Toey Sarunrat

Bangkok doesn’t always take brunch seriously, but when it does, it leans all in: quirky spaces, well-worn heritage shophouses, New York-ish Japanese cafes, plates full of nostalgia and even blues from New Orleans. Here’s where we’d actually go (and recommend to our friends) for a proper Sunday brunch with character and, most importantly, flavour that holds up.

Fried rice, for many, is that everyday comfort food that somehow ticks all the boxes – carbs, protein, maybe a little veg – the kind of dish that delivers full satisfaction. It might sound like the simplest thing in the world, just rice in a wok with some extras thrown in – but in Bangkok, where Thai and Thai-Chinese culinary DNA run deep, it’s a dish that reflects precision, control and often nostalgia. And while you can get fried rice just about anywhere, the places that really know what they’re doing? They hit different. These nine spots offer something distinctive, each brings something unique to the table, and no, we’re not talking about your average filler plate.

Bangkok’s dining scene never ceases to impress with new restaurants constantly adding fresh energy to the city’s vibrant food landscape. While elegant fine dining establishments often steal the spotlight with their refined menus and impeccable presentation, casual eateries play an equally important role in shaping the city’s culinary identity. From bustling street-side stalls to trendy bistros, these spots capture the capital’s lively spirit through bold flavours, creative concepts and inviting atmospheres. If you’re planning a romantic evening for two, a laid-back family dinner or even a solo food adventure, there’s no shortage of exciting options. The city’s diverse culinary landscape continues to expand, offering everything from Cantonese and French delicacies to comforting Burmese dishes. Whether you’re drawn to modern fusion cuisine or timeless classics, there’s always something new to discover. Discover, book and save at hundreds of top restaurants in Bangkok with Grab Dine Out.

Labelled a teen for being ‘too much,’ Madame Rouge now runs Bangkok’s most fabulous entertainment empire – where every show is sparkly, surreal and just a little unhinged. Just the way she likes it. In the middle of Bangkok’s Chinatown, inside Chop Chop Cook Shop, a five-storey shophouse that now serves as a nostalgic tribute to old-world cookshops and neon-lit alleyways, something magical came to life. Our latest digital cover shoot with Madame Rouge, Bangkok’s burlesque powerhouse, captures contradictions, cinematic tension and the spirit of a woman who refuses to live a double life. Photograph: Pavel She steps into frame wearing sequins, satin and all the sass in the world. But make no mistake – what you see isn’t a persona she puts on. It’s who she is. ‘I’ve been this person my whole life,’ she says. ‘Even as a kid I was confident, dramatic, opinionated (when I was a toddler, my parent’s friends gave me the nickname Auntie Jade). That kind of boldness wasn’t always welcomed. I was relentlessly bullied during my awkward teenage years. Acne, weird fashion choices, big energy. But I didn’t know how to be anyone else.   Photograph: Pavel   Born in Hong Kong, raised across continents from Canada and the U.S. to Beijing and now based in Bangkok, Madame Rouge – also known off-stage as Jade – channels her life’s winding journey into her art. Her brand is burlesque, but her power lies in how she stitches together East and West, nostalgia and absurdity, grit and glam. ‘Growin

Bangkok is the kind of city that never really stops moving. Even when the bars empty out and the last train has left the station, there’s always a hum of life somewhere, whether it’s a late-night street food vendor flipping omelettes over a hot wok or a 24-hour restaurant serving up steaming bowls of noodles to bleary-eyed shift workers, insomniacs and partygoers who aren’t ready to call it a night. While the convenience store might have instant noodles and reheated meals, there’s something about sitting down at a proper restaurant – no matter the hour – that just feels right.

Bangkok’s craft beer scene has been quietly but steadily growing and if you know where to look, you’ll find some of the best pints in town. Some spots are laid-back shophouse gems, while others are high-energy beer halls. These bars prove that the city is serious about craft brews. Here’s where to go when you need a solid pour and a good vibe.

Attempting to put together a list of the 50 best restaurants in Bangkok is an unenviable task. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to be leaving out not just good restaurants, but mind-bendingly good restaurants. Indeed, the process of assembling the following list involved not only signal-boosting some of our favourite culinary craftspeople, but also a painful triage of a host of excellent venues. That’s just how dense with excellence this city is when it comes to quality dining.  What makes eating out here so brilliant is the sheer diversity – both cultural and economic – of the Big Mango’s food scene and our top 50 aims to reflect that. Were we to focus purely on the set-menu avant-garde and quiet-luxury omakase counters, it would be a disservice to a readership that doesn’t just want food to look at, photograph and read about, but wants to eat. Therefore, we include some of the city’s most dazzling palaces of haute cuisine alongside humble streetside vendors. We’re serious eaters more than withering critics, and Bangkok is a city full of serious eats. Hence, we want to share our favourites and leave it to you, the reader, to be the withering critic. Dive in and enjoy the ride!

