A Budget-Friendly Guide to Eating Out in Bangkok [7 Places To Eat In Bangkok]

7 Of My Favourite Places To Eat In Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the best cities in the world for food lovers, offering a mix of delicious street food, budget-friendly restaurants, and hidden gems serving world-class Thai cuisine. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Bangkok’s cheap eats are everywhere, from sizzling wok-fried noodles in Chinatown to authentic local curries served for just a few baht in local markets.

For travellers looking to experience Bangkok on a budget, this guide will help you find the best affordable restaurants in Bangkok, where to eat for under 100 baht, and how to explore the city’s best food markets and stalls. Having lived and travelled through Bangkok extensively, I’ve personally discovered these spots, ensuring they offer great value without sacrificing flavour or authenticity.

Fancy a coffee? Read our guide on the best coffee shops in Bangkok.

Quick Summary: Best Budget Food Spots in Bangkok

• Yaowarat (Chinatown) – Best for Bangkok street food, including noodles and seafood
• Or Tor Kor Market – Best for fresh Thai ingredients and local dishes
• Soi 38 Sukhumvit – A classic Bangkok night market with affordable meals
• Terminal 21 Food Court – Best for cheap Thai food in a modern setting
• P’Aor Tom Yum – Best for budget-friendly Thai noodles
• Jay Fai (Michelin-Starred Street Food) – A must-visit for a cheap Michelin food experience
• Sri Trat – Best for affordable Thai seafood

Each of these locations provides a unique way to eat cheaply in Bangkok, whether you prefer street vendors, food courts, or low-cost Thai restaurants.

Where to Eat Cheap in Bangkok – Top Budget-Friendly Areas

Yaowarat (Chinatown) – Bangkok’s Best Cheap Street Food

Location: Yaowarat Road, Chinatown
Best time to visit: Evening for the best street food experience

If you are looking for authentic street food at budget-friendly prices, Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown) is the place to be. It’s packed with street vendors selling everything from stir-fried noodles to seafood and sweet Thai desserts.

Must-Try Dishes in Chinatown:

• Pad Thai (40-60 THB) – Classic Thai stir-fried noodles with shrimp
• Hoy Tod (50-80 THB) – Crispy oyster omelette
• Dim Sum (30-50 THB per set) – Affordable and delicious Chinese-style dumplings
• Grilled Seafood (60-150 THB per dish) – Fresh prawns, squid, and fish at street food stalls

Insider Tip: Visit Lek & Rut Seafood, a famous roadside stall serving fresh, affordable seafood dishes.

Or Tor Kor Market – Bangkok’s Best Fresh Food Market

Location: Chatuchak Area
Best time to visit: Morning for the freshest food options

Or Tor Kor Market is one of Thailand’s top food markets, offering high-quality fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat Thai meals at affordable prices.

Best Budget Dishes at Or Tor Kor Market:

• Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – 40 THB
• Khao Kha Moo (Braised Pork Leg Rice) – 50 THB
• Thai Fresh Fruits (Mango, Durian, Pineapple) – 30-80 THB per portion
• Grilled Satay (10 THB per skewer)

Insider Tip: This is a great place to try authentic Thai street food in a clean, market-style setting.

Soi 38 Sukhumvit – Best Bangkok Night Market for Cheap Eats

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 38, near Thonglor BTS
Best time to visit: After 6 PM

Soi 38 is a classic Bangkok street food destination, offering some of the cheapest and tastiest local meals. Located near Thonglor, this small yet popular night market has been a go-to spot for budget-conscious travellers.

Best Budget Dishes at Soi 38:

• Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice) – 50 THB
• Ba Mee Moo Daeng (Egg Noodles with BBQ Pork) – 45 THB
• Mango Sticky Rice – 60 THB
• Thai Iced Tea – 20 THB

Insider Tip: Arrive early as some vendors sell out quickly, especially the famous mango sticky rice stalls.

Terminal 21 Food Court – The Best Budget Dining in a Mall

Location: Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, Asok
Best time to visit: Lunch or dinner

For those who want to experience cheap Thai food in a clean, air-conditioned setting, Terminal 21’s food court is a fantastic option. Unlike other food courts, this one keeps prices affordable, offering a wide variety of dishes from across Thailand.

Must-Try Dishes at Terminal 21 Food Court:

• Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Noodles) – 50 THB
• Khao Pad (Fried Rice) – 40 THB
• Tom Yum Soup – 60 THB
• Thai Desserts (Coconut Pudding, Sticky Rice) – 30-50 THB

Insider Tip: Food is purchased using a pre-paid card, so make sure to load your card before ordering.

Cheap Thai Restaurants in Bangkok – Where to Eat on a Budget

P’Aor Tom Yum – The Best Budget Noodles in Bangkok

Location: Phetchaburi Soi 5
Best time to visit: Lunch

P’Aor is famous for serving one of the best bowls of Tom Yum noodles in Bangkok, and the prices remain surprisingly low.

What to Order at P’Aor:

• Tom Yum Goong Noodles – 80 THB
• Crab Curry Rice – 120 THB
• Thai-Style Omelette – 50 THB

Insider Tip: Add an extra egg or shrimp for a richer, more indulgent bowl of noodles.

Jay Fai – The Cheapest Michelin-Starred Street Food in Bangkok

Location: Samran Rat, Bangkok Old Town
Best time to visit: Early evening (expect long waits

For those who want to experience a Michelin-starred meal without breaking the bank, Jay Fai is the place to go.

Must-Try Dishes at Jay Fai:

• Crab Omelette – 1,000 THB (splurge-worthy but worth it)
• Drunken Noodles – 400 THB
• Tom Yum Soup – 500 THB

Insider Tip: Book in advance or arrive early as wait times can exceed three hours.

How to Eat Cheap in Bangkok – Money-Saving Tips

• Eat Where Locals Eat – Avoid touristy areas and eat at local stalls or street vendors.
• Try Street Food Markets – Night markets and food stalls often serve high-quality meals for a fraction of restaurant prices.
• Use Food Courts – Shopping mall food courts offer some of the best Bangkok cheap eats.
• Buy Fresh Fruits from Markets – Fresh Thai fruits like mango, pineapple, and dragon fruit are delicious, nutritious, and affordable.
• Order Set Menus – Many small Thai restaurants offer set meals that include rice, a main dish, and a drink for under 100 THB.

Conclusion: Where to Find the Best Budget Eats in Bangkok

Eating on a budget in Bangkok is easy if you know where to go. Whether you’re looking for the best Bangkok street food, a cheap food court meal, or an affordable local restaurant, this city has plenty of options.

Best Budget Food in Bangkok by Category:

• Best Street Food Experience: Yaowarat (Chinatown)
• Best Local Market Food: Or Tor Kor Market
• Best Night Market: Soi 38 Sukhumvit
• Best Mall Food Court: Terminal 21 Food Court
• Best Budget Noodles: P’Aor Tom Yum
• Best Michelin-Starred Cheap Eats: Jay Fai