1. What are some of the best restaurants near Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok?
1. Thip Samai Pad Thai
2. Supanniga Eating Room
3. Err Urban Rustic Thai
4. Krua Apsorn
5. Baan Phadthai
6. Nang Gin Kui
7. Kathmandu Ruchi Indian Restaurant
8. Zam Zam Halal Pakistani Food
9. Krishna Restaurant Bangkok
10. Jay Fai – Michelin Star Street Food
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options around Wat Phra Kaew?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan dining options around Wat Phra Kaew. Some popular choices include:
– May Kaidee Vegetarian Restaurant: This restaurant is located near the Grand Palace and serves a variety of traditional Thai dishes made with vegetarian ingredients.
– Khun Churn Vegetarian Restaurant: Located in nearby Chatuchak district, this restaurant offers a variety of meat-free Thai dishes as well as international options.
– Broccoli Revolution: This trendy vegetarian and vegan restaurant is located along Sukhumvit Road and features an extensive menu of plant-based dishes.
– Ethos Vegan Kitchen: Located in Silom district, this small restaurant serves delicious vegan versions of Thai street food favorites.
– Veganerie Concept: This cafe chain offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including smoothie bowls, salads, sandwiches, and more. There’s a branch at the Siam Paragon shopping mall, just a short distance from Wat Phra Kaew.
It’s also worth noting that many traditional Thai dishes can be modified to be vegetarian or vegan upon request at most restaurants in Bangkok.
3. Can you recommend a local street food market near Wat Phra Kaew that is popular with tourists?
One of the most popular street food markets near Wat Phra Kaew is Khao San Road. This bustling street is lined with stalls selling all kinds of delicious street food, from traditional Thai dishes like pad thai and mango sticky rice to international options like pizza and burgers. You can also find a variety of drinks, snacks, and souvenirs at the market. While it can get quite crowded with tourists, it is still worth checking out for a taste of local street food culture.
4. Is there a specific dish or cuisine that is known for being traditional in this area?
Yes, there are several traditional dishes and cuisines that are known in this area. Some of the most well-known include:
– Peranakan cuisine: This cuisine is a fusion of Chinese and Malay influences and is popular in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore.
– Nasi Lemak: A national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with various accompaniments such as sambal (a spicy sauce), fried anchovies, peanuts, and boiled eggs.
– Satay: Grilled skewered meat (usually chicken or beef) served with a spicy peanut sauce. It is a popular street food in Malaysia.
– Roti Canai: A flatbread made with flour, water, and ghee (clarified butter), typically served with a curry dipping sauce.
– Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with various regional variations (such as Assam laksa or curry laksa) made with a rich coconut milk broth and topped with ingredients like prawns, shredded chicken, tofu puffs.
– Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, bean sprouts, egg, Chinese sausage, and chili paste.
These dishes are all considered traditional to different regions within Malaysia.
5. Are there any upscale dining options close to Wat Phra Kaew for a special occasion?
Yes, there are several upscale dining options near Wat Phra Kaew that would be suitable for a special occasion. Some popular options include:– Nahm: This Michelin-starred restaurant serves contemporary Thai cuisine in a beautiful setting inside the Metropolitan Hotel.
– Sala Rim Naam: Located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this restaurant offers traditional Thai dishes in a luxurious setting with views of the Chao Phraya River.
– The Gardens of Dinsor Palace: This elegant restaurant serves modern Thai cuisine in a historic building with lush gardens.
– Saffron: Situated at the Banyan Tree Hotel, this rooftop restaurant offers stunning views and delicious Thai dishes.
– Breeze at Tower Club: This rooftop restaurant at Lebua Hotel specializes in modern Asian fusion cuisine and offers breathtaking city views.
6. Are there any restaurants or cafes with outdoor seating and views of the temple?
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating and views of the temple. Some options include L’Auberge Chez François, which has a terrace overlooking the temple; The Monocle Restaurant, which has an outdoor patio with views of the temple; and The 1789 Restaurant, which has a garden and patio area that overlooks the temple.
