The 10 Best Restaurants on Khao San Road, Bangkok

Tom Yum Kung takes its name from the famous hot, spicy, and sour shrimp soup that is loved by many Thai people. Needless to say, the restaurant specialises in this popular Thai meal. The menu also features other Thai classics like chicken with cashew nuts, the coconut-based soup of tom kha gai, black pepper crab, and Thai beef salad. Located in an old Thai house, jazz music adds to the cool vibe. There’s plenty of seating outside too if you want to watch the action on the street.

With fairly stylish interiors and a reputation built up over more than 30 years, Taste of India is one of the best Indian restaurants in the Khao San Road area. The restaurant specialises in dishes from northern India, with a good balance between mild and fiery dishes and meals that are suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians. The menu is extensive, with sections dedicated to veg and non-veg starters, kebabs, salads, Chinese dishes, chicken, mutton, fish, and more. The thalis are a great way to sample a few different dishes and really send hunger away.

Although mainly a spot for drinking, Lucky Beer serves a selection of Thai dishes too. From fried rice to various noodle dishes, there are many traditional dishes to help mop up the alcohol and satisfy your taste buds. Try the roasted cashew nuts with chilli — they’re a great accompaniment to ice-cold beer. If you’re planning to eat here do go early, though, as the bar gets pretty packed and rowdy later on in the evening.

For some hearty comfort food on Khao San Road, look no further than Mulligan’s. Step inside the air-conditioned Irish bar, grab a seat, and order pub grub like burgers, sandwiches, steak and chips, fish and chips, and pie and chips. The menu also has a selection of typical Thai fare too. There’s a good selection of bottled and draught beers to go with your meal as well.

Hippie De Bar is a more laid-back restaurant-cum-bar than many other places along Khaosan Road. It’s tucked a little way back from the street, letting you escape the frenetic action outside for a while and take a breather in the colourful and relaxed surroundings. Alternatively, there’s a chilled courtyard too. The restaurant serves typical Thai dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and pad kra pao gai, which is stir-fried chicken with holy basil. The restaurant attracts locals as well as tourists.

Khaosan Holiday is a budget guest house with a restaurant that is open to guests and non-guests alike. Fairly relaxed with dim lighting and nice décor, the restaurant serves a selection of Thai and international favourites. Tuck into spring rolls, Thai curry, fried rice, pizza, and more.

Buddy Beer is another of Khao San Road’s restaurant-bars. Pizzas are made fresh to order and, as with most of the restaurants in the area, the menu also has a selection of Thai dishes. Try the spicy papaya salad, som tam, with beer — they go great together! The seating is comfy and the vibe is relaxed.

Susie Wong’s Beers and Buns is a casual eatery and watering hole. Great for a quick lunch, a snack, or if you want a change from the abundance of Thai food available nearby, Susie Wong’s specialises in sandwiches. Made fresh in front of you, fillings include eggs with bacon, pulled pork, BBQ pork, chicken, and vegan-friendly salad. Grab some meat skewers too if you’re especially hungry.

If you don’t want to miss any of the street sights as you eat, Side Walk is ideal. As the name suggests, there are many seats right on the pavement, giving you front-seat views of all the goings-on. The menu features Thai dishes and a variety of drinks.

Is Orange is a quiet spot for lunch or an early dinner, but the resto-bar does usually get busy in the evenings. Service is fast and the prices are average for the area. As with a lot of Khao San Road’s restaurants, it serves up an assortment of popular Thai meals. If you want something sweet, try the mango sticky rice.