try dishes:
- Stormy Sea: A dish combining squid, mangosteen, and chilli. Drawing inspiration from the chef’s squid-fishing ventures in southern Thailand
- Khao Soi: Their unique take on the northern Thailand staple swaps in a rabbit leg ragu and rabbit consomme
- Gaeng Som: Another Thai staple, 80/20’s recreation features conch, clams, fermented gooseberry, and jellyfish, all served in a flavourful thyme and curry paste broth.
Feng Zhu
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 7pm
Location: Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
If you are in search of traditional dumplings (also known as gyoza), then look no further. Situated right by Charoenkrung Road, Feng Zhu offers delicious, homemade dumplings from a small stall in River City Bangkok. They offer a more relaxed and casual dining experience, placing its patrons among the city’s bustling atmosphere, and allowing their guests to soak in all the vibrant surroundings Bangkok has to offer.
Their menu primarily features different types of gyozas, most notably the traditional pork and vegetable gyoza, all homemade and assembled with high-quality ingredients. The dumplings and their dipping sauce are inseparable, making the small stall a standout choice among the abundant food choices along Charoenkrung Road.
Must try dishes:
- Open-faced Gyoza: Feng Zhu’s signature dish, an open-faced gyoza with a crispy bottom. The exposed dough of the dumplings gives diners a showcase of what’s to come
- Five Mushroom Gyoza: A favourite among diners. The gyoza combines Feng Zhu’s renowned tender pork with a mixture of shiitake, white and black wood ear mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and enokitake mushrooms.
- Mala Gyoza: A favourite among many Thais, this gyoza is inspired by the popular Sichuan flavour, offering a savoury and slightly spicy experience.
Broccoli Revolution
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 9pm
Location: 55/6 42/1 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500
For the vegetarian and vegan diners out there, Broccoli Revolution is a plant-based restaurant which emphasises earthing healthy through a menu featuring dishes made from organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables. They aim to provide a healthier alternative for all diners looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet.
Broccoli Revolution offers a modern and inviting dining atmosphere. Their commitment to eco-friendliness is not limited only to their dishes but is also reflected through their decor which incorporates natural elements, reflecting its philosophy of sustainability and health. In addition to this, Broccoli Revolution’s community engagement and partnership with organisations to promote sustainability and social responsibility reflects the modern ethos of Charoenkrung Road whereas social consciousness is deep-rooted within their DNA. Because of this, Broccoli Revolution is more than just a dining spot for those seeking a healthy, plant-based alternative.
Must try dishes:
- Broccoli and Quinoa Charcoal Burger: A hearty and satisfying meal. The dish features a broccoli and quinoa patty served on a cranberry charcoal bun, accompanied by a mango tomato salsa and dill spread
- Vegan Chili Bowl: hearty and spicy chilli made with beans and vegetables, served with a choice of rice or bread
- Green Smoothie Bowl: A nutritious bowl with blended greens, topped with fruits, seeds, and nuts
Jok Prince on Charoenkrung Road
Opening hours: Everday, from 6am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 11pm
Location: 1391 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Jok Prince is a renowned congee (or rice porridge) stall in Charoenkrung Road’s Chinatown area. Despite its operation out of a no-frills space, its large porridge pot by the entrance has gotten Jok Prince a spot in Michelin Bib Gourmand for budget eating for several years, attracting both locals and tourists alike with its delicious, smoky congee.
Jok Prince has been serving its customers for over 50 years, attaining its name from the now-closed and renovated Prince Theatre. Their tenure and longevity contribute greatly to their popularity, consistently serving delicious to customers for decades at an affordable price. Their unique smoky flavour, smooth texture and high-quality ingredients sets them apart from all the competition in the area.
The menu is straightforward and has remained the same for decades: a rice porridge with pork meatballs. Diners can add some toppings such as a soft-boiled egg or ginger.
Prachak Roasted Duck on Charoenkrung Road
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30am to 8.30pm
Location: 1415 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
First established in 1909, Prachak Roasted Duck is almost tied with Charoenkrung Road in terms of its tenure. Similarly to Jok Prince, the renowned eatery’s no-frills approach focuses on one thing, and they do it right. Cantonese-style roasted duck is the name of their game. Although they also focused on other barbecued meats, the roasted duck was what made them a household name in the area.
Their roasted duck is known for its succulent meat, perfectly rendered fat, and crispy skin, served alongside a complementary rice and savoury sauce. Their convenient location and affordability have garnered them a strong local following, but make no mistakes, they wouldn’t have been here for this long if it wasn’t for their consistently high quality and signature flavour profile.
Must try dishes:
- Roasted Duck: the star of the show. Prachak’s variation of the roasted duck is celebrated for its juiciness and aromatic seasoning, usually served alongside sliced cucumber and pickled ginger
- Pad-Daeng-Krob: A trifecta consisting of egg noodles topped with roasted duck, red pork, and crispy pork.