There’s something about dim sum that always feels like a special occasion, even if you’re just squeezing it into a late morning or casual lunch. Dim sum isn’t just food, it’s a ritual. In Bangkok, the dim sum scene is layered, part old-school, part experimental and part luxury. A table full of bamboo steamers, clinking teacups, a mix of conversation and chopsticks darting across dishes. These are the spots that get it right, and why they deserve your time.

True music lovers know that Bangkok’s best record shops aren’t just selling vinyl – they’re keeping music culture alive. In an age when most people stream music on their phones while doom-scrolling, there’s still a corner of Bangkok for those who like their sound analogue, their records dusty and their music experience tangible. Whether you're a seasoned crate-digger or someone who just got their first turntable last week, the city is filled with low-key gems that don’t just sell records – they build communities, fuel obsessions and remind you why physical music still matters. So bring cash, bring time and, most importantly, bring curiosity.

Phrom Phong is a paradox of old and new, where high-end retail rubs shoulders with hole-in-the-wall eateries. It’s a district that refuses to be defined by a single narrative – part cosmopolitan, part hidden enclave of subcultures. Whether you’re chasing culinary excellence, a quiet literary escape, or a slice of Bangkok’s underground music scene, Phrom Phong delivers with a lively mix of establishments, each with its own niche appeal. Here’s Time Out’s curated list of places worth visiting in Phrom Pong.

The City of Angels is where history and modern life collide in the most fascinating ways. From centuries-old temples and royal residences to palaces of a more contemporary and commercial nature, the city’s cultural attractions tell the story of Thailand’s past and present. No matter if you’re here for a short trip or planning to explore every corner of the metropolis over many days, these five Time Out recommendations capture the Thai capital’s spirit in ways you won’t find elsewhere, giving you a different piece of the fascinating puzzle that is Bangkok.

Todsapol Top Maisuk has lived many lives, some on screen, some in the everyday chaos of Bangkok. He’s been the teen soaking up Songkran on Khaosan road, the engineer-to-be contemplating his career path, and now, the actor stepping into roles that challenge both himself and the industry he’s part of. But in every version of himself, one thing stays the same: his grounded perspective to life and work. Photograph: STYLEdeJATE “I started acting when I was in Year 11, doing commercial castings,” he says. “Along the way, I found that I was genuinely happy doing this.” It wasn’t an overnight revelation, but a steady realisation – one that kept pulling him back, even when other career paths seemed more stable. Acting is unstable, but then again, life itself is uncertain. Realising that early on helped me make my choice. How Bangkok influences his move Bangkok is both a backdrop to Todsapol’s life and a city that shapes who he is. His early Songkran memories are straight out of a coming-of-age film – riding in the back of a truck, dunking himself into a ceramic water barrel to warm up from the cold splashes. Then came the wilder years at Khaosan, where the street turned into a blur of neon, soaked travellers and fleeting connections.   Photograph: STYLEdeJATE Todsapol’s go-to water fight attire perfectly reflects the traditional outfits worn by Thai people during the festival. “Tank tops with those classic Hawaiian patterns, comfy shorts, and affordable slides or sneakers so when

Inside a five-storey art deco shophouse in Chinatown, Chop Chop Cook Shop feels like a love letter to old Hong Kong, with a generous side of mid-century Americana. The striking interior is a nod to the building’s goldsmith roots, all stylish details and nostalgic charm, paired with an updated take on Thai-Chinese comfort food. Duck fried rice here is a quiet standout, beautiful grains of rice tossed with shiitake mushrooms, spring onions, and generous slices of roasted duck meat. The sauce is intense, leans sweet and clings to every grain. It’s a dish that feels comforting yet refined, with more than enough character to make it memorable. 328 Yaowarat Rd, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong. 097-008-0519. Open daily 12pm-10pm. Closed Monday.

