Where to eat
Canteens, market streets and Wang Lang market are the cheapest places to eat, and a bowl of duck noodles costs 50 to 100 baht.
Last checked 30 September 2026
Updated 30 September 2026
Quick answers
On this page
Cheap food near campus
- The canteens in the faculties and around the university are the cheapest option. They have rice and curry stalls, noodle stands and drinks counters.
- Small family-run shops on the streets around Tha Prachan sell everything from boat noodles to grilled skewers.
- Wang Lang (Siriraj) market is across the river, reached by ferry from Tha Prachan. It is busiest in the evening.
Market stalls mostly take cash, so carry small notes and coins.
Places students recommend
The prices come from the 2025 student union handbook and may have changed.
| Place | Order | Price |
|---|---|---|
| นิวย่งฮั้วโภชนา (New Yong Hua Phochana) | Duck noodles, red pork noodles | 50 to 100 baht |
| หม่าล่าหน้ามอ, skewer stall | Fish tofu, bacon-wrapped sausage | From 10 baht a skewer |
| ป้าป้อมขนมโตเกียว, Thai Tokyo pancakes | Cheese and fish filling, chocolate filling | 10 to 20 baht a piece |
| ร้านอาหารอีสาน แซ่บอำหลำ, Isaan restaurant | Tam luang prabang, fried chicken wings | 20 to 300 baht |
| Fruit juice stall (ร้านน้ำผลไม้) | Watermelon smoothie | 25 to 30 baht |
| LUA Café | Strawberry matcha | From 100 baht |
| Chang Khua (ช่างคั่ว), Tha Prachan branch | Caramel macchiato, Earl grey peach pink vine | From 90 baht |
At New Yong Hua Phochana, order the duck noodles, duck rice or red pork rice. Each bowl comes with soup.
หม่าล่าหน้ามอ has several dipping sauces, a choice of spice level and a sweet sauce for people who cannot eat spicy food.
ป้าป้อมขนมโตเกียว has savoury and sweet fillings.
แซ่บอำหลำ serves Isaan food.
The juice stall adjusts the sweetness on request.
LUA Café and Chang Khua give 10 percent off with a student card. See Student discounts.
Map of food near campus
The map covers about 70 places, grouped by type of food. It comes from Google Maps lists kept by BIRSA seniors. Ratings and review counts are from Google Maps in July 2026.
Tha Prachan, Wang