Aksorn
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6 to 10pm
For those seeking a luxurious dining experience, Aksorn is another Michelin-starred restaurant in Charoenkrung Road. Located on the fifth floor of Central: The Original Store, Aksorn offers a unique dining experience which pays homage to Thailand’s culinary heritage by reviving lost recipes and flavours from old and forgotten cookbooks. Like their dishes, Aksorn’s ambience is characterised by a mid-century design, reflecting the building’s history as a bookstore.
Their menu is sure to take the diners on a journey through time, showcasing all of Thailand’s forgotten recipes from the 1950s to 1970s, which is seen by many as a significant period of culinary evolution in Thailand. Aksorn uses nothing but locally sourced ingredients for their undoubtedly high-quality dishes, meticulously crafted with traditional cooking techniques. Their menu changes periodically, while remaining focused on the 13 family recipes of Nutchanand Osathanond, a celebrated cookbook author and food columnist.
Must try dishes:
- Miang Mhark: Prawns and ginger wrapped in coral leaves, presenting a tangy and smoky flavour profile
- Ray Rai Nah Pooh: Rice vermicelli with a blended sauce consisting of crab, chillies, deep-fried shallots, garlic, mung beans, and coconut cream
- Gaeng Kiew Waan: A classic green curry with tiger prawns, roasted coconut, thai basil and chilli leaves
Baan Phadthai
Opening hours: Everyday, 11am to 10pm
Location: 21, 23 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Baan Phadthai is a restaurant in Charoenkrung Road specialising in one of Thailand’s most well-known and iconic dishes: Phad Thai. Originally opened in 2016, they may not have the tenure as some of the other restaurants on this list, but they made up for that by quickly garnering widespread attention and acclaim, including recognition in the Michelin Guide for its quality and innovation.
The restaurant’s welcoming and cosy atmosphere is complemented by its azure blue shophouse. their decor combines traditional Thai elements with a modern twist, establishing the perfect casual dining spot for tourists and locals alike. They are known for their secret-18 ingredient sauce, perfectly capturing the essence of the flavours of Phad Thai. Their no-compromises approach led them to source their noodles from Chanthaburi, a region in Thailand known for its immensely high-quality rice noodles.
All of their Phad Thai dishes are worth a try, with options ranging from grilled river prawns to crab, chicken, pork, and vegetarian options, all serviced in their secret 18-ingredient sauce.
Charmgang
Opening hours: Weekdays: 6 to 9.30pm, weekends: 12 to 1.30pm and 6 to 9.30pm
Location: 14, 35 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Charmgang, known for its unique take on traditional Thai cuisine, is a contemporary restaurant on Charoenkrung Road. First opened in 2019 by a talented team of young chefs, they quickly gained traction for their take on fun and comforting Thai soul food. Charmgang focuses on the bold flavours of traditional Thai culinary heritage while mixing in their own innovation with modern culinary techniques.
The atmosphere and design truly stand out. Designed by a visual designer, Sarah Yen Panya, Charmgang’s ambience is infused with a unique sense of energy and creativity. The lively and eclectic interior features red reed mats and a variety of contemporary art, ultimately creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and stylish.
Must try dishes:
- Smoked Kingfish and Pennywort Curry: Charmgang translates to ‘curry bowl,’ and it is no secret that this is their expertise. A creamy, and well-balanced curry dish incorporating the freshness of the kingfish, paired with an aromatic pennywort
- Seared Scallops: this inventive dish combines the richness of scallops with a coconut milk base, served on a crispy cupcake.
Sarnies Bangkok
Opening hours: Everyday, 8am to 10pm
Location: 101, 103 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Houses in a former 150 year old boat repair shop, Sarnies Bangkok is a cafe, and brunch restaurant on Charoenkrung Road. First opened in 2018, and in line with the road’s transformation into a modern art scene, Sarnies offers a blend of Australian-style cuisine blended with authentic Thai flavours. All in a chic, yet industrial-inspired setting. They specialise in comfort food and all-day brunch offerings with a strong emphasis on ingredient quality and creative flavour combinations.
Sarnies has quickly become a beloved spot among locals and visitors. The cafe has been featured in renowned publications such as Lifestyle Asia Bangkok and Expique, both praising its classic Australian roots with a Thai and Asian twist.
Must try dishes:
- Tom Yum Eggs Benedict: poached eggs served with a tom yum hollandaise sauce, smoked salmon, and baby spinach
- Salted Egg Pasta: A pasta dish inspired by Thai salted egg, which is used as a sauce. The dish also features blue swimmer crab, herb crisps, and chilli oil.
If you ever find yourselves to be wandering around Charoenkrung Road, or in Chinatown, these restaurants above should definitely be on your bucket list. From traditional Thai cuisines to modern fusion dishes, all within unique atmospheres, the abundance of restaurants on Charoenkrung Road is sure to have all your culinary needs covered. So don’t forget to drop by and have a bite during your next visit to the area.