Big portions, mild flavours, and an unapologetic dose of Americana. Mickey’s brings full-on diner culture to downtown Bangkok, complete with an all-day breakfast menu, and milkshakes that taste like childhood. Formerly in Langsuan, now moved inside Amarin Plaza, this is where you go when you want to brunch hard. The atmosphere leans playful, with both indoor and outdoor seating and that familiar buzz of clinking plates and casual chatter. The undisputed highlight is fried chicken with waffles while AFR Jumbo – a beast of a platter loaded with fried chicken, pork patty, kielbasa, ham, bacon, corned beef, and onsen egg – is best tackled with a friend or a hangover. However you roll, we don’t recommend sleeping on Mickey’s signature strawberry milkshake. GF/F, Amarin Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. 090-499-5158. Open daily 8am-11pm.  

Luka nails the vibe of that place where you'd accidentally stay too long. The menu reads like it was written by someone who gets bored easily, but in a good way. You’ll see burritos next to Korean-style chicken waffles next to beetroot quinoa bowls next to an avocado toast done right. Their ‘global comfort food’ tagline actually delivers and the space feels like a Pinterest board without being try-hard. Great for brunch, even better for brunch meetings you don’t want to feel like meetings. 64 3 Pan Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak. 091-886-8717. Open daily 8am-6pm.  

Tina’s brings something most brunch places in Bangkok don’t dare touch, Southern soul food. Check their Instagram for band schedules as Sunday brunch is best paired with live blues music. This New Orleans-inspired spot leans into its roots with a kind of bluesy, butter-heavy confidence that’s rare around here.  While jambalaya’s origin story is disputed as West African jollof or Spanish paella, Tina’s version is definitive. Short-grain rice, succulent prawns, tender chicken, smokey andouille sausage, fragrant herbs, tomatoes and a medley of spices create a hearty dish that never fails to impress. Complementing this is soulful Louisiana gumbo, served in generous bowls and guaranteed to satisfy. Brunch is served daily from 11.30am-3pm.  7 Suan Phlu Rd, Thung Maha Mek, Sathorn. 062-141- 6549. Open daily, lunch 11.30am-3pm, dinner 5.30pm- 11pm. 

A Brooklyn-bred concept with Japanese soul and a Bangkok twist, Okonomi brings the Japanese ethos of mottainai in which ingredients are used efficiently to create delicious, varied, and valued dishes with minimal waste. This serene, minimalist cafe in Sukhumvit 38 features a signature Ichiju Gosai set (one fish and five sides), a well-balanced menu that encourages you to slow down, chew thoughtfully, and somehow feel healthier after eating. Every element is portioned, seasoned, and plated like someone really thought about what you’d want on a slow Sunday morning.  33/1 Sukhumvit 38 Alley, Phra Khanong, Klongtoey. 061-338-8000. Open daily 7am-7pm.

You don’t find many restaurants these days that make you feel like you're being fed by someone’s memory. Baan Langsuan does exactly that. Located in a quietly elegant century-old home, this breakfast spot brings you pan-fried eggs with just the right amount of oiliness, silky omelettes over jasmine rice, bowls of rice gruel, all chased with thick Thai-style coffee. It’s got a calmness to it, the kind that makes you want to sit on the porch a little longer. 39/2 Soi Langsuan, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. 085-215-5055. Open daily 7.30am-11.30pm.

Fran’s exploded onto the scene with queues that wrapped around the block – and yeah, their velvet egg and bacon is probably why. This place gives off brunch-meets-bistro vibes, where classic dishes like pancakes, eggs benny, and steak and eggs come with a little extra something. It’s the kind of place that understands brunch can mean sweet, savoury, and carby all at once. They’ve since expanded to Sukhumvit and Chiang Mai, but the quality hasn’t taken a nosedive.  58 Ngam Duphli Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon. 092-131-0786. Open daily 8am-10pm.

If one were to step into Kay’s Sathon, they’d feel like they’ve entered a beautifully styled sanctuary, breezy, sunlit and elegant. An olive tree stands proudly at the centre, anchoring the space with a sense of calm and quiet luxury. Whether you choose to sit indoors among soft neutrals or outdoors where the city hum gently fades, everything from the atmosphere to the plating feels naturally just right. The menu leans fresh yet indulgent, with the signature Kay’s market plate being the move here: avocado, bacon, tomato, kale, soft eggs. If you're into picture-perfect cafes with actual substance behind the aesthetics, this one gets the balance right.  1 Si Wiang Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak. 092-995-9985. Open daily 6.30am-5pm.

