When it comes to Isaan food, most locals have their go-to places that speak to their tastebuds. Maybe it’s the right amount of saltiness, the strong smell of pla ra, the crispy skin of fried chicken, or the bouncy flash of raw shrimp. Although you may have your favourites, we’d like to recommend these Isaan restaurants in Bangkok that will not disappoint.
It’s 2024, and we’re beyond the argument of which is the ‘real, authentic Isaan’ and which is ‘metropolised.’ This beautifully vibrant cuisine is meant to be shared and enjoyed with large companies, in whatever way you wish. So, visit these places with an open mind, and you’ll find that som tum and larb even more wonderful.
The best Isaan restaurants in Bangkok that should be on your list
Zao Ekkamai
The creator behind the designer collective “Foundisan,” which celebrates the cultural richness of the Isaan region in the Northeastern Thailand region through contemporary crafts, has transitioned into the culinary world with “Zao.” Inspired by the home-cooked meals encountered during collaborations with locals, the highlighted dishes include Tum Guay Jub Yuan Ubon, Grilled Salted Pla Yon, Watermelon Pla Ra, and Fried Pork Belly.
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am-11pm
Address: 155 Soi Pridi Banomyong 25 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Price range for two: THB500-1,000
Larb Sieb
Larb Sieb is a modern interpretation of Isaan food by an Isaan local. While the recipes remain herby, spicy, and delicious, they are presented as BBQ skewers which may stray from the idea of genuine Isaan food. However, the flavours, the rooftop atmosphere, and the variation of menus combined make Larb Sieb a must for all foodies from Isaan, Bangkok, and beyond.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm
Address: Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330
Price range for two: under THB500
100 Mahaseth
Located on number 100, Mahaseth Road, 100 Mahaseth is packed with flavourful Thai and Northeastern dishes created from local and seasonal produce. The concept ‘root to fruit and nose to tail’ drives diners to the heart and soul of Isaan dining through secondary cuts and ingredients like flank steak, pickled vegetables, and foraged Phak Tiw.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am-12am
Address: 100 Maha Set Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Price range for two: THB500-1,000
Isaa Isan
Chef Sa brings her favourite flavours to life at Isaa Isan. The restaurant serves all the essential northeastern dishes for sharing, plus the famous Jim Joom or Thai hot pot. Herbs like lemongrass and kafir lime leaves boil down to this fragrant soup ready to embrace the raw meat and vegetables you dip inside.
Opening hours: Daily, 11am-10pm
Address: 18/4 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Price range for two: THB250-500
Lay Lao
A family in Hua Hin was determined to pass along their love for flavourful Isaan dishes to Bangkok diners; hence Lay Lao was born. The restaurant provides Thai, Isaan, and seafood menus with fresh ingredients from the Hua Hin waters. Som Tum Pomelo, Som Tum Luangprabang, grilled pork neck, and the signature Lay Lao Squid are the highlights here.
Opening hours: The Ari branch opens daily 10.30am-10pm and Silom branch opens daily 10.30am-11pm
Address: 65 Phahon Yothin, Phaya Thai, Bangkok, and 56 Silom, Suriyawong, Bangrak, Bangkok
Price range for two: THB250-500
Phed Phed
The number of customers queueing at each of the eight branches of Phed Phed is enough indication of how loved this restaurant chain is. Starting out as a purse fixing service, Phed Phed has come much further than the owners could have foreseen. Each branch presents a slightly different approach to Isaan cuisine, but all of them serve bold and spicy food, as the name suggests. We can’t get enough of the Yum Salmon, Mango and Avocado, Tum Noodle Luangprabang, and Grilled Chicken Wings.
Address: There are 8 branches in Pradiphat 20, Phahonyothin Soi 8, The Circle, Klong Ladmayom, Central Chidlom, Central Bangna, King Power Rangnam, and King Power Mahanakhon
Price range for two: THB250-1,000
Somtum Der
Chef Korn, having grown up in Sakhon Nakorn, is in charge of the recipes that travel as far as New York City. The menu is on the classic side, cooked under deliberate techniques like the charcoal grill for all grill dishes. All in all, it’s a comfort food kind of place for anytime you have a craving for the Isaan kind of ‘saltiness.’
Opening hours: Daily, 11am-11pm
Address: 5 Sala Daeng Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500
Price range for two: THB250-500
[Hero and featured image credit: 100 Mahaseth]
