Some recipes are so good people keep going back for hundreds of years. These historic Thai restaurants in Bangkok show us how it’s been done for generations.
They say mother knows best, so mother’s mother must know even better, and what about her mother? Perhaps these historic Thai restaurants can tell us; the ones that have been in Bangkok for so long that our parents can reminisce along with us. These places are proud of their recipes. After all, they have been serving the same since their shops opened. It’s the peak definition of “tried-and-true.”
So, if you like the sound of historic Thai restaurants and what they’re serving, let us show you where to start.
The oldest, most historic Thai restaurants in Bangkok for a taste of legacy
SEE FAH
Now a well-known restaurant with 14 branches across Bangkok, SEE FAH began their journey over 85 years ago with a humble diner on Ratchawong Road. Chinese-born Ngiap Sae-low presented his family recipes to the folks walking by each day, and that hospitality, along with good food, turned the diner into a huge business today. Nonetheless, they’re still serving up the same family recipes beloved for generations.
Although there’s a lot to choose from, the classics are the way to go: Stir-fried Chinese Kale with Salted Kulao Fish, Red Curry with Roasted Duck, and Beef Shank Chili Curry.
More info: SEE FAH
Tek Heng (Mee Krob Jeen Lee)
One of the oldest, if not the oldest Thai restaurant you can try today, Tek Heng’s story dates back to when King Rama V tasted their mee krob recipe, loved it so much that he rewarded the restaurant with a royal seal of approval and money, and told them to keep serving this recipe for generations to come. They really have been doing so, now for over 130 years. Pop by for humble, straightforward Chinese-Thai dishes, and definitely order the mee krob.
More info: Tek Heng (Mee Krob Jeen Lee)
Opening times: Open daily, 10am-9pm
Location: 326-330, Talat Phlu, Thon Buri, Bangkok
Nearest station: Talat Phlu, BTS
Daeng Racha Hoi Tod
Hoi tod is a classic street food dish involving pan-fried mussels in batter and eggs, served with sweet chili sauce. The name “Racha Hoi Tod” translates to them being the King of hoi tod, and how could they not be, if they’ve been known for this particular dish for over 130 years? Expect generous portions with very friendly prices, but note that they sell out fairly quickly everyday.
More info: Daeng Racha Hoi Tod
Opening times: Open daily, 9am-2pm
Location: 342 Sukon 1 Alley, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Nearest station: Hua Lamphong, MRT
Prachak Roasted Duck
A plate of roasted duck seems simple on paper, but all the little things — the spices, the duck, the gravy — set the dish apart from the rest. Prachak Ped Yang has a recipe that dates back to when they first opened over 115 years ago, when their first generation who specialised in Cantonese cooking, set up shop on Charoenkrung Road. Now, they expanded the restaurant, and also offer catering and banquet services. It’s certainly one of the most historic Thai restaurants to try in Bangkok today.
More info: Prachak Roasted Duck
Opening times: Open daily, 8.30am-8.30pm
Location: 1415 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Chua Kim Lhee Din Daeng Goose
Chua Kim Lhee call themselves an OG when it comes to marinated goose, and rightfully so, as they have been serving it for four generations now. Since 1949, they have been a beloved dining spot for han palo, stewed goose marinated in sauce and spices, starting from a small stall to now a dine-in restaurant. They also do very good crispy pork and roasted duck — bring some company and try everything.
More info: Chua Kim Lhee Din Daeng Goose
Opening times: Open daily, 8am-9pm
Location: 1783/17-18 Lat Phrao Rd, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phawana, MRT
On Lok Yun
In business since 1933, On Lok Yun straight up serves history on a plate with a combination of Thai, Chinese, and Western styles. There signatures include kaya toast, Thai milk tea, and plate of American breakfast with eggs and sausages, toasted bread with custard and kaya, and some hot tea to pair. It is certainly one of the more nostalgic places for Thais to have their local breakfast.
More info: On Lok Yun
Opening times: Open daily, 6am-2.30pm
Location: 72 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT
Jok Prince
Arguably one of the best joks in Bangkok, Jok Prince has been selling the Asian comfort food for over 60 years. They have been on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list plenty of times, and with good reason. The slightly smoky congee is full of flavour, and the pork along with shredded ginger really elevates the dish even further. Order it as is, or perhaps with an egg or a century egg.
More info: Jok Prince
Opening times: Open daily, 6am-1pm; 3-11pm
Location: 1391 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS
Mitr Ko Yuan
Tucked inside the Old Town area, Mitr Ko Yuan is a humble family diner that serves undoubtedly one of the best tom yum soups in town. The soup, along with many of other local favourites, has been part of their family recipe since they opened their doors in 1966. Stir-fried razor clams, chayote leaves in oyster sauce, fried liver with garlic — their central Thai dishes are on point. We’ve never seen anyone who tried Mitr Ko Yuan and left underwhelmed by the food.
More info: Mitr Ko Yuan
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-1.30pm; 4-9.30pm
Location: 186 Dinso Rd, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT
[Hero and featured iImage credit: SEE FAH]
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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