Asia’s best female chef, Pam Soontornyanakij, is renowned for her culinary expertise in Thai-Chinese fusion cuisine. A Bangkok native, she has explored every corner of her city for the finest pad Thai. From trendy fusion joints to classic street stalls, Soontornyanakij shares her top picks for enjoying Bangkok’s iconic stir-fried noodle dish.

Asia’s Best Female Chef Favorite Spots for Pad Thai in Bangkok

1. Thipsamai: A Historical Pad Thai Experience

Thipsamai is a legendary spot in Bangkok, famous for serving pad Thai since the 1940s. According to Soontornyanakij, the dish’s appeal lies in its perfect balance of sour, salty, and sweet flavors, with smooth and non-sticky noodles. This pad Thai is prepared using soft Chanthaburi noodles and prawn oil, giving it a unique richness.

Located in Bangkok’s old town, Thipsamai’s atmosphere reflects its long history. The iconic wood-paneled eatery has remained a local favorite for generations, offering a dining experience deeply rooted in the city’s cultural past.

Asia's best female chef shares her top Bangkok spots.

@thegreatwander | Instagram | Thipsamai is a legendary spot in Bangkok, famous for serving pad Thai since the 1940s.

2. May Rai: Trendy Fusion with a Twist

For a more contemporary take on the traditional dish, Soontornyanakij recommends May Rai. Housed in a vibrant, neon-lit shophouse, this pad Thai spot offers a fusion of flavors in a casual yet stylish setting. Michelin-starred chef Thitid Tassanakajohn, also known as Chef Ton, creates an inventive pad Thai using wagyu beef, adding a luxurious twist to the street food staple.

May Rai’s combination of natural wines and creative dishes has made it a hidden gem in Bangkok’s old town. Soontornyanakij praises the restaurant’s cozy ambiance and unique approach to seasoning, which sets it apart from more traditional spots.

3. Pad Thai Ratchawong: A Traditional Favorite

For a truly authentic pad Thai experience, Soontornyanakij points to Pad Thai Ratchawong. Located in Bangkok’s Chinatown, this stall has been a local institution for generations. It serves traditional pad Thai in a wok with fresh prawns. The noodles here are slightly crumbly, absorbing the rich flavors of prawn fat and spices, creating a delightful street food experience.

This modest eatery, tucked away in the bustling Yaowarat district, is cherished by locals who seek an unpretentious yet flavorful take on the dish. Soontornyanakij emphasizes its historical connection to the Thai-Chinese community, making it a must-visit for those who want a taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

Asia's best female chef shares her top Bangkok spots.

@mariongrasby | Instagram | Pad Thai Ratchawong is slightly crumbly, with rich prawn fat and spices flavors, creating a delightful food experience.

4. Lueng Pha Pad Thai: A Locals-Only Spot

Right next to the famed Thipsamai, Lueng Pha Pad Thai offers a quieter, more low-key option that remains a favorite among locals. This unassuming, family-run eatery has been dishing out pad Thai for over four decades. Soontornyanakij notes that Lueng Pha’s version is all about simplicity—well-cooked noodles with a generous amount of prawn fat and a soft, flavorful omelet wrap.

With its lime-green walls and plastic stools, the spot may not attract tourists, but its authenticity has earned it a loyal following. The pad Thai here offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, cooked over a traditional charcoal burner for a smoky, authentic flavor.

5. Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu: A Smoky Flavored Delight

For a pad Thai with an extra smoky kick, Soontornyanakij recommends Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu. Known for cooking with high flames, this eatery delivers wok-fired noodles packed with a rich, smoky flavor. Chef Andy Yang, a Michelin-starred talent, has turned this humble dish into a culinary art form, using fresh prawns and high-quality pork to elevate the street food classic.

Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu’s fiery cooking technique adds a bold, charred taste to the noodles, creating a unique flavor profile that distinguishes it from other spots. Soontornyanakij praises the restaurant for its skilled wok cooking and top-tier ingredients, which have earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand for five consecutive years.

Wyatt Knox

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