Eat and Drink Like a Local in Bangkok
Bangkok has an estimated 500,000 street vendors which makes it a wonderful city for sampling Thai street food at affordable prices. However, the street carts and street stalls can be overwhelming, especially if you are not sure of what you are ordering.
Eating street food is part of the Bangkok experience, however, if you’d like to sit down and relax in a nice venue while enjoying drinks and a scrumptious meal, here are some great options to eat and drink like a local in Bangkok.
Banglamphu Duck Noodles & Duck Rice
A street vendor with plastic tables and chairs near a small alley, Banglamphu Duck Noodles & Duck Rice is a favorite in the neighborhood with locals, expats and tourists. The small restaurant is popular for its noodle soup made of succulent roasted duck in a delicious broth. We recommend the thick rice noodle, but there are a variety of noodles to choose from. Roasted duck on rice is also a famous dish here.
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 100 m
Coco Chao Phraya
Located along the Chao Phraya River, Coco Chao Phraya is a sleek restaurant with well-designed interiors and an outdoor terrace with spectacular views of both the river and Rama VIII Bridge. The menu here consists of authentic Thai cuisine and Italian favorites as well as homemade pastries, cakes and excellent coffee. Coco Chao Phraya is a nice place to take a break, has attentive staff and affordable prices.
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 470 m
Kope HyaTaiKee @ Phanfa
A traditional kopitiam, Kope HyaTaiKee @ Phanfa is a charming eatery that serves traditional Thai breakfast, classic Thai lunch options and also a few fusion dishes. You’ll want to try Kai Grata, literally translated as pan eggs. Kai Grata is a popular street breakfast of eggs cooked in a pan and topped with a variety of meats. The dish is simple, delicious and a favorite easy breakfast amongst locals.
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 800 m
Rat Na Yot Phak 40 Years
A popular Thai restaurant and noodle house, Rat Na Yot Phak 40 is a Bangkok institution famous for its rat na. Rat Na is a Thai-Chinese noodle dish made with stir-fried white rice noodles, a choice of meat, garlic, mushrooms and topped with a thick gravy. If you are looking to eat like a local while in Bangkok, Rat Na Yot Phak 40 years is a good choice!
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 830 m
The Gingerbread House
A century-old Bangkok house that now functions as an adorable cafe, The Gingerbread House is an interesting spot to learn about the history of the old town, view antiques and artifacts from the house owner’s family and enjoy a great cup of coffee. The menu serves a variety of dishes including signature coffee and drinks as well as Thai desserts. The Gingerbread House is located near the Giant Swing in Phra Nakhon.
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 900 m
Phuthon Bar
Located near the Giant Swing, Phuthon Bar is a shop famous for its charcoal grilled bread. The bread is served with a variety of sauces and jams and is exceptionally tasty. Signature drinks, smoothies, and coffees are also on the menu. Phuthon Bar is popular with locals and jam-packed nightly, so go early to get a table.
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 1 km
Blue Whale Cafe
A well-designed local eatery with a great atmosphere, Blue Whale Cafe is a trendy spot for specialty coffee. The Butterfly Pea Latte is a must-try, and if you’re feeling hungry, choose from any of their Asian fusion dishes and desserts. For those who enjoy Instagram, the cafe is a total dream!
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 1.9 km
The Deck by Arun Residence
An Asian Fusion riverside restaurant and open-air bar, The Deck by Arun Residence serves a la carte breakfast, light lunches and dinner. The venue is well-designed, comfortable and has excellent views of Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. The Deck by Arun Residence is a nice place to stop after a day of exploring the neighborhood to take in the views and have a bite to eat.
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 1.9 km
Supanniga Eating Room, Tha Tien
Featuring great views of Wat Arun, the Supanniga Eating Room, Thai Thien is located riverside. The restaurant prides itself on secret family recipes and was recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2021. Thai cuisine is the highlight here, and you’ll want to try the fried Chinese cabbage and braised pork belly with herbs and cowa leaves. This is a wonderful place for a sunset dinner, and reservations are highly recommended.
Distance from The Ember Hotel: 1.9 km