While Michelin stars are typically reserved for fine dining establishments, Bangkok’s culinary scene defies norms with its rolodex of Michelin and Bib Gourmand street food vendors. The Thai capital city’s local gems are giving those posh places a run for their money.
Picture this: Jay Fai’s legendary crab omelette and a bunch more hidden treasures, like the ones hiding in Sukhumvit Soi 38. Experience flavours that will make your wallet and taste buds equally happy. So, that said, ditch the formalities and hop on our street food tour, where Michelin stars meet plastic plates.
Jay Fai
Mahachai Road, Samran Rat
Jay Fai is the undisputed street food queen — a Bangkok legend for a reason. The iconic crispy crab omelette baffled Michelin inspectors, earning them one star. If you’re worried about finding it, don’t be; just keep an eye out for the long queue of hungry patrons. They don’t take reservations and don’t even think about trying to get a selfie with Jay Fai, the queen herself. She’s busy doing god’s work. She does, however, reserve time for photos at the end of the night or when she’s away from the wok. Be mindful, the omelette is meant for sharing, so grab a bunch of forks and dig in.
Guay Jub Mr. Jo
Wat Phraya Krai
It might not have a star, but inspectors couldn’t leave Guay Jub Mr Jo without leaving behind a bib gourmand for its sweet, peppery rice noodle broth, with pieces of crispy pork belly swimming in a pink plastic bowl. It’s cheap, delicious, and best consumed in a huff. Moreso to let the procession of diners outside a chance to try it too, but also, so you can continue the street food tour.
Thipsamai
Maha Chai Road
You’ll have to get off the main street to find this gem, but it’s well worth the tuk-tuk ride. On Maha Chai Road, you will come across Thipsamai, sandwiched between a dessert cart and a store that sells gold buddhas. Inside, there’s a glass wall where you can watch the chefs cook and encase each pad Thai serving in a stretchy egg casing. You can get a few different feelings, like prawns, chicken, or beef. Like most pad Thai, it’s a mixture of sweet and salty, with a touch of charcoal from the searing hot wok.
Sae Phun
Mahannop Road, Sao Chingcha
This timeless gem has been open since 1926. Although it has since relocated, the current owner, faithfully using her grandfather’s recipes, delivers culinary nostalgia. The star dish, a succulent chicken stew, thrills with juicy chicken and a sweet sauce. Whether paired with rice or crispy deep-fried egg noodles, this taste of tradition has stood the test of time.
K.Panich
Tanao Road, Sao Chingcha
For dessert, make a beeline for K.Panich. The shop near the Grand Palace uses an 80-year-old family recipe, resulting in a mango sticky rice, that is a heavenly hit of sweetness. If mango is not your favourite, they also have banana or taro. It doesn’t have a Michelin star, but you will find a Bib Gourmand hanging up around somewhere.
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