It’s no secret that Bangkok is a paradise for foodies. Whether on the streets, in shopping mall food courts or at Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s unlikely that you will ever go hungry in Bangkok.
Likewise, many of Bangkok’s top food areas are well-known at this point. This is true whether you’re in the modern part of the city, and eat your way along Convent and Sala Daeng roads in Silom, or go wild along Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s deservedly famous Chinatown.
Recently, however, a new culinary paradise has emerged. If you haven’t heard of Ban That Thong Road Bangkok, I think you’re going to want to continue reading.
How I “Discovered” Ban That Thong Road
I can’t entirely claim that Ban That Thong is a new Bangkok foodie destination. After all, I’ve been eating various foods here—namely, congee at Jok Sam Yan, and pa tong ko fritters from the streets—literally for years. I just always called it Jula (referring to nearby Chulalongkorn University) and left it at that. Recently, however, my husband (who is Thai) took me out for a proper evening there—it changed my view completely, for reasons I’ll explain over the next few paragraphs.
I’ve also worked in a fair number of cafés around Ban That Thong. In these cases, however, I’ve always used aVPN for Mac and not just to keep my private data safe. Thailand, though to a lesser extent than China (for example), censors a certain number of websites, and I don’t want to be restricted. Plus, being able to use a US ID address makes sure I can seamlessly access American banking and utility services.
What to Do Along Ban That Thong Road
Eat, obviously
Beyond my own breakfast explorations in the Ban That Thong area (more on those a minute), I’d previously ordered take-away pad see ew (stir-fried rice noodles with dark soy sauce) from a restaurant here, which happens to be one of the top-rated places in Thailand for it. Beyond this and other Thai favorites, Ban That Thong is a paradise for fresh seafood, as well as non-Thai ethnic cuisines like Vietnamese and Indian.
(But not just in restaurants)
While I won’t say categorically that Ban That Thong is the best place for Bangkok street food, it is pretty competitive in this regard. From fresh juices (many of which, to my surprise, are sugar free), to Thai iced tea and popular stir fried dishes like hoy tod (oyster omelet) and of course Pad Thai, this area is as good for people who want to sit down and eat as it is for those of us who prefer to nosh on the go.
People-watch
Ban That Thong is located very close to Chulalongkorn University, one of Thailand’s most renowned (and international) institutions of higher education. As a result, the vibe is lively and youthful, and there are plenty of characters present. The people-watching here is top-tier, and not just because of university students. As Ban That Thong grows in popularity, there are also plenty of other types of locals, not to mention an increasing number of tourists.
Practice your night photography
After you fuel up on Bangkok street food, use your newfound energy to get creative. Specifically, the Ban That Thong area is perfect for night photography, whether you set your ISO to high and go the handheld route, or set up your tripod and do long exposures. Obviously, you can also use your phone to capture the neon-lit scenes, although in my opinion it’s always best to take pictures with a real camera.
(But don’t sleep on mornings)
To end this post where I started it, I will put in a big vote for confidence for breakfast in Ban That Thong. It’s much less crowded than it is in the evenings, and while that can make it seem less exciting superficially, it’s also more authentic. If you go to Jok Sam Yan at 5 AM as I do, you’ll see local people preparing for their day, and feel like you have truly been let in on a secret. Especially if you go across the street and buy pa tong ko!
Other Foodie Hubs in Bangkok
As I mentioned earlier in this post, Ban That Thong Road is far from the only place to eat your way through Bangkok. Here are some other options:
- Silom: Whether along Convent or Sala Daeng Roads, this part of Bangkok is rightfully known as one of the top street food destinations.
- Langsuan: If you’re looking for higher-end restaurants, Langsuan—the area just north of Lumphini Park between Ratchadamri and Wireless Roads—is your best bet.
- Khao San Road: The “ambiance” of Khao San isn’t for everybody, but it’s difficult to deny how amazing and varied the food options are.
- Yaowarat/Chinatown: Apart from Ban That Thong, this is probably the most authentic street food area in Bangkok, and without a doubt the most photogenic.
In other words, whether or not you visit Ban That Thong, Bangkok will almost never disappoint you from the perspective of eating well.
Other FAQ About Bangkok’s Ban That Thong Road
What is Ban That Thong known for?
Ban That Thong is increasingly known as a foodie paradise in Bangkok, no matter what type of food you want to eat, and whether you prefer restaurant meals or street food. It’s also extremely photogenic, not as touristic as other parts of town and is a great place for people-watching.
What kind of food is Ban That Thong known for?
Historically, Ban That Thong has been famous for Rat Na (crispy noodles in thick crave) and Pad See Ew, i.e. fat rice noodles stir fried in dark soy sauce. However, you can come here in the morning and eat jok (Thai-style congee), or at night to enjoy fresh seafood.
What is the coolest street in Bangkok?
According to many recent surveys, Ban That Thong Road near Chulalongkorn University is the coolest street in Bangkok. Now, I love many streets in Bangkok, so I won’t declare this definitively. But it’s definitely worth checking out on one of your evenings in the city.
The Bottom Line
In Ban That Thong Road, Bangkok has at long last fully actualized its street food paradise potential. Unlike Chinatown or street food sois in Silom or Sukhumvit, Ban That Thong has several blocks that are pedestrian-only, meaning that street food carts don’t need to share real estate with passers-by, since cars aren’t using the roads themselves. Moreover, since Ban That Thong is located within the vicinity of Chulalongkorn University, it has a youthful and vibrant energy, to say nothing of the wide variety of food available. Need personalized help putting your Bangkok foodie itinerary together? Consider hiring me to plan your Thailand trip!
