Thai Food
Thaifood
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chinatown
- Khao San Road
- The Grand Palace
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Sathorn
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Rachadapisek
- Chatuchak
- Airport
One of the most acclaimed export of Thailand is the wide variety of its succulent
cuisine. Indeed Whether hot and spicy or sweet and sour or anything in between,
the guiding principle behind each dish is complimenting harmony. The Thai cuisine
is mainly a happy combination of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences turned
into something now known as uniquely Thai. The main characteristics of Thai food
depend on who prepares it, for whom it is cooked, what is the occasion, and obviously
the context in which it is prepared to ideally suit all palates.
In the early days, Thai cuisine reflected the main characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Major components were aquatic animals, plants and herbs. Large chunks of meat or fish were grilled on skewers and further foreign influences introduced the use of sizeable bits to Thai cooking. The use of fork and spoon only as eating cutlery still reflects it today. Thai cuisine is very rich in fresh ingredients as well as high fiber vegetable. Mostly only shortly cooked they retain much of their original flavor as well as nutriments.
Due to the strong Buddhist cultural background, Thais shunned using pieces of large animals in big chunks. Major cuts of meat were usually cut or shredded and then laced with spices, herbs and seasonings. The original Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling over charcoal. The strong influence of the Chinese merchants brought the introduction of stir frying and deep-frying. Later on influences from Western colonial nations in the regions were felt and from the 17th century onwards included Dutch, French, Portuguese and Japanese. Although omnipresent today, Chili has been introduced to Thai cooking during the late sixteen century by Portuguese missionaries who brought them along from earlier postings in Southern America.
In the early days, Thai cuisine reflected the main characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Major components were aquatic animals, plants and herbs. Large chunks of meat or fish were grilled on skewers and further foreign influences introduced the use of sizeable bits to Thai cooking. The use of fork and spoon only as eating cutlery still reflects it today. Thai cuisine is very rich in fresh ingredients as well as high fiber vegetable. Mostly only shortly cooked they retain much of their original flavor as well as nutriments.
Due to the strong Buddhist cultural background, Thais shunned using pieces of large animals in big chunks. Major cuts of meat were usually cut or shredded and then laced with spices, herbs and seasonings. The original Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling over charcoal. The strong influence of the Chinese merchants brought the introduction of stir frying and deep-frying. Later on influences from Western colonial nations in the regions were felt and from the 17th century onwards included Dutch, French, Portuguese and Japanese. Although omnipresent today, Chili has been introduced to Thai cooking during the late sixteen century by Portuguese missionaries who brought them along from earlier postings in Southern America.
Seafood
Seafood
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chinatown
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Sathorn
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Rachadapisek
- Airport
Seafood generally encompasses any animal living in the sea, from oysters over fish,
over crustaceans as well as edible seaweed. By extension this does as well cover
aquatic animals from fresh waters, both wild and farmed.
Although distinguished from meat, seafood it is still animal and is often excluded in a vegetarian diet. Seafood is an important source of protein in many diets around the world, especially in coastal areas. The growing health consciousness among people drives the consumption on fish, especially due to the positive effects against high cholesterol, often resulting by unhealthy sedentary lifestyle and inappropriate diet.
Thai and Costal Chinese cuisine are using many of the wide range of available seafood products and all major destinations in the Kingdom have a variety of seafood dedicated restaurants.
Although distinguished from meat, seafood it is still animal and is often excluded in a vegetarian diet. Seafood is an important source of protein in many diets around the world, especially in coastal areas. The growing health consciousness among people drives the consumption on fish, especially due to the positive effects against high cholesterol, often resulting by unhealthy sedentary lifestyle and inappropriate diet.
Thai and Costal Chinese cuisine are using many of the wide range of available seafood products and all major destinations in the Kingdom have a variety of seafood dedicated restaurants.
International Food
International Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chinatown
- Khao San Road
- The Grand Palace
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Sathorn
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Rachadapisek
- Chatuchak
- Airport
- Other Location
Aside of the reputed Thai cuisine, there is an astounding range of International cuisine
on offer from countries all around the world. From old continent delicacies such as French
fine dining or bistrot fare, Hungarian Goulash Casserole, or German Ratsstube all the way
to New World Pacific rim specialties. Not to forget a very established selection of Indian,
Japanese, Korean as well as Southern European trattorias , such as Spanish Tapas places along
with small authentic Mexican restaurants. Take your time & indulge in a culinary world
tour starting right on your door-step.
American Food
American Food
Where to eat ?
