I really enjoyed writing ‘Looking for Vegetarian Food in Singapore?’ and figured there are so many places in the world which are primarily ‘non-vegetarian’ that I could make a series on the topic! So expanding this ‘important’ research to other cities, here is the next – Vegetarian food in Bangkok.
Important Tip: Language can be a problem in Thailand. So before you head out of the hotel, each day, ask the staff to write the name of the place you need to go to, in Thai, making it easy for you to ask the locals.
South-East Asian Cuisine
May Kaidee
With two outlets in Bangkok and one in Chiang Mai, May Kaidee is a great place to savour meat-free versions of classic Thai dishes. They not only give you great food to eat, they also hold cooking classes throughout the year for you to take home this delicious food experience!
Must try: Pad Tai, Som Tom, Tofu Green curry, Banana Flower salad and don’t miss the home made tea
Location: 59 Tanao Road (restaurant and cooking school) Behind the Burger King at the end of Khao San Road AND 33, Sam Sen (between Soi 1 & 2) | 5 minutes from Khao San Road; Tel: +66 (0) 89 137 3173. Open: Daily, 9 am-10 pm
May Veggie Home
Though it has shifted to a new location, this little joint still has the same simple moto: “Tasty Vegetables Amazing Dishes. When you’re here, you’re family!” Don’t get misled by the names of the dishes. It is all vegetarian! They also have free Wi-Fi!
Must Try: Tofu Green Curry with rice, Masaman King Oyster Curry with Indian Bread, crunchy fresh salads and Herbal Drinks
Location: Asok, near Sukhumvit Road Soi 21 | Opposite Terminal 21; Tel: +66 (0) 2714 0179; Open: Mon-Sat 11:30 am-9 pm
Good Ol’ Indian Food To The Rescue
Dosa King
Yes, it does serve good dosas but also has all sorts of other pure vegetarian north Indian food.
Must try: Aloo Chaat, Samosa and Dosa
Location: 53/7 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 11/1; BTS: Nana; Tel: + 66 (0)2 651 1700. Open: Daily, 11 am-11 pm
Baluchi’s Bangkok:
“Khao Piyo, Aish Karo” is their motto! What more can you ask for?
Must try: Garlic Naan, Daal and Samosa
Location: 5-7 Sawasdee Welcome Inn, Soi Rongmai Soi Rongmai Chao-Fa Road, Chanasongkram, Pranakhorn District; Tel: +66 (0) 85 159 8905; Open: Daily, 11 am-11 pm
Sri Ganesh Restaurant
Enjoy great aromas of freshly prepared South Indian food doubled with excellent service.
Must try: Onion Rawa Masal Dosa, Idli, Pongal and Vada along with their mouth watering chutneys
Location: 19/13-14, Sukhumvit Suites (inside the lobby), Sukhumvit Soi 13, Khlongtoei Nuea, Wattana; BTS : Nana; Open : 10 am-10 pm
Saras
Serving a wide range of authentic Indian (including a Jain Menu), Indian-Chinese and some Thai vegetarian dishes, Saras provides quick service and some delicious food. Free Wi-Fi.
Must try: Gujarati Thali, Crispy Papad, Rajasthani Thali, Fresh lime soda, Mithai and Falooda
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 20 | Right behind the Rembrandt Hotel; Tel: +66 (0) 2401 8484: Open: Mon-Fri 8.30 am-10.30 pm, Sat-Sun 8.30 am-11 pm
Khana Khazana
Authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine from the North of India, Gujarat and the South of India cooked with good quality fresh ingredients. Jain Menu also available. Free Wi-Fi.
Must try: Masala Dosa, Gujarati Daal Khichadi
Location: 153 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 Main Road; BTS: Nana; Tel : +66 (0) 2255 2298; Open: 11 am-12 midnight
Chotivala Pure Vegeterian Restaurant
Serves a combination of all types of Indian cuisine (though stick to the North Indian). Special Jain dishes available.
Must try: Thali, Samosa, Pakoda, Panipuri
Location: 120/24 Ratchapharop Soi 3 Road | Close to Indra Market; Tel: +66 (0) 2565 3113
Purely Jain
Eros Restaurant
Run by a Jain Gujarati, this restaurant is a gem in the middle of a ‘non-vegetarian’ town, with an extensive and pleasing Jain menu. Free Wi-Fi.