Tucked inside a renovated mid-century home, PRIDI is that rare hybrid of café and micro-roastery that actually knows how to roast its beans well. The white interiors paired with warm wood accents give it an approachable, lived-in feel. The chicken liver pate is done elegantly, the fermented cream is house-made, and the strawberry jam makes it all taste like it came from someone who really knows what they’re doing (they do). Perfect for quiet Sundays when you want to read something sip on good coffee. 155 Pridipanomyong 25, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 065-098-8974. Open daily 8.30am-5.30pm. Closed on Thursday.

If you want to time-travel without leaving Bangkok, start your Sunday at On Lok Yun. This breakfast institution tucked deep in the Old Town is one of those places where the walls feel like they’re still listening. Open before Thailand enjoyed colour TV, it’s a living archive of Bangkok’s political gossip, neighbourhood drama, and generations of Thai-Chinese comfort food lovers. You come here not expecting innovation but for that faithful set of eggs (sunny side or softly scrambled), crisp toast, and ham or Chinese sausage that hits differently when served under flickering fans, Formica tables and shelves lined with vintage Milo tins that haven’t moved in decades. 72 Charoen Krung Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon. 085-809-0835. Open daily 6am-2.30pm.

If you’ve heard of Che Kiang Joke Kong Prab, chances are you’ve been curious about its reputation. A well-known spot in Chok Chai 4 area, this porridge joint has two locations, one in Chok Chai 4 and another in Sai Mai. It’s been serving congee for years. Che Kiang stands out for being open 24 hours, which means it’s the perfect place to hit up when hunger strikes late at night. The menu offers a variety of Cantonese favourites beyond just porridge including guay chap and tue huan geim chai, among others. Its porridge is not overly complicated, just a very decent, straightforward bowl of Cantonese-style congee that hits the spot. If you’re someone who dislikes artificial flavours, this place will likely be a good fit for you. But here’s the real highlight, the crispy noodles, which are unlimited, and you can load them up as much as you like. It’s a simple thing, but it adds an extra level of satisfaction to your meal. 97 Chok Chai 4 Rd, Lat Phrao. 02-933-3118. Open 24 hours.

Located inside the Malaysia Hotel on Rama IV, Malai Restaurant is one of those places you stumble upon and immediately appreciate for what it is – an easy stop when you’re in the mood for a no-hassle meal. This restaurant offers comfort food with a touch of nostalgia as the vibe inside is unmistakably ‘90s, and not in the trendy, retro-cool way but more like the kind of place your parents might have taken you to when you were younger, with that simple, homey feel. What’s impressive about Malai is the attention to the little things done well. Take soft-boiled rice, for example. It’s perfectly cooked and you can choose from different options: classic white rice infused with pandan, blue-hued rice from butterfly pea flowers, or a brown rice version. Stir-fried Chinese black olives with minced pork is the kind of simple comfort food that hits just right. Malai’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it’s a reminder of how comforting and satisfying familiar, well-executed dishes can be. No matter if you’re here for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, Malai offers the kind of place that feels like home. 54 Ngam Duphli Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon. 02-679-7127. Open 24 hours.

There’s a quiet bread war going on in Bangkok right now, and oddly enough, it’s being fought with a simple, stubby roll of salt-speckled dough called shio pan. Originally from Japan, where it’s been a humble bakery staple for years, shio pan has now crept into Bangkok’s trendiest bakeries, neighbourhood cafes, and weekend markets. Even places known for their pastries are tweaking their dough formulas to get in on the game, some stuffing it with cheese or yuzu butter or adding truffle because, well, Bangkok can’t help but remix everything. If you haven’t had one yet, it looks plain, deceptively so. There’s no glossy glaze, no laminated layers, no absurd toppings. Just a small, golden-brown roll with a slightly wrinkled top, a dusting of flaky salt, and maybe a little crack where the butter inside has melted and leaked slightly in the oven. But then you bite into it, and that’s where the obsession kicks in. The outside gives a faint crunch, almost like a shell, but the inside is fluffy, borderline hollow, and there’s this rich, milky butter flavour that hits you like a whisper instead of a punch. But here’s the thing, it’s not always done right. The worst versions are dense and oily, like someone tried to make garlic bread with a dinner roll and forgot the garlic. Some are too salty, others too dry, and too many are just trying to be ‘Instagrammable’ instead of actually edible. You start to realise how much technique this simple bread needs to really hit that soft-crisp balance

