Bangkok's Best Late-Night Restaurants and Food Stalls
Where to eat after the party’s over.
Where hi-so and hipsters alike end up after partying in the area. The popular 55 Pochana sits at the beginning of the soi, with every dish made-to-order. The must-tries are the ped pad kraprao (stir-fried duck and basil) and dok kajon pad kai (stir-fried flowers with egg, B80) which is very flavorful and comes with chewy glass noodles. Be warned, though, service can sometimes be a little gruff. Seafood is another good pick in their super-spicy basics: cockles, oysters, clams, prawns. They have it all.
1087-1093 Sukhumvit Rd., (in front of Soi Thonglor) 02-391-2021. Open daily 5pm-3am
The folks at Sometime’s (previously in Sukhumvit Soi 71) recently opened this 24-hour café that is sure to soothe any late-night pasta craving you may have. Set in a house with a nice garden, choose from the spaghetti tobiko (B220) or snow fish steak with butter and lemon sauce (B420). You can also nestle into one of their knick-knack-packed corners for a Hitachino craft beer (B190-B240) or two.
39/9 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-391-4509. Open daily 24 hours.
Perfect for Soi 11 revelers on the comedown; roll up your sleeves and tuck into the Angel Burger (patty, blue, cheddar and Swiss cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, mayo, B399) or chili cheese burger (Texas beef chili, jalapeno and cheddar, B349) in the classic 24-hour American diner setting. Other dishes on offer include roast turkey (B349) and reuben sandwiches (B349), as well as wee-hour choices like the breakfast burrito (B299) and corned beef hash (B199).
Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3313. angelcitydiner.com. Open daily 6pm-7am
Nothing beats a piping hot bowl of congee after all that booze binging. This 24-hour restaurant serves up a variety of velvety congee (B150). The patongko (deep-fried dough, B65) is the other great draw, giving the experience a crack-of-dawn breakfast feel. Proximity to the BTS can be a huge plus if you are still eating come 5:45am.
The Landmark, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404 ext. 1405. BTS Nana).
This fourth generation mom-and-pop kao tom shop does delicious and greasy hoy jor poo (deep-fried crab dumplings with plum sauce). While you’re waiting, go for their quick and fulfilling muu pad namlieb (fried pork with salted olives, B80) and the ever-dependable pla neung manao (steamed fish with lime sauce, B100).
12/19 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-258-2649. Open daily 5pm-4am. www.newsrifa33.com
By now, you should be able to navigate all the delicious food stalls on Soi 38 with your eyes closed, but if you’re seeking something a little less street-level, but still crave some comforting khao tom gui (rice porridge with side dishes), try the Rex Hotel. The hotel’s dodgy appearances aside, most of the gub khao (side dishes) here are tasty, particularly the ped palo (braised duck with Chinese herbs, B110) and yam pla salid (spicy salad with fish, B90).
Sukhumvit Rd. (opposite Soi 45), 02-259-0106. Open daily 24 hours.
Spot the red plastic chairs near Phyathai Hospital and you’ve found Jay Liab, the street-side stall renowned for its seafood, especially its yam poo dong (fermented raw crab in spicy salad, B300). It’s sour and spicy, with incredibly fresh crab—despite the light fermentation process.
Next to Phyathai Hospital, Phaholyothin Rd., 02-619-8639. Open daily 6pm-3am
This Chinese institution has been an Ari mainstay for more than 30 years now. Not only do we love its opening times, but the dishes here are very well-prepared. The classic atmosphere—big round tables and lots of noise from chatty patrons and TV—add to the signature dishes like nam liab moo sub pla kem (stir-fried pork with Chinese olives, B100), yam poo kai dong (fermented raw crab in spicy salad, B230) and all the wonderfully crisp and fresh stir-fried vegetables.
Phaholyonthin Rd., 086-6268614, 02-271-2256, 02-271-4260. BTS Ari. Open daily 4pm-4am
Swanky US chain 25 Degrees specializes in burgers. But to be honest, what we really like about the place are the desserts—pancakes, toast and waffles served with a bowl of fruit to balance things. All are worth the calories and prices (B140-B250), just make sure you have company as portions are huge. Seat yourself amid the upscale diner setting and order one of their delectable adults-only spiked shakes (B250) while you’re at it.
G/F, Pullman G Hotel, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991. Open daily 24 hours.
If you have too much alcohol in your blood, head to Too Fast to Sleep, another 24-hour café, for a wake-up call in the form of a steaming cup of coffee. The cute library-like place serves coffee from B80 and cake from B120.
Rama 4 Rd., 086-577-8989. MRT Sam Yan. Open daily 24 hrs.
Hong Teong Long is a small hole-in-the-wall that does seriously impressive food. The menu is packed with Cantonese favorites, namely dumplings, mien (Chinese noodles) and stir-fried selections. We highly recommend the mien with super tender beef (B60) and the salapao (Chinese buns, B100) which burst in your mouth with just the right saltiness, sweetness and spiciness for a post-drinking feed.
Surawong Rd., 02-235-9075. Open daily 11-4am
Make friends with the masses of salarymen who frequent this Japanese favorite. The reason they (and you) are all here is because Ramentei’s katsu curry (B320) is among the best in town—the pork’s perfectly battered and tender throughout, while the curry is rich and flavorful. If your stomach’s a bit tender after a big night, do note that portions are absolutely massive.
23/8-9 Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 02-234-8082. Open daily 11-2am
If Silom is your district of debauchery, Souvlaki offers a welcome change from Burger King. The menu features a no-frills souvlaki sandwich (B55-95, depending on the meat) or more elaborate Greek classics, like moussaka (layered minced meat casserole with bechamel sauce, B350).
Soi 4, Silom Rd., 02-632-9967-8. BTS Sala Daeng. Open Mon-Sat 11am-2am
Take shelter in this Hong Kong style tea house when even the late night joints have thrown you out, and you’re down to your last few satang. Eighty percent of the menu is under B100, and ninety-eight percent under B200. The menu ranges from congee (B38) to bbq pork ribs (B88 for medium) and Isaan treats.
21/1-6, Siam Square Soi 1, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-1968. BTS Siam. Open 24 hrs.
Considering all the street food on Yaowarat Road, Iam Pochana might be a little far-flung, but it’s still a great ping-yang (BBQ) place to go after midnight. With good food at great prices, Iam Pochana has been going strong for over 60 years. The beef (B170) is tender and delicious, plus the seafood dipping sauce is super tasty.
215/2-3 Soi 22 Kalakada 1, Maitreejitr Rd., 02-225-0582. Open daily 4pm-4am
At B300-plus a dish, prices might not be what you’re used to paying for street food, but taste Jay Fai’s rad na (noodles with gravy sauce, B380) and you’ll understand why people keep coming back at all hours. The dish truly is a killer combination of seafood with crispy noodles prepared three ways.
327 Mahachai Rd., 02-223-9384. Open Mon-Sat 3pm-2am
Advertisement