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Airport
It is quite challenging to delimit American food as it is in principle a combination of
authentic native food all the way through the influence and adaptation to the various ethnic
groups coming from the old continent. Ore recently this has been extended even further with
the strong latin influence of central and South American immigrants. Similarly American cuisine
has a very long history dating back before the colonial period when the Native Americans had
a rich and diverse cooking style for an equally diverse amount of ingredients. The style of
cookery continued to expand into the 19th and 20th centuries with the influx of immigrants
from various nations across the world. This influx has created a rich diversity and a unique
regional character throughout the country. Nowadays, American food in Thailand is often synonymous
of either practical meals or fast food, or then Southern Cajun style restaurant or steakhouses.
The choice in the latter is quite impressive and along with some unique Seafood restaurants,
probably the best options if wanting to get away from Asian fare.
Chinese Food
Chinese Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chinatown
- The Grand Palace
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Sathorn
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Rachadapisek
- Chatuchak
- Airport
Chinese cuisine is most probably the most available and widespread cuisine in the world -
from Asia to the Americas, Australia, Western Europe and Southern Africa. Thailand with both
its strong Chinese community and historical connections has seen a vast development of Chinese
restaurants in all types and categories. In more recent years, more and more operators have
branched out into several outlets to now become restaurant chains / franchises both locally
and internationally. Invariably serving unique authentic delicacies from either areas of China.
English Food
English Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
English cuisine is originally influenced by the country's temperate and climate,
geography, and to quite some extend history. This does not reflect much the
conditions in the Kingdom and therefore most of the British food is found in any
of the numerous pubs around the city. Not to forget the traditional meals on special
celebrations and/or Sunday brunches available in most of the upmarket hotels,
where Roastbeef and Yorkshire pudding relieves any heavy heads from a long Saturday
evening party.
French Food
French Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Sathorn
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
The French culinary invasion of the world has certainly not spared Bangkok and the deliciously
rich cuisine is widely available in a range of restaurants, from bistrot style to upmarket fine
dining rooms. Beyond food, the whole selection and preparation of food is seen as an art per se
and once served, French believe in taking their time for their meals. More often than not – French
restaurants are tightly associated with a wide selection of wine and other aperitif alcohols as
well as digestive liquors. Most raw ingredients and specialties have become available through the
large retail distribution chains present as well in Thailand, but it definitely remains a treat for
any gourmet to go and sample the exquisite creations or traditional dishes of any French restaurants
in town.
German Food
German Food
Where to eat ?
- Sukhumvit
- Sathorn
Although at first glance German food may not necessarily be linked with Thailand,
it is a very popular cuisine in the various micro breweries available I town. It
is not rare either to find local waitresses dressed in traditional German costumes
serving locally made beer. Originally of a very wide regional selection, the choices
in regards to traditional German food in Bangkok are rather limited with only a few
well established places.
Irish Food
Irish Food
Where to eat ?
- Sukhumvit
Irish cuisine is mainly to be found in pubs in Bangkok and takes its origins from
the crops grown and animals farmed in Ireland. The main fare is beef an lamb meat
along with potatoes and cabbage as well meat pies as well as very hearty breakfast
fry-ups. More often than not the offerings on the menu are including the usual pub
grabs and deep fried snacks, to be washed down with either cider, ale, stout or
lagers.
Italian Food
Italian Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Khao San Road
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Sathorn
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Rachadapisek
- Airport
Italian cuisine most probably presents most of the variety available from the different areas
of the country in Bangkok. Is it from a Southern Sicilian trattoria to a traditional family
run Piemontese restaurant or a fine dining Wine & Dine room, it is all available in the City
of Angels. While most do feature the same basic items on their menu, there is far more to be
discovered than only pizzaand pasta. As well, the locals are very fond of Italian restaurants
of all sorts, which does partially explain the wide spread and fast growth in popularity of
Italian themed restaurants.
Japanese Food
Japanese Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Khao San Road
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Sathorn
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Rachadapisek
- Chatuchak
- Airport
- Other Location
Anywhere in the city, Japanese restaurants, eateries, sushi or noodle bars can be found. Either
in a very unique concept and/or part of an themed chain, Japanese cuisine is widely available
both directly in or close to hotels, commercial as well as office buildings. The wide range of
Japanese food available as well as the strong Japanese expatriate community and visitors in Bangkok
nourish an always expanding trend of Japanese restaurants, either traditional, modern or fusion
typed. The importance of freshness and quality of ingredients in the original Japanese cuisine
goes hand in hand with the role of Bangkok as international trading platform and therefore the
selection of delicacies available on daily basis is second to none.
Korean Food
Korean Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Thonglor
- Rachadapisek
- Chatuchak
Similarly to the Japanese restaurant culture, the Korean restaurants in Bangkok have become
very popular over the last decades due to the growing amount of visitors to the Thailand,
both for business and leisure purposes as well as on an expatriate basis. As every traditional
cuisine which has evolved over centuries of social and political change, the Korean fare has
evolved through a complex interaction of the natural environment and different cultural trends.
