Top 7 Pad Thai Restaurants in Bangkok you must try
Pad Thai is actually not a traditional Thai dish: it was introduced in the 1930’s by the prime minister to manage rice shortages during World War II, encouraging people to eat more Chinese noodles and given a name that would evoke nationalistic pride. Since then it became a national sensation and the most popular Thai dish among tourists.
I took a short break from sightseeing and done some seriously yummy research on the best Pad Thai in town. Most of these restaurants serve other delicious and more authentic Thai food as well, but this post is all about the iconic noodle dish.
And some might accuse me of being unadventurous in my food explorations but let me reassure you that I do eat other Thai food, it’s just that if a restaurant can make a good Pad Thai, you know they can be trusted with more complex dishes. And if they can’t, well then there is no point in venturing into any other dishes there.
1. Baan Phadthai
Definitely the most expensive Pad Thai on the list though, because of its location in a trendy touristic part of Bangkok (only a couple of blocks away from the Mandarin Oriental) but the street itself is very quite and very retro Thai.
Veggie, pork, chicken and prawn versions available to please everyone. Personally, this Pad Thai was too sweet for me but I really appreciate a little set of 4 jars provided on a side with extra peanuts and spices so you can play a bit with flavors.
2. Narok Taek Pad Thai
This Pad Thai has a more complex taste to it than other versions, with perfectly balanced spicy, sweet, tangy, salty flavors and a touch of something crunchy.
It is beautifully presented and very Instagrammable: Pad Thai here is served on a banana leaf and a square plate with a bouquet of greens on a side.
I arrived a little before 5pm to avoid standing in line and got super lucky because Chef Alec (his English name) was making a couple of plates for a 5-star hotel next door and he made an extra one for me before the restaurant even opened. I also got a chance to chat a bit with Chef Alec who is super friendly and very hard working. He drinks 5 buckets (yes buckets not cans or bottles) of Coke a day and says it gives him energy to stand behind the super hot stove for 7 hours a day.
Chef here is using setting number 10 for the gas stove, which is more fit for commercial boilers rather than a kitchen but it works for him in this fast paced environment where people line up for his Pad Thai starting 5pm every day.
They also have something special for tofu lovers: egg white tofu with egg yolk coating, which is served on a side with Pad Thai.
3. Krua Apsorn
Being one of the best restaurants serving authentic Thai food in Bangkok, this is a must-visit place for Pad Thai. It might not be the most Instagram-worthy and it is not served in an atmospheric setting but it is definitely one of the tastiest I’ve ever had! It’s very well balanced in terms of sweet, tangy and spicy flavors.
4. Ethos (Vegetarian)
Portions are huge so don’t overdo it when ordering. Definitely check out their desserts and order the Coconut Masala smoothie, which is beyond delicious.
And you don’t have to be a vegetarian to check this place out: plenty of meat eaters I’ve recommended this spot to, told me that they would definitely eat in Ethos again.
5. Sentimental Friends Thai Cuisine
Delicious Pad Thai with quality ingredients and no MSG added. Super clean and cozy place with very friendly service. That menu is so beautiful, you will be reading it like a fairy tale book, and yes the place is very kid friendly.
Expect more authentic Pad Thai here, as the place focuses on traditional dishes.
6. Inter Thai Food
7. Che Hung’s Kitchen
Don’t waste your time going to Thipsamai Pad Thai - the place every blogger recommends: it is drenched with shrimp oil so much that I couldn’t even get through half of my portion. Yes, their marketing is right, yes they keep people waiting outside to create hype but the end product is just not a good one and that’s all that counts. If you do decide to visit: watch the people coming out of the restaurant - they rarely look happy.
HELLO, I AM JULES! I’M HERE TO TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY THROUGH MY ADVENTURES AS A SOLO TRAVELER AND TO INSPIRE YOU TO TAKE THAT TRIP YOU’VE BEEN DAYDREAMING ABOUT.
