Iranian

Shahrazad

In a soi made up entirely of Middle Eastern restaurants, Shahrazad somehow manages to stand out. It claims to be the oldest one there and it’s even popped up on the radar of foodies’, despite having the most discreet façade in this garish neon jungle. The menu is pan-Arabian, Indian and Thai but there’s also a single page of specifically Iranian dishes which they specialize in. Shahrazad has some excellent mezzes (B300), but they also have many more substantial dishes, often involving rice—don’t leave without ordering the succulent grilled leg of lamb (B300). 

6/8 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 02-251-3666. Open daily 9-3am

Street Food

Aisa Rotdee

This place is easy to miss amid the surrounding hustle and bustle. It’s situated down a side alley just past the 7-Eleven on Tani Road, on the other side of Rambutri. Seating is actually quite ample, but first you have to negotiate your way past the always-busy, street-side kitchen. The beef satay (B45), ox tail (B60) and khao mok gai (B40) are the highlights, and their beef noodle soup is super savory and chock-full of succulent chunks of beef.

178 Tanee Rd., 02-282-6378. Open daily 9am-10pm

Steakhouse

Sinthorn Steak House 

Sinthorn is known among the Muslim community as a top spot for weddings and celebrations. Of the restaurants on this list, this one’s probably got the most variety. But the real highlight is their beef dishes, from the classic sirloin steak (B230) to the very popular, very casual outdoor grill (B190 per person).

3331/2 Ramkamhaeng Rd. (between Sois 85 and 87), 02-377-7322. www.sinthornsteakhouse.com. Open daily 11am-11pm, Korean buffet available daily 4-11pm

Malaysian

Cili Padi

Run by Malaysian Fahmi Sabri, this restaurant is famous for its delightful nasi lemak (Malaysia’s national dish, B60) and kari ayam (chicken curry, B70) mostly eaten with roti (B20). Thais particularly seem to like the local adaptations nasi goreng ayam and nasi goreng Pattaya.

107/3, Thanon Pan, Silom Rd., 02-635-1167. Open daily 11am-10pm (closed every first Friday of the month)

Hotel Dining

Spice & Rice

If you after a more lavish dinner setting, head to the colonial-inspired restaurant Spice & Rice at The Sukosol Hotel for Thai dishes like mee krob (fried rice noodles with garlic and palm sugar sauce, B245) or ask for the Middle Eastern monthly special. There are also set menus available starting from B699.

The Sukosol, 477 Ayutthaya Rd., 02-247-0123. www.thesukosol.com. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm

Lebanese

Nadimo’s

Nadimo’s is quite an elegant place with impressive service and a kitchen to match. Each table is brightened by a bowl overflowing with crisp, fresh vegetables which are served with some pleasant dips—yogurt, garlic puree and hot pepper—and pickled vegetables. The mains cover all the usual suspects like shawarmas (B90), shish kebabs (B110) and the national dish of Lebanon, kibbeh (B160)—and all are authentic and fresh.

Baan Silom, Silom Soi 19, 02-266-9081. Open daily 11am-midnight. Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-261-9816-7. Open daily 11:30am-11:30pm

Italian and Vietnamese

Fahana

Owned by a Muslim-Italian family, Fahana is definitely worth the trek for its authentic Italian flavors. Many of the ingredients are shipped over from Italy, with popular options including the pizzas (starting from B210) and beef lasagna (B140). There is also a short Vietnamese menu with dishes like beef noodles (B80).

937 Rama 9 Rd., 02-369-2367, 02-369-2366. Open daily 11am-10pm

Japanese

Aladin

Beat the rainy season blues with a slurp of the halal hot shabu (starting from B369) here. This beige-toned restaurant is usually crowded with regulars who throng here for the very comforting soup and top quality beef. There’s even a prayer room for the truly devoted.

2 Soi Suwanmanee, Pracha Uthit Rd., 02-274-3808-9. Open Tue-Sun 11am-10pm

Indonesian

Jimbaran Bali

Aside from Yana, known for their yummy khao mok gai, MBK is also home to Jimbaran Bali, an Indonesian stall serving popular sets such as nasi campur (Indonesian mixed rice with soup, B190) and nasi goreng udang (Indonesian shrimp mixed fried rice with soup, B160), which are consistently delicious.  

5/F, MBK Shopping Centre, 081-443-6335. Open daily 10am-9pm

Thai

Nangphaya

Spice things up with a meal at Krua Nangphaya, hidden down Phetburi Soi 7. The 40-year-old shophouse restaurant serves up Thai muslim favorites such as the flavorful namprik long ruea (chili paste, B70) and khao tang nah tang (rice crackers with dip, B60) that will have you coming back for more.

403 Phetburi Soi 7, 02-612-0895. Open daily 10am-9pm (close on second Wed of every month)