We hear there’s been an absolute explosion on the restaurant scene in Bangkok of incredible places. Casual, upmarket, street – with that in mind, we caught up with John Chantarasak, chef and co-founder of the Michelin-starred AngloThai, who spent several years as a young chef in Bangkok, for his BKK picks.
Favourite casual restaurant?
Why? This is a noodle shop in Chinatown that serves a style of noodle cut into big sheets, then rolled, so you end up with a tube. It’s quite a unique noodle and it’s served in a very clean broth that is heavily seasoned with white pepper. Normally you’ll have different preparations of pork in your bowl, so you’ll get some offal, a little crispy belly, and some braised meat. It’s delicious and very unique to Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Favourite upmarket restaurant?
Why? Samrub is a Thai dining style in which all the dishes arrive at the table at the same time. Run by chef Prin and his wife Mint. Prin is probably the most gifted and experienced Thai chef in the world right now. What makes this restaurant unique is that Prin travels with his team across Thailand to research an area and then, every couple of months, he will overhaul the entire menu. Every time I go, it’s a different menu, and I find I’m still learning from Prin and his cooking. The food is delicious, and he works with local communities and supply chains that are 100% Thai sourced.
Favourite venue for the vibe?
Why? This could only happen in Southeast Asia or Thailand. I came across this chef because of her instagram account that popped up on my feed one day. She’s converted her grandmother’s apartment on the ground floor of this tower block in a residential part of the city into a restaurant. Great food and vibes galore!
Favourite market?
Why? One of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Bangkok where many locals still shop and rarely do you spot another tourist. The market opens at 5am and usually winds down by 11am. I recommend arriving early so you can sample lesser-known Thai dishes and sweet treats.
By CrcolasFavourite neighbourhood to hang in?
Why? The main road that cuts through Bangkok’s Chinatown district with unlimited alleyways to explore obscure knickknacks and keepsakes, while also being peppered with street stalls and restaurants to sample all array of delicious foods.
Photo by Kelvin HanFavourite new spots?
Why? Located on the 39th floor of the Dusit Thani Hotel. The space is a masterclass in retro elegance and boasts panoramic city views from the full height windows that wrap the room. My favourite spot to meet friends for an ice-cold martini.
Names to know who are moving the scene
Prin Polsuk, Charlee Kader, Pam Soontornyanaakij and Tam Chudaree Debhaakam.
Favourite hotel?
Why? An iconic hotel that originally opened in 1970 and immediately changed the playing fields for hotel standards in Bangkok. The hotel was knocked down and completely rebuilt, re-opening in 2024, and once again proved it is the front runner Bangkok premium hotel with stylish interiors and generous rooms. I was fortunate to cook at the Dusit Thani in March and loved staying there.
Don’t leave without trying…
The crispy oyster omelet from Nai Mong Hoy Tod in Chinatown, that’s cooked over charcoal in liberal amounts of pork fat – delicious!
THANK YOU JOHN!