7. Where can I find the freshest seafood near Wat Phra Kaew?
One option is Pak Khlong Talat (flower market), which is also known for its variety of seafood and fresh produce. You can find a wide selection of fresh seafood at the many stalls in this bustling market. Another option is to visit one of the many restaurants along the Chao Phraya River, such as Supanniga Eating Room or Sala Rim Naam, which serve fresh seafood dishes with a beautiful river view.
8. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants nearby to enjoy the view of the city and temple from above?
Some options for rooftop bars and restaurants with views of the city and temple from above include:– Roong Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok
– Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok
– Red Sky at Centara Grand at CentralWorld
– Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar at Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
– The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar at Hotel Muse Bangkok
Please note that some of these may require advanced reservations.
9. What are some must-try dishes that are unique to this area in Bangkok?
1) Khao Chae – a traditional Thai dish of jasmine rice served with chilled delicately-scented water and assorted accompaniments such as shrimp paste balls, fried sweet peppers, dried shredded beef, and sour green mango strips.
2) Pad Thai Thip Samai – The famous Guay Tiew Pad Thai Kai Jiew Sua (Pad Thai Fried with egg wrapped in noodle blanket) at Thip Samai restaurant is a must-try. This version of Pad Thai is unique to this restaurant and the queues of locals and tourists waiting to try it are a testament to its popularity.
3) Moo Tod Kratiem Prik Thai Dum – translated as deep-fried pork with garlic and black pepper, this dish is known for its crispy texture and bold flavors. It’s often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
4) Hoi Tod – another popular street food dish in Bangkok, hoi tod is a crispy oyster omelette made with fresh oysters, eggs, and bean sprouts. It’s typically served with a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
5) Kway Teow Reua – also known as boat noodles, this dish is traditionally served from small boats along the canals of Bangkok. It features small bite-sized portions of noodles in a flavorful broth made with beef or pork blood.
6) Khanom Bueang – these crispy mini pancakes are filled with either savory or sweet toppings such as coconut cream, shredded chicken, or meringue. They are commonly sold by street vendors throughout Bangkok.
7) Som Tam Tod – this variation of the popular som tam papaya salad features crispy fried bits added to the mix for an extra crunch.
8) Kuai-Tiao Nam Tok – a type of spicy noodle soup made with sliced beef or pork, herbs, spices, and rice noodles. It’s commonly found at street stalls or in local markets.
9) Khanom Krok – these bite-sized coconut pancakes are a popular sweet snack in Thailand. They are cooked over a special charcoal stove which gives them a unique smoky and sweet flavor.
10. Can you recommend a restaurant that specializes in Thai desserts around Wat Phra Kaew?
Yes, I can recommend “Baan Khanitha & Gallery” located on Chao Fa Road, which is a 10-minute walk from Wat Phra Kaew. They have a variety of traditional Thai desserts, including mango sticky rice, black sesame dumplings in coconut milk, and crispy banana fritters. Their desserts are deliciously authentic and beautifully presented.
11. Is it safe to eat street food around Wat Phra Kaew?
It is generally safe to eat street food around Wat Phra Kaew as long as you follow common safety precautions like choosing stalls with high turnover, avoiding raw or undercooked foods, and ensuring the food is cooked properly. However, it is always a good idea to use your discretion and trust your instincts when it comes to eating street food in any location.
12. Do any restaurants offer cooking classes for visitors interested in learning how to make traditional Thai dishes?
Yes, there are many restaurants in Thailand that offer cooking classes for visitors. Some popular options include Blue Elephant Cooking School in Bangkok, Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School in Chiang Mai, and Mama Noi Thai Cookery Class in Phuket. These classes typically involve a trip to the local market to buy ingredients, hands-on cooking instruction from a professional chef, and a chance to sample or eat the dishes you have prepared. Prices and class schedules may vary, so it is best to research and book ahead of time.
13. Are there any local markets or food stalls within walking distance of Wat Phra Kaew worth checking out?
Yes, there are several local markets and food stalls within walking distance of Wat Phra Kaew that are worth checking out. These include:1. Tha Maharaj Market: This market is located just across the river from Wat Phra Kaew and offers a variety of local street food and fresh produce.
2. Khaosan Road Night Market: A popular spot for tourists, this market offers a mix of street food, souvenirs, and clothing.
3. Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) Food Stalls: Located about 2km from Wat Phra Kaew, this area is known for its delicious Thai-Chinese dishes served at street food stalls.
4. The Zoo Market: This market is a great place to try some traditional Thai dishes at affordable prices, as well as shop for souvenirs and local crafts.
5. Wang Lang Market: Just a short walk from Wat Phra Kaew, this market offers a wide array of traditional Thai snacks, fresh fruits, and local delicacies.
6. Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market: This bustling market near the Chao Phraya River is known for its beautiful selection of fresh flowers and also has many food stalls selling local snacks and sweets.
7. Chatuchak Weekend Market: While not within walking distance of Wat Phra Kaew (it’s about 11km away), this world-famous weekend market is definitely worth checking out for its vast selection of local food stalls serving up tasty treats from all over Thailand.
14. Where can I find authentic, homemade Thai food cooked by locals near the temple?
One option could be to visit the local markets near the temple, where you can find small food stalls selling authentic Thai dishes cooked by locals. Another option could be to ask for recommendations from locals or monks at the temple, as they may know of home cooks in the area who offer delicious Thai meals. Additionally, reviews and recommendations from local food bloggers or travel websites can also help you find authentic, homemade Thai food near the temple.
15. Is there a dress code at certain restaurants near Wat Phra Kaew, especially if they are located inside temples or religious sites?
It is recommended to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples or religious sites, particularly near Wat Phra Kaew. This means avoiding clothing that is revealing or tight-fitting, such as tank tops, shorts, and miniskirts. Instead, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Some restaurants located inside temples may also have specific dress codes, so it is best to check with the staff beforehand or follow any posted guidelines.
16. Can you recommend a restaurant with outdoor seating and live music performances close to the temple?
Sure, a popular option is Balcony Restaurant which is located within walking distance of the temple. They offer delicious food and drinks on their outdoor terrace with live music performances every weekend.
17. Is it easy to find international cuisine (e.g Italian, Indian, Chinese) around Wat Phra Kaew if I’m not in the mood for Thai food?
Yes, there are many international restaurants offering a variety of cuisines around Wat Phra Kaew, such as Italian, Indian, and Chinese. You can easily find these restaurants within walking distance from the temple. However, keep in mind that Thailand is known for its delicious and authentic Thai cuisine, so it’s worth trying some local dishes during your visit.
18. What’s the best time of day to visit local markets for fresh produce and ingredients used in Thai cooking near Wat Phra Kaew?
The best time to visit local markets for fresh produce and ingredients used in Thai cooking near Wat Phra Kaew is early in the morning, around 6-7am. This is when vendors receive their fresh deliveries and the selection is at its best. Additionally, the temperature is also cooler in the morning which helps to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.
19. Are there any food tours or food-related activities offered near Wat Phra Kaew that visitors can participate in?
Yes, there are several food tours and activities near Wat Phra Kaew that visitors can participate in. These include:1. Bangkok Old Town Food Tour: This tour takes visitors through the streets of Rattanakosin Island, where they can taste a variety of Thai dishes from local street vendors and eateries.
2. Chinatown Evening Food Walk: Visitors can explore the vibrant Chinatown district of Bangkok and sample some of its famous dishes, such as dim sum, roast duck, and mango sticky rice.
3. Thai Cooking Class: Visitors can learn to cook authentic Thai dishes at a cooking class near Wat Phra Kaew.
4. Tha Maharaj Market & Street Food Tour: This tour takes visitors to one of Bangkok’s oldest markets, where they can taste traditional snacks and dishes while learning about Thai culinary traditions.
5. Tuk-tuk Street Food Tour: Visitors can enjoy an evening tuk-tuk ride around Bangkok while stopping at various street food stalls to try a variety of local delicacies.
These tours and activities can be booked through various tour operators or online platforms.
20. Can you recommend a hidden gem restaurant or local food spot around Wat Phra Kaew that may not be as well-known to tourists?
One hidden gem restaurant near Wat Phra Kaew is Samsen, located on Samsen Road. This local spot serves delicious and authentic Thai food at affordable prices. Some popular dishes to try here include their green curry with chicken or seafood, pad thai, and their signature mango sticky rice dessert. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere and is often frequented by locals.