How to Discover Bangkok through its Food

As one of Asia's premier food hubs, the capital of Thailand is the stuff of dreams for foodies the world over. Home to the country's finest restaurants and Michelin starred diners; Bangkok city is equally well-known for its extensive street food markets. Offering travellers truly unique gastronomical experiences, dining one's way through the city is arguably the best way to uncover the identity of Bangkok as a whole. Here are some tips on how to discover the city in its culinary offerings.

Sign Up for a Food Tour

One of the most efficient and comprehensive ways to explore Bangkok while discovering its culinary treats is to sign up for a food tour by a local tour operator. Food tours in Bangkok come in all shapes and sizes and can be tailor-made to fit the preferences of participants and what they are looking for in a culinary excursion around the city. Taking visitors to some of the capital's best-loved dining hubs, restaurants and bars, a food tour also allows travellers to go behind-the-scenes in some of Bangkok's top kitchens and even witness cooking demonstrations. The duration of food tours also varies greatly so tourists should ensure that the tour package selected takes them to various parts of the city and Bangkok's lesser-known food hotspots as well.

Secure a Strategic Base

While signing up for a formal food tour is a convenient option available to all tourists, it is possible to conduct a food tour of the city on one's own provided that the necessary research is done beforehand. A central location is a must for all those who intend to wine and dine around the city on their own. This is especially relevant for those who are in Bangkok for a limited time period as every 5-star Bangkok hotel does not offer easy access to key restaurants and street food joints as Emporium Suites by Chatrium or other similar hotels do. It is, therefore, crucial to secure a centrally located base that offers fast connections to various parts of the city and its main culinary epicentres.

Hit the Food Streets

There's no better way to see the city and dig into some of its most scrumptious treats than by spending a day wining and dining in street food markets. Spread out throughout Bangkok, these food heartlands provide inexpensive but delicious meals for travellers on a budget while also offering visitors a glimpse into the sheer variety of culinary delights available in a single marketplace. The Wang Lang Market is one such location which is situated across the river from Bangkok's iconic Grand Palace. Snacks and wholesome meals are a speciality at this market which is open all day long while the Chinatown area is another vibrant food street lined with stalls retailing Chinese menu items. Those looking for a hearty breakfast should head to Silom Soi 20 where black sticky rice and Thai chicken biryani are ubiquitous.

Seek Out the Stalls

In addition to hitting dedicated food markets lined with stalls, frequent visitors also like to head to specific food stalls in the city to sample their favourite grub from a preferred vendor. Those in search of food hailing from Isaan province will find no finer alternative to the Som Tam Jay So while boat noodles don't get any better than those served at Doy Kuay Teow Reua. Prawn and mung bean noodles are the speciality of Somsak Boo Op while vegetarian tourists should head to Chamlong Asoke food court to dig into Bangkok's best meat-free dishes. Kuay Jab Nay Lek, Tom Yum Goong and Halal: Yusup Pochana are other food haunts that are hot favourites of seasoned visitors.

Dine like a Local

When it comes to the finest Thai restaurants in Bangkok, look no further than Soei with its spicy and strong flavours while Sathorn's Laab Udon, Su Ki Jeh Ru near Hua Lamphong train station comes in at second and third place.