Bangkok ranked world’s No. 2 food city: Why it deserves the spot
Bangkok has once again proven itself as a global culinary powerhouse, securing second spot in Time Out’s prestigious ranking of the world’s best food cities in 2025—just behind New Orleans.
From sizzling street food to upscale dining, the Thai capital continues to captivate food lovers with its unbeatable mix of affordability, flavour, and convenience.
Time Out’s latest survey found that 86% of locals rated Bangkok’s food scene as either “good” or “amazing,” with the majority describing it as “delicious,” “fast and convenient,” and “diverse.”
The city’s world-famous street food culture played a massive role in securing its high ranking, with vendors serving up everything from aromatic bowls of noodles to fiery som tam (papaya salad) at all hours of the day.
While Bangkok is best known for its vibrant street eats, its fine dining scene is also making waves. Although Thai fine dining isn’t as globally recognised as its European or Japanese counterparts, hidden gems like Yaowarat’s legendary kuai jap and Banthat Thong Road’s bustling night-time food spots continue to attract both locals and tourists alike.
Banthat Thong Road was recently ranked the 14th best street in the world by Time Out, thanks to its evolving culinary landscape.
What truly sets Bangkok apart is the sheer variety of experiences it offers. Whether you’re indulging in a budget-friendly street-side meal under fluorescent lights or splurging on a world-class tasting menu, the city caters to every palate and price point.
Chinatown and the Old Town remain hotspots for foodies, while new-wave cocktail bars and fusion restaurants add a modern twist to Bangkok’s ever-evolving gastronomic scene.
The rankings were determined based on quality, affordability, and insights from a panel of food experts, including Time Out editors, critics, and chefs. To ensure diversity, only one city from each country was included in the final list, reported Sentangsedtee.
With its dynamic food culture, accessible dining, and legendary street vendors, Bangkok’s well-deserved second-place ranking cements its status as a must-visit destination for food lovers worldwide.
List of top cities for best food:
- New Orleans
- Bangkok
- Medellín
- Cape Town
- Madrid
- Mexico City
- Lagos
- Shanghai
- Paris
- Jakarta
- Marrakech
- Lima
- Riyadh
- Mumbai
- Abu Dhabi
- Cairo
- Porto
- Montreal
- Naples
- San José
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