The Best Places to Eat in Thailand, According to Culinary Legend Jay Fai

Bangkok’s street food scene is chaotic, bustling, and a sensory overload. And we mean that in the best way possible. In fact, Thailand as a nation is so brimming with salty, creamy, and spicy flavors that it can be downright overwhelming to know where to go and what to bite into next. But if you need to focus on an eye in this food storm, look no further than to chef Jay Fai, who has all the answers on where you should dine next and exactly what to order. 

The long-time street food icon, known for always sporting a rather cool Mad Max look complete with oversized black ski goggles, is the brains behind the Michelin-starred street food spot Raan Jay Fai. Diners flock from all over the world to try her tempting dishes, including the crab omelet that Michelin calls “simply unparalleled.” 

And while her food is without a doubt some of the most sought-after in the nation (and, frankly, the world), Fai’s got some other spots she likes to recommend travelers experience on their vacations around Thailand (because, hey, even culinary legends need a break from their own kitchens once in a while). Luckily for you, Fai was kind enough to spill the secrets of where she goes when she’s feeling like letting someone else do all the work. Here are the flavors and places Fai thinks you should try next around Thailand. 

Travel + Leisure: What is your favorite food city in Thailand, and why?

Jay Fai: “I love the diverse range of Thai chili pastes from every region in Thailand because each one is unique. My absolute favorite meal is fish and boiled vegetables with Thai chili paste. I could eat this every day and never get bored — plus, it’s healthy. Aside from Thai food, I also enjoy Japanese and Korean cuisine, especially grilled meats. I like to explore and try food from different shops and restaurants.”

Is there a great hidden gem food destination most travelers to Thailand don’t know about?

“Kung Ten Ung Jua Kee Restaurant in Pathum Thani province is a hidden gem I’ve been visiting for over ten years. It’s an old shop with some of my favorite dishes, which are increasingly hard to find these days. I also enjoy dining at countryside restaurants, such as those wooden house restaurants in Suphanburi, which serve food made from local natural ingredients like grilled fish and shrimp from rivers and canals. Although I can’t recall the names of these places, I still miss their flavors.”

What is the number one Thai street food visitors need to try?

“Nam prik (Thai chili paste) is a must-try. Thai food is generally delicious, but I recommend choosing a restaurant with a long-standing chef. Frequent changes in chefs can affect the consistency of the food. At familiar restaurants I frequent, I can immediately tell if the chef has changed because the taste will be different.”

What is a mistake visitors make when going out to eat in Bangkok — and how can they avoid it?

“I advise visitors to be patient with locals due to potential language barriers. Learning a bit about Thai culture can go a long way. Thai people are kind and welcoming, so please be patient with us. We are always happy to welcome visitors.”

What is your go-to meal at home?

“My go-to meal is mackerel chili paste with lots of vegetables. When I have time, I make mixed vegetable stew and roasted salty shredded chicken to eat with hot rice porridge. Most of my go-to meals are dishes I learned to make and eat while living with my parents. I also love making boiled soups, such as bitter melon, bamboo shoots, radishes, and pumpkin with chicken. I usually prepare a large pot so everyone in the family can sit down and eat together.”

When you’re not cooking or at your own restaurant, where do you go out to eat in Bangkok?

“In Bangkok, I prefer simple Thai restaurants like Baan Ice, where I often order Thai chili paste and southern Thai food.”