Until a few years ago, no one went drinking in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Of course, the street food in the area is the best in town, but consumption is reserved for other parts of town where the bar is located. Today, Chinatown is home to some of Bangkok’s most unique bars and restaurants, most of which are easily accessible by metro.
100 Mahaseth
This restaurant excels at taking Thai flavors, ingredients and techniques and pushing them closer to what is considered traditional. Vegetarians beware, there is hardly a leaf here and the dishes often focus on ingredients like eagle, basil and bone marrow. If you’re open to a nose-to-tail approach, the results are very good.
Ba Hao
Housed in a beautifully refurbished boutique, this 1935 Shanghai-themed bar also serves up some of the best and most unique snacks in town. Think chili and garlic deep-fried doughnuts, or rich, soft cold tofu served with savory sauces, there’s even more delicious food, craft beer and signature Chinese-themed cocktails.
Warehouse 30
In the end, someone chose to make use of this old chain of warehouses (warehouses) located next to the Chao Phraya River. Inside you’ll find interconnected shops, cafes and restaurants; In just one visit, you can enjoy an espresso macchiato, peruse vintage French business jackets, pick up a silk scarf, and view beautiful old teak slabs.
Jua
This casual, modern Japanese restaurant serves up some of the best non-Thai food in town – don’t miss the tomato salad with shiso pesto, corned beef bacon or anything grilled. But for many, the draw is its friendly atmosphere and dual function as a bar, with an infectious enthusiasm for sake.
Someday Everyday
Enter the bright, modern building, point and choose from a selection of Thai curries, soups, stir-fries and dips, which will be piled up on trays for you to take upstairs. Oh, and even if you’ve ever felt “meh” about Thai sweets, don’t skip dessert.
Nay Hong
If you can find it, Nay Hong serves one dish: kuaytiaw khua kai, flat, wide rice noodles sautéed in lard with eggs, chicken, and candy squid. It’s a true Bangkok dish, and eating it in this back alley, with cats walking between your legs and sweat running down your back, is a true Bangkok experience.
Tep Bar
Visit this refurbished store in a narrow alleyway, Thursday through Sunday, and catch a wild and downright noisy performance of traditional music. Come every night for surprisingly drinkable Thai herbal spirits (some say medicinal) and grilled snacks.