While quite close to its Asian neighbors geographically, Korean Dining leaves one with a very
different experience than other regional cuisines. The main traditional dishes may be available
in a wide range of places, yet the more unique restaurants may require a little research and
word-of-mouth to be found as mainly advertising to the expatriate population.
Spanish Food
Spanish Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
Spanish cuisine, more than any of the Southern European cuisine, mainly consists of a variety
of starter dishes (Tapas) commonly enjoyed with wine in the late afternoon / early evening before
going on to rather long heavy meals. The various geographic regions, culture and climate, naturally
have quite an impact on the selection of delicacies, but it has to be said that the Spanish cuisine
is slowly growing in its popularity in Thailand. It originally is heavily influenced by either the
coastal regions with a large variety of seafood, as well as the mountainside stews and shepherd
dishes. The extensive use of natural ingredients as well as olive oil have often been praised in
favor of the Spanish cuisine, as a very healthy diet, ideally topped off with a pitcher of Sangria.
Swiss Food
Swiss Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Thonglor
Similarly to its geography and languages, The Swiss cuisine is very unique an specific in
its many influences from its neighbors' countries. Italian, French, and German cuisine widely
influence the fares of any Swiss restaurants, while being complimented by very unique traditional
dishes from either areas of the country. When referring to Swiss food, people immediately list
chocolate and cheese, and while both are very popular in Switzerland, it is by far not the only
items to be found on a Swiss Menu. There are a few places in Bangkok offering Swiss food, albeit
they are generally mainly of Germanic influence, especially since the specialties from the
Italian and French parts are very assimilated to the Northern Italian and Eastern French fares.
Nevertheless, Swiss restaurants are always synonymous of a warm hospitable atmosphere, along with
often very well stocked wine cellars.
Vegetarian Food
Vegetarian Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Khao San Road
The Vegetarian concept is in principle cuisine from all origins / tendencies using food that
meets vegetarian standards by excluding meat and animal tissue products. The degree of vgeterianism
depends on every individual’s beliefs. For lacto-ovo vegetarianism (the most common type of vegetarianism
in the Western world), eggs and dairy products such as milk and cheese are permitted and an important
source of Protein, along with soy bean products and tofu. The strictest forms of vegetarianism are
veganism and fruitarians, which exclude all animal products, including dairy products as well as honey,
and even some refined sugars if filtered and whitened with bone char. While there are completely vegetarian
restaurants available, pretty much every restaurant in town is able to meet the needs of a vegetarian
customer, especially since it is as well gaining popularity in Thai society.
Vietnamese Food
Vietnamese Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
Vietnamese food is available in various areas of town, both in free standing modern restaurants,
as well as in up market hotels. The main style of cooking is using fish sauce, soy sauce, rice,
fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables as base. Vietnamese recipes traditionally use a very diverse
range of herbs, including lemongrass, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander and Thai basil leaves.
It is generally much tastier, and not as spicy as Southern Chinese or Northern Thai food can be.
Traditional Vietnamese cooking is often referred to for its freshness of the ingredients and for
the healthy eating style.
Indian Food
Indian Food
Where to eat ?
- Silom
- Sukhumvit
- Siam / Rajdamri
- Chinatown
- Khao San Road
- Chidlom / Phoenchit
- Thonglor
- The Riverside
- Chatuchak
The Indian Cuisine, or better said the Indian Cuisines are probably the richest in terms of variety,
selection and choices available in Bangkok. Whilst there are a great choice of restaurants and cuisines
altogether, none is as rich and versatile as the Indian one. Characterized by the use of various spices,
herbs and other vegetables grown in India, each family of Indian cuisine is characterized by a wide
assortment of dishes and cooking techniques.
Throughout India, be it North or South India, spices are used generously in preparation of delicacies. But one must not forget that every single spice used in Indian dishes carries one or the other nutritional as well as medicinal properties. While most of the time Indian food has a connotation of spiciness, there is a very wide range of delicate dishes that just await to be discovered in either of the multiple Indian restaurants in Bangkok.
As well vegetarianism being very widely spread in Indian, there is always a very generous selection of vegetarian dishes available in any Indian restaurant one may visit.
Throughout India, be it North or South India, spices are used generously in preparation of delicacies. But one must not forget that every single spice used in Indian dishes carries one or the other nutritional as well as medicinal properties. While most of the time Indian food has a connotation of spiciness, there is a very wide range of delicate dishes that just await to be discovered in either of the multiple Indian restaurants in Bangkok.
As well vegetarianism being very widely spread in Indian, there is always a very generous selection of vegetarian dishes available in any Indian restaurant one may visit.
