From street food stalls in Bangkok, to fine dining in exclusive restaurants, there is something for every taste and budget in this enigmatic Asian city. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and the most visited city in the world. It welcomes over 22 million visitors each year and is popular with both leisure and business travellers. Located in central Asia, Bangkok is a key business destination and a great base for corporate travellers. The city has good transport links to other Asian cities and numerous large corporations have headquarters in Bangkok. Many business travellers chose to stay in serviced apartments in Bangkok as they provide luxury self-catering accommodation in the city and allow convenient access to other Asian business destinations.
Thailand is a hybrid of idyllic islands, vibrant nightlife, wild jungles and bustling metropolises. Appealing to all walks of life, from coming of age backpackers, to luxury travellers looking for a high end retreat. One thing all visitors to Thailand agree on is that it offers some of the best food in the world and Bangkok is certainly no exception.
The best street food in Bangkok
During your business trip to Bangkok, dining on Thai street food is an experience not to be missed. Usually prepared with the freshest ingredients and traditional family recipes passed through the generations, these understated food stalls offer some of the best cuisine in the country. Grab a quick lunch between meetings and immerse yourself in the Thai street food culture.
Chinatown
Some of the best street food in Bangkok can be found in the Chinatown district also known as Yaowarat. This lively area is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world and is a hub of neon signs, shophouses and market stalls. When night falls the area is lit up with street vendors tempting the senses with fresh eastern delights.
Yaowarat Road has a range of highly rated food stalls, some are even mentioned in the acclaimed Michelin guide. Lim Lao Ngow features in the Michelin Guide and has a ‘Bib Gourmand’ accreditation. It is a family run stall which has been running for over eighty years. Their specialty is the Guay tiew look chin pla which is a fishball and egg noodle dish. The original recipe has been in the family for decades and it is said they serve the best fishballs in town.
Banglamphu
Banglamphu is also known as Bangkok’s old town. Here you’ll find an array of traditional Thai street food stalls serving everything from grilled meat skewers to Khao gang (curry rice) and Som tam (papaya salad). One dish everyone should try when visiting Bangkok is an authentic Pad Thai which is a stir fried rice noodle dish. Pad Thai Thip Samai is said to serve the best Pad Thai in Thailand and is popular with both locals and tourists.
Chatuchak
If your business trip to Bangkok is over a weekend it is worth visiting Chatuchak weekend market. Impressively covering over thirty-five acres and with 15,000 stalls it is the biggest market in Thailand and definitely an experience. It is said to be the place where you can find anything - Including a vast array of food stalls. Some recommended dishes worth looking out for are mango sticky rice, honey roast pork, duck noodle soup and coconut ice cream. A top tip is to visit the stalls popular with locals.
Restaurants in Bangkok
Business etiquette is unique in Bangkok. Meetings over lunch or dinner are an important element to successful business in Thailand. It is important to establish a good rapport before thrashing out those deals. If you are looking for a more relaxing setting for a sit down meal, or perhaps a quiet business lunch then check out some of our recommended restaurants in Bangkok.
Thonglor
This upscale area is popular with expats and one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Bangkok. Here you’ll find more bars, clubs and restaurants than other part of the city. The vast selection of restaurants and eateries means there is something to satisfy any palate. Whether you are after traditional Thai food, international dishes or modern cuisine, Thonglor is the area to visit. Some of our favourite restaurants in Thonglor are: Roast which serves contemporary American cuisine perfect for a business brunch, Canvas for a memorable Michelin starred dining experience, and KAZE Fresh Japanese Restaurant for delicious sushi.
Sathorn
Sathorn is home to the central business district in Bangkok and is the perfect place to go for a power lunch in the city. You’ll find a great choice of serviced apartments in Bangkok close to the CBD making Sathorn a convenient location to go for dinner during your stay. If you’ve had your fill of thai food La Dotta is the destination to go to, particularly for a pasta lovers. The menu is packed with authentic Italian dishes and tempting Negroni cocktails. For fine dining in Bangkok and an impressive business dinner J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain won’t disappoint. This opulent restaurant has a continental inspired menu thoughtfully created by acclaimed Italian chef Amerigo Sest.
Best restaurants in Bangkok with a view
Mahanakhon Sky Bar
For sweeping views over Bangkok like no other head to Mahanakhon Sky Bar. The highest restaurant in Bangkok, it is set on the 76th Floor of King Power Mahanakhon tower. Offering both indoor and outdoor dining it is an idyllic setting for a business lunch in Bangkok or after work drinks as the sun sets over the city. The menu comprises a range of classic international flavours and the drink selection is equally as impressive.
Sala Rarranakosin Eatery & Bar
Sala Rarranakosin Eatery and bar is set along the bank of the Chao Phraya River and boasts stunning views of the water and Wat Arun (the Temple of the dawn). This is one of the best restaurants in Bangkok with a view to remember. The menu is a fusion of traditional Thai favourites and delectable western dishes.
Supanniga Cruise
For a unique experience your colleagues will forever remember during their business trip to Bangkok take a river cruise. Supanniga run a sunset dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy unrivalled views of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun as you sip champagne and feast on a delicious six course meal freshly prepared by the accomplished chefs on-board.
This vivacious city caters for the masses. Whether you want to grab a quick bite from the quirky food stall you pass while taking in the sights, or plan a memorable business lunch in one of the glamorous restaurants on the Chao Phraya Riverside, you’ll not be disappointed in the food in Bangkok. To ensure you make the most of your business trip to Thailand check out our top serviced apartments in Bangkok.
