From street food to upscale dining, the city offers something for every palate and craving

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Bangkok has quickly become one of my favorite cities, so much so that I’ve returned twice in less than a year.

Though its vibrant shopping scene keeps drawing me back, what I ultimately love about it is its endless array of culinary experiences. Whether it’s grabbing a quick snack from a street vendor or enjoying a gourmet meal in a high-end restaurant, the Bangkok dining experience (from morning to midnight) never disappoints. 

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Breakfast at Fran’s Brunch & Greens Fran’s Brunch & Greens

Fran’s Brunch & Greens offers a refreshing escape from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle. The restaurant feels spacious, offering both a cool, air-conditioned indoor area and a charming al fresco section with a garden-like vibe, making it the perfect brunch spot.

Fran’s is celebrated for its elevated twists on breakfast classics, refreshing açaí and fruit bowls, and open-faced sandwiches. Sure, you can’t go wrong with a classic eggs benedict with salmon or a hearty breakfast skillet loaded with sunny-side-up eggs, bacon, ham, roasted veggies, and beans, but their real claim to fame is the velvet egg and bacon sandwich.

Velvet egg and bacon sandwich

This sandwich perfectly balances indulgence and simplicity. The scrambled eggs are impossibly silky and picture-perfect; the bacon—thick, maple-glazed, and deliciously bold. The whole thing is served on sturdy sourdough with just the right touch of maple glaze to tie it all together.

Lemon poppy seed ricotta pancakes

But as incredible as the velvet egg and bacon sandwich was, I usually like to keep things lighter to kick off my day and the Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes definitely delivered. Each bite was paired with creamy ricotta, which added a rich, velvety texture, but with the right amount of lemon zest to keep it refreshing. The poppy seeds and blueberries gave a slight crunch, adding a playful texture to the dish.

Stop by Meng Pu Dong for lunch

Meng Pu Dong is one of Bangkok’s best-kept secrets for seafood lovers, especially if you enjoy northern Thai flavors with a twist. This restaurant specializes in pu dong (fermented crab), a must-try traditional dish. Prepared with bold seasonings like lime, garlic, chili, and fish sauce, it delivers an unforgettably sharp, tangy kick. Meng Pu Dong also carries on the legacy of pickled egg crab, a local favorite that’s been serving delicious boiled rice late into the night for over 30 years. 

The menu offers more than just pu dong though, with other standout dishes like som tam (papaya salad) paired with shrimp, grilled fish, and other seafood platters, all prepared with that signature northern Thai flair.

One dish that stood out was the som tam pu dong—a fiery combination of shredded papaya, chili, lime, and fermented crab that delivered a punch of spice and sourness in every bite. Other favorites were the grilled prawns, perfectly cooked and seasoned with just the right amount of salt and chili and their crispy pork with crackling skin.

With branches in Thonglor, Khaosan Road, and Serithai 27, they offer more than 200 authentic Thai dishes, ensuring plenty of options to satisfy your cravings for real, local flavors.

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Get a midday pick-me-up from Glig Cafe Glig Cafe

Grab a midday pick-me-up at Glig Cafe in the lively Sukhumvit neighborhood. Inspired by Japanese culture, the name stands for “Good Luck I Guess,” and their logo features a four-leaf clover symbolizing good fortune.

The cafe has a beautiful Japanese-inspired glasshouse design, complete with Instagram-worthy spots that are sure to catch the eye. The sleek glass interior and ample natural light create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the lush garden greenery adds a nice touch of calm.

An ice-blended milk slushie topped with espresso paired with a four-leaf clover-shaped scone

I’ll admit, the stunning interior drew me in but I enjoyed their signature drink—a creamy ice-blended milk slushie topped with rich espresso. It strikes the perfect balance between mild sweetness and bold coffee flavor, making it incredibly refreshing.

Glig Cafe choux cream puffs

And I can’t stop thinking about those cute four-leaf clover-shaped scones. They’re wonderfully soft and moist, and they pair perfectly with clotted cream and jam. I also tried the choux cream puffs in flavors like honey yuzu, vanilla custard, and hazelnut. 

Grab dinner at The Commons Saladaeng

The Commons Saladaeng is not only a great place to grab dinner but also a Bangkok destination in itself, offering a curated mix of trendy eateries, cafes, and boutiques. Located in the heart of the vibrant Saladaeng area, it’s a social hub that brings together food lovers, creatives, and urban explorers in a beautifully designed open space.

 

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What really drew me in was how it was all about community and shared experiences. The Commons is spread over multiple levels, each with its own unique vibe. On one of my visits, I grabbed specialty coffee from Roots—their brews are fantastic, by the way—then wandered over to Amatissimo for their luscious pandan and coconut croissant cake. 

It felt like each level had its own little world. I loved discovering new flavors, whether it was fresh seafood at The Lobster Lab or savoring the Mediterranean dishes at Simsim. Every corner of the space had something exciting to offer, from street food-inspired bites to elevated international cuisine

 

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For those looking to balance indulgence with wellness, there are also spots offering healthy bites, smoothies, and plant-based dishes. And if you’re in the mood to explore beyond food, the top floors host pop-up shops, local brands, and creative events that reflect the city’s dynamic culture.

Order dessert from Chef Ple Thai Mango Sticky Rice

I’ve searched all over for the best mango sticky rice in Thailand, and I think I’ve finally found the winner. Chef Ple’s Thai Mango Sticky Rice is this unassuming, no-frills stall you’ll spot all around Bangkok.

Chef Ple’s Thai mango sticky rice

What makes this little spot special? Their mangoes are huge, super fragrant, and incredibly juicy. A single serving is more than enough for two people.

But the real star of the dish is the warm, perfectly sticky rice. When you pour the rich, creamy coconut milk over it, the combination is pure magic. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying flavor that just hits the spot.

And the best part? They’re open 24 hours and available on Grab. I find myself ordering it every nightarenaplus, even before I’m back at the hotel, just to make sure it’s there waiting for me after a long day of shopping.

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