You will see a lot of shit written about the Khao San Road, but not by me. I love the place because it is exactly what it is without being apologetic. And not only can you drink there, but there’s a great Khao San restaurant scene.
Is there also far too many people, overpriced street food, and more African hookers per capita than in the rest of Thailand? Yes, but as we say, Khao San is what it is.
What the Khao San?
Khao San Road is a drunken maze of tourists, scams, and pad Thai. It is the end of the banana pancake trail and the start of a thousand bad decisions. It is where passports get lost, tattoos get gained, and people start conversations with the words “I’m spiritual but not religious.”. The beer is warm, the clubs are loud, and there is always someone crying in the street. But for all its faults, it works. Khao San doesn’t pretend to be classy or cultured. It’s a backpacker zoo, and if you don’t like it, you probably still shop at Tesco Lotus.
10 Best Khao San Restaurants
OK, so while there is a decent amount of crap on the road, there is also some very good restaurants on Khao San Road and the surrounding areas.
As always we count from 10 to 1.
10. Shoshana
The Israeli backpacker joint of legend. Falafel, hummus, schnitzel. Big plates, cheap, and you won’t get food poisoning. That already makes it better than half the street. Avoid talking politics…
9. May Kaidee
Vegetarian place but stick with me. It’s been around forever. Proper curries, friendly staff, and they’ll teach you how to cook if you’re one of those people.
8. Susie Wong’s Beers and Buns
Burgers, beer, air con. A bit try-hard but gets away with it. Mostly filled with crypto bros and Thai girls who pretend to be interested.
7. Green House
This is the kind of place you end up at three times without meaning to. Breakfasts, beers, Thai food, Western food, nothing amazing but it never lets you down.
6. Mango Vegetarian
If you’ve been drinking for 12 hours straight, a mango smoothie from here might stop your liver falling out. They do some tofu stuff that actually tastes alright.
5. Madame Musur
Bit further out but worth the walk. Northern Thai food with spice that actually hurts and staff that don’t smile unless they mean it. Real place with real food.
4. Ranee’s Restaurant
Italian meets Thai and somehow doesn’t suck. Pasta that doesn’t taste like boiled rubber and Thai curries that hit the spot. Clean, quiet, and no buckets in sight.
3. Tom Yum Kung
One of the biggest joints on the strip. Seafood tanks, neon lights, and massive plates of tom yum that make you sweat. Built for tourists but still delivers.
2. Jaywalk Cafe
Slick place with good coffee, spicy fusion stuff, and sandwiches that don’t taste like sadness. You’ll pay a bit more but at least they don’t microwave the rice.
1. The Macaroni Club
Sounds like somewhere you’d avoid. But this place is loud, busy, and feeds half of Khao San. Thai food, pizza, beers, buckets. It’s everything stupid and wonderful about the area in one place. You’ll love it and hate yourself for it.
Street Food Khao San Road
I’ve already written about the street food on the Khao San Road, so I won’t go into huge detail here. I will though say this. Of course there are better places like Chinatown but Khao San still offers a decent selection and if you hit the side streets you’ll get a deal. Most of it is fried, on sticks, or both. The pad Thai is fine, the kebabs are better, and for some reason there’s always someone selling soju. It’s not pretty but it works.
Khao San Restaurants for Fast Food
Let’s not pretend this isn’t part of the charm. You’ve got the iconic McDonald’s where everyone ends up at 4am. The Burger King no one actually eats in. And the simple, beautiful, ridiculous Taco Bell. That Khao San has a Taco Bell should be all you need to know. If you want a taste of fake Mexico in fake Bangkok surrounded by fake monks and fake IDs, this is your place.
5 Best Khao San Bars
OK, so while this is predominantly about food, well it is still Khao San, so let’s throw on some bars. After all, after a good meal we all need a bucket and some laughing gas.
As always from 5 to 1 with the best saved for last.
5. The Club
Trashy, neon, sweaty. Looks like a collapsed rave and sounds like 2008. Go there if you want to lose your mates and your dignity.
4. Mulligans
Irish bar because of course there’s an Irish bar. Guinness, football, and men called Dave. Actually alright for a pint and the staff are cool.
3. Brick Bar
Live music and Thai ska. No one knows why this combo works but it does. Mostly Thai crowd which is a nice change. Dance floor is sticky and perfect.
2. Lava Club
This is where people go when they’ve had too many buckets and think they can dance. Cheap drinks, bad decisions, zero shame.
1. Hippie De Bar
It’s been around forever and still feels like a proper backpacker bar. Live music, cheap drinks, hidden upstairs lounge. The closest Khao San gets to chill.
Conclusion on Khao San Restaurants
Khao San isn’t where you go for the best food in Bangkok. It’s where you go because it’s Khao San. Some meals will be awful, some will surprise you, and all of them will taste better after two buckets. If you take it seriously, you’re doing it wrong. Eat, drink, laugh, and accept the chaos. And if all else fails, there’s always Taco Bell.
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