Finding “the best Pad Thai in Bangkok” is likely one of the most heavily disputed topics for local foodies. If you want to join the conversation, here’s where you can start.
There are those who say that a “best” Pad Thai doesn’t exist. There are those who claim that it exists everywhere. There are those that will list out directions rather than place names (“corner of Narathiwas 24, Sukhumvit 12, 22, or Soi Bearing”), because they know street food stalls reign supreme here. And then there are those who are lost, hungry, and just plainly and simply in search of a little guidance in the field.
Our roundup — we’re sure you’ve guessed it — caters to the latter group.
Where should you begin if you wanted to taste some of the city’s most recommended Pad Thai? Here, we’ve provided a rough guide of household names that are easy for the uninitiated to start with, and even for the fully initiated to enjoy. Celebrity chef Pad Thai? Natural wine pairing for your Pad Thai? Vegetarian options? They’ve got it all. Pad Thai is for everyone; no need to fight for where’s the objective best.
[Hero and featured image credit: Mayrai PadThai Wine bar/Facebook]
Where to really find the best Pad Thai in Bangkok
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Thipsamai
Definitely the most mainstream, the most well-known, and arguably the most legendary of all Pad Thai spots in Bangkok, Thipsamai is an institution. It’s really, really famous for its Pad Thai, claiming to be the oldest Pad Thai restaurant in the country (a reputation that goes back before World War II). These days, beyond the massive queues, you can find a varied and classic menu here, including classic, vegetarian, and shrimp Pad Thai, as well as ‘Pad Thai Song Krung’ made with fresh deep sea prawns, crabmeat, sliced squid, and sliced mango. They even sell ready-to-cook Pad Thai sauce and cooking kits for diners to take back home.
Location: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT
Opening times: Daily, 9am-midnight
Price range for two: THB 200-400
Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu
Boasting a Michelin Bib Gourmand mention for many years in a row now, most Bangkok foodies will agree that Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu is the city’s best Pad Thai joint. The brainchild of celebrity chef Andy Yang, the dishes here are classic, prepared with top-notch quality ingredients, and satisfying even to the snobbish hi-so city dweller. Homemade rice noodles, organic duck eggs, and Berkshire pork (you may know it as Kurobuta) are the stars of the game here, with chargrilled pork neck, crispy pork belly, and massive grilled prawns completing each dish. Luckily, beyond Dinsor Road, you can now also find Andy Yang’s Pad Thai at Siam Square Soi 10 and Mahanakhon CUBE.
Location: 15/5 Dinsor Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT
Opening times: Daily, 10am-midnight
Price range for two: THB 300-500
Baan Phad Thai
Baan Phad Thai translates quite literally to “house of Pad Thai,” and is located in charming Charoenkrung. Made with a secret 18-ingredient sauce, the Pad Thai here uses sen jan rice noodles, and features interesting toppings, include fresh blue Swimmer crab, grilled pork, and grilled chicken. The interiors here are decorated with antique Ayutthaya wood partitions, with nods to the olden days in the form of memorial paintings and photos on the walls. A fine setting for Pad Thai with equally satisfying dishes to suit.
Location:21, 23 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Opening times: Daily, 11am-10pm
Price range for two: THB 600-900
4 /7
Pad Thai Mae Am
For over 30 years, Mae Am has been cooking at the wok for all of us to witness, serving up a mouthwatering traditional Pad Thai made from local ingredients. Placed on a banana leaf and wrapped in egg, the Pad Thai here is a true classic, and much loved especially for its noodles. Located along Rama IV, come to Pad Thai Mae Am for the noodles, but definitely also stay for the desserts: they’ve got mango sticky rice and really great bua loy (rice flour balls with coconut milk).
Location: 2879 Rama IV Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Nearest station:Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, MRT
Opening times: Sun-Fri, 11am-8pm
Price range for two: THB 100-200
5 /7
Lueng Pha Pad Thai
Lueng Pha has been serving egg-wrapped pad thai with a recipe unwavered for over 60 years. The restaurant is very casual, with a handful of metal tables and walls adorned with old newspaper. We strongly recommend their signature prawn oil Pad Thai, made with their special sauce of prawn oil and herbs. Just the aroma alone brings all the boys to the yard.
Location:QG33+5W5, Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 5pm-midnight
Price range for two: THB 100-200
Pad Thai Aree
For when you seek convenience, stop by Pad Thai Aree and check out their interesting Pad Thai menu. They’ve got vegetarian, chicken, and shrimp options, but also a whole host of other toppings to pair with your noodles, too. These include crispy wonton, fried mussel pancakes, and even oyster omelette, for a very unique rendition of the classic Thai dish. Something for those with an adventurous palate, or just craving something different.
Location: G Floor, ICONSIAM, Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok
Nearest station:Charoen Nakhon, BTS
Opening times: Daily, 10am-9pm
Price range for two: THB 200-300
Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar
We’re ending our list with possibly the most stylish of the lot. Helmed by the award-winning Le Du’s Chef Ton and his brother Tam, Mayrai Pad Thai Wine Bar specialises in Pad Thai and Khao Soi, alongside a massive selection of natural wines. Underneath the sultry red lights, enjoy your Pad Thai here with grilled pork jowl, wagyu beef, or ginormous river prawns. Mayrai has also opened a second branch on Wireless Road, within Chef Ton’s other casual Thai eatery, Baan.
Location: 22 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sanam Chai, MRT
Opening times: Wed-Mon, 12-9pm
Price range for two: THB 400-9000
Lisa Gries
Creative Content Director, Bangkok
Lisa is the Creative Content Director at Lifestyle Asia and Prestige Thailand. When she’s not knees-deep in SEO analysis or editorial calendars, you’ll likely find her in downward-facing dog at the yoga studio, or immersed in conversation at a secret bar in China town. Lisa writes mostly on dining, travel, and pop-culture, and is a huge fan of soup dumplings, Riesling, and power napping — in exactly that order.
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