Where to Find the Best Pad Thai in Bangkok

The Best Pad Thai Spots in Bangkok

Pad Thai is one of the most iconic Thai dishes, enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. This simple yet flavour-packed dish of stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp, tamarind sauce, and crushed peanuts has been a staple of Bangkok street food for decades. While many visitors head straight to well-known spots like Thipsamai Pad Thai, the city is home to a variety of hidden Pad Thai gems that serve up this legendary dish with unique twists.

As a traveller who has spent years exploring Bangkok’s culinary scene, I have uncovered some of the best Pad Thai spots in Bangkok, from traditional street vendors to Michelin-recommended restaurants. Whether you prefer your Pad Thai with shrimp, tofu, or an extra spicy kick, this guide will help you find the most authentic Pad Thai in Bangkok.

If you are looking for the best floating markets in Bangkok, read our recent blog here.

Quick Summary: Best Pad Thai Spots in Bangkok

• Thipsamai Pad Thai – The legendary spot known for its charcoal-cooked Pad Thai
• Jay Fai Pad Thai – The Michelin-starred chef serving her famous Pad Thai with crab
• Pad Thai Pratu Phi – A local favourite with a traditional Bangkok Pad Thai recipe
• Baan Padthai – A stylish restaurant offering a refined take on Pad Thai
• Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu – Known for its wok-fried smoky Pad Thai with pork belly
• Nai Soi Pad Thai – A hidden gem serving some of the most affordable yet delicious Pad Thai in Bangkok

Each of these spots has its own unique take on Pad Thai, making them all worth a visit.

Thipsamai Pad Thai – The Legendary Spot

Location: Maha Chai Road, Old Town Bangkok
Best time to visit: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Arrive early to avoid long queues)

If you ask any local where to find the best Pad Thai in Bangkok, the answer is often Thipsamai Pad Thai. This iconic eatery, also known as Pad Thai Thip Samai, has been serving its signature dish since 1966.

What Makes Thipsamai Pad Thai Special?

• Charcoal-Cooked Noodles: Their Michelin-starred Pad Thai is cooked over charcoal flames, giving it a unique smoky flavour.
• Superb Pad Thai: The famous egg-wrapped Pad Thai is their signature dish, served with shrimp, tofu, and bean sprouts.
• Homemade Tamarind Sauce: Their Pad Thai sauce has the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and umami.

Insider Tip: Order their freshly squeezed orange juice, which pairs perfectly with the rich flavours of their Pad Thai.

Jay Fai Pad Thai – The Michelin-Starred Experience

Location: Samran Rat, Bangkok Old Town
Best time to visit: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Booking in advance is recommended)

For a high-end street food experience, Jay Fai Pad Thai is a must-visit. This legendary chef, famous for wearing ski goggles while cooking, has earned a Michelin star for her rich, wok-fried dishes.

Why Jay Fai’s Pad Thai is Unique

• Premium Ingredients: Jay Fai uses fresh crab meat, large prawns, and premium tamarind sauce.
• Signature Wok-Fried Technique: The noodles are stir-fried over intense heat, giving them an unmistakable charred aroma.
• Large Portions: Unlike most Bangkok street food Pad Thai, portions here are huge and packed with seafood.

Insider Tip: Expect long waiting times. Arrive before opening hours or reserve a table in advance.

Pad Thai Pratu Phi – A Local Favourite

Location: Banglamphu, near Khao San Road
Best time to visit: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

If you want a no-frills, traditional Pad Thai experience, Pad Thai Pratu Phi is one of Bangkok’s best-kept Pad Thai secrets. This small street food stall has been serving locals for over 50 years.

Why Locals Love Pad Thai Pratu Phi

• Authentic Flavours: Their Pad Thai sauce is made with palm sugar, fish sauce, and tamarind, just like in old Bangkok.
• Fresh Ingredients: Noodles are stir-fried to perfection, topped with crunchy bean sprouts and chives.
• Affordable Prices: One of the cheapest and best Pad Thai spots in Bangkok.

Insider Tip: Try their Pad Thai with egg for an extra layer of flavour.

Baan Padthai – A Modern Take on Pad Thai

Location: Charoen Krung Road, near the riverside
Best time to visit: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

For a more upscale dining experience, Baan Padthai offers a refined take on Pad Thai in a beautiful, traditional setting.

What Makes Baan Padthai Stand Out?

• Creative Pad Thai Variations: Try Pad Thai with crab, Pad Thai with tofu, or their spicy Pad Thai.
• High-Quality Ingredients: They use organic eggs, fresh seafood, and handmade tamarind sauce.
• Great Atmosphere: A stylish restaurant with classic Thai décor.

Insider Tip: Their Pad Thai tasting menu allows you to try different variations of the dish.

Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu – Wok-Fried to Perfection

Location: Dinso Road, Old Town Bangkok
Best time to visit: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

For those who love smoky, wok-fried noodles, Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu is one of Bangkok’s best Pad Thai street stalls.

Why You Should Visit Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu

• Signature Wok Cooking: Their Pad Thai wok cooking technique creates an incredible smoky aroma.
• Rich and Flavourful Sauce: The sauce has a deep tamarind flavour with a hint of spice.
• Unique Toppings: Try their Pad Thai with crispy pork belly or Pad Thai with seafood.

Insider Tip: Their Pad Thai with an extra egg adds a delicious richness to the dish.

Nai Soi Pad Thai – A True Hidden Gem

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 38, Bangkok
Best time to visit: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

If you are looking for a hidden gem that serves authentic street Pad Thai in Bangkok, Nai Soi Pad Thai is a must-visit.

Why Nai Soi Pad Thai is Worth Visiting

• Simple Yet Delicious: A no-frills street stall that focuses on quality ingredients.
• Balanced Flavours: Their Pad Thai sauce has the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and savoury.
• Great for Late-Night Eats: Located in one of Bangkok’s best night markets for Pad Thai.

Insider Tip: Their Pad Thai with extra peanuts and lime brings out the best in the dish.

Conclusion: Where to Eat the Best Pad Thai in Bangkok?

With so many incredible Pad Thai spots in Bangkok, choosing the best one depends on what you are looking for.

Best Pad Thai in Bangkok by Category:

• Most Famous: Thipsamai Pad Thai
• Michelin-Starred Experience: Jay Fai Pad Thai
• Best Traditional Recipe: Pad Thai Pratu Phi
• Most Creative Pad Thai: Baan Padthai
• Best Wok-Fried Pad Thai: Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu
• Hidden Gem for Budget Travellers: Nai Soi Pad Thai