Must try: Monster Vege Platter (feeds 4), Kesari Paneer Tikka, Paneer Butter Masala
Location: 03/705 Silom Rd, Bangrak | 3 minute walk from the Sri Mariammam Temple (Ma Kali Hindu Temple); BTS: Chong Nongsi | 5 minute walk; Tel: +66 (0) 2236 0333; Open: 11 am-11 pm
International Cuisine
Govinda Italian Restaurant
Indian sounding, but purely Italian vegetarian. Food is fantastic and even hard core non-vegetarians would give up meat and eat here!
Must try: Great Salads, freshly made Pasta and Pizzas. Don’t miss the orange cake!
Location: 6/5 Sukhumvit Soi 22; Skytrain: Phrompong Station; Subway: Sukhumvit Station; Tel: +66 (0)2 663 4970. Open Wednesday to Monday, 11:30 am-3 pm and 6 pm-11.15 pm.
Bonita Café and Social Club
Enjoy fresh vegetarian food at this old American style Café. Free Wi-Fi.
Must try: Zucchini Pasta, great smoothies and Blue Berry Cheesecake
Location: 56/3 Pan Street, Silom | 200 metres from Myanmar Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand; Tel: +66 (0) 2637 9541; Open: 11.30 am-3.30 pm, 6-9.30 pm, Closed Tuesday
Mixed Fare
Rasayana Raw Food Café
This unique café serves a ‘food experience’ which is a feast for all your senses.
Must try: Sushi, Pizza, Lasagne and fresh juice
Location: 57 Soi Prom-mitr, Sukhumvit 39, Klonton Nua, Wattana ; SkyTrain: Phrom Phong (Emporium) | Take a taxi; Tel: +66 (0) 2662 4803; Open: Daily, 10 am-8 pm
Anotoi
Serving a combination of Thai and western (mostly Italian) food along with a scrumptious bakery, this little joint is run by a Cordon Bleu trained chef and a must visit for all
Must try: Vegetable and Tofu Stir-fry, Tempura with sweet and sour sauce, Brownies and Scones
Location: 976/17 Soi Rama 9 Hospital, Hwaykwang (opposite Rama 9 Hospital); Subway: Rama 9 | Short taxi ride to Rama 9 Hospital; Tel: +66 (0) 2641 5366/70; Open: 10 am-9.30 pm, closed Wed.
Ethos Bakery Café Restaurant
A ‘Travellers Oasis’ as they call themselves, Ethos serves Thai and western dishes and is located in a quiet side street, a calm place in the middle of chaotic city life. No MSG used.
Must try: Stir fry Vegetables with Ginger, Fried Tempe with Peanut Sauce, Spaghetti with ‘Meat’ Balls, Mango Lassi, Apple Crumble with Custard
Location: 85/2 Tanao Road, Banglumpoo | behind Burger King on the East side of Khao San Road; Tel: +66 (0) 2280 7549; Open: Daily, 8 am-11 pm
Vegetarian Festival!
Last but not the least, did you know that in early October every year, Bangkok celebrates the Vegetarian Festival – similar to our Navratras? During those nine days a large part of the Thai-Chinese community goes, not just vegetarian, but Vegan. The festival is held to celebrate the nine Emperor Gods, so China Town turns into a festive ground. Food shops line the side of the road, selling food stuff from sweet cakes to noodles. Soi 20 of Charoen Krung Road is the hub of all the activity. You could catch the Chinese opera, performing in the early evening. Many shops around Bangkok (including some 7-11s) come alive with bunting and yellow flags to celebrate this festival.
Must try: Vegetable Tom Yam (a spicy vegetable soup), Mushroom and Tofu Yakisoba Noodles, Tofu Massaman Curry and finish off with the yummiest Thai desert – Mango sticky Rice with Coconut
Location: China Town; MRT: Hua Lamphong | 15 minute walk or take a taxi
So I hope you are all ready for your trip to Bangkok to savour all the yummy food awaiting you and explore this great city!