One of K-pop’s hottest girl groups is entering a new chapter. Formerly known as (G)I-DLE, the group has officially dropped the brackets and the ‘G’, rebranding themselves simply as i-dle across all social media platforms. The change reflects a move towards a more fluid and liberated identity, one that isn’t bound by gender or conventional labels. To celebrate their 7th anniversary, i-dle has also announced the release of not one, but two mini-albums. The first, Special Mini Album, is dropping today (2 May), while their eighth official mini album is set to follow on 19 May. Fans were also treated to a teaser video featuring the track for (G), which appears to remix elements of their iconic debut single LATATA. Their upcoming May return also marks the first time all i-dle members have promoted together since signing new contracts with Cube Entertainment at the end of last year. In the meantime, they’ve each been exploring solo paths, with Minnie launching her debut solo album HER in January, and Yuqi followed with the digital single Radio (Dum-Dum) in March. With a fresh identity and new music on the horizon, all eyes are on i-dle to see just how far they’ll evolve this time.

Coachella 2025 had it all – viral moments, surprise guests, and enough star power to crash the internet. Lisa Lalisa Manobal, global pop sensation and member of BLACKPINK, has once again proven her status as a powerhouse performer, claiming the number two spot in earned media value (EMV) during Coachella 2025. According to influencer analytics platform Lefty.io, Lisa generated an impressive $9.5 million (approx. B350 million) in EMV, placing just behind fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie, who topped the chart at $13 million (approx. B480 million) following her solo debut performance of Ruby. Also in the top five EMV rankings were Enhypen at number three with $9.3 million (approx. B342 million), Benson Boone with $6.7 million (approximately B247 million), and Travis Scott with $5 million (approx. B183 million). Held across two weekends in California’s Colorado Desert, this year’s Coachella lineup was brimming with global stars – from Lady Gaga to Travis Scott and Post Malone. But it was Lisa’s electrifying presence on the Sahara Stage that sparked a global buzz online, with fans and fashion insiders praising her powerful performance and genre-defying looks.Lisa’s Coachella 2025 appearance marked her return as a solo artist, with two sets across both weekends. Her week one performance hit the Sahara tent and quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the festival, breaking into Coachella’s Top 10 most-viewed videos of all time on YouTube. But she didn’t stop there. O

For years, Thailand’s alcohol laws have felt like a confusing mix of outdated moralism and arbitrary enforcement. The infamous Section 32 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act made it technically illegal for anyone – even regular consumers – to post a picture of a beer on social media if it was seen as promoting alcohol. Bars and craft brewers had to dance around frustrating restrictions while big brands found creative ways to keep their presence known. But as of 19 March, Parliament has voted to ease up, allowing alcohol advertising with conditions that are still being ironed out. This is a big deal, and not just for businesses. It’s a step toward a more transparent, informed drinking culture – one where consumers can actually learn about what they’re drinking instead of just seeing the same few dominant brands everywhere. The obvious winners here are craft brewers, small distillers, and bars that have been struggling to compete with corporations that had the resources to sidestep the old rules. Under the previous system, smaller players had to rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth, while big brands could push their non-alcoholic products – think soda water or alcohol-free beers – to keep their branding front and centre. It wasn’t a level playing field. Now, smaller producers have a real shot at telling their stories, connecting with consumers, and building their brands in a way that’s actually legal. Danny Yeung, a well-known F&B consultant, sees this as a long-overdue win:

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps – witness the thrumming traffic, heaving malls, busy street stalls, night markets, endless restaurants and bars. But beyond the chaos and constant movement, the capital also offers quieter, more magical moments, especially at sunset when the heat drops, everyone heaves a collective sigh and slows down a little. Watching the sun dip in Bangkok feels like hitting the pause button for a precious moment. Here then is an insider’s guide to the best spots to catch the golden hour in the Big Mango.   Wat Arun   Photograph: Mercure Bangkok Siam     When you think of Thailand’s iconic landmarks, Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River likely comes to mind. It is often pictured with the sun perfectly aligned behind its stupa and although known as the Temple of Dawn, sunsets here are just as magical. The porcelain-covered spires glow in the soft evening light, creating postcard-perfect moments. The best way to enjoy it is to join a sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya, or bag a table at one of the riverside restaurants across the water for a front-row seat. Seeing the sun dip behind Wat Arun’s silhouette never gets old. Wang Doem Rd, Bangkok Yai. 02-891-2185. Open daily 8am-6pm   River City Bangkok Rooftop   Photograph: Ticketmelon   For those who appreciate cinema with a view, River City Bangkok, in collaboration with Skyline Film, elevates the film-going experience by transforming its rooftop into an open-air theatre. It offers a front-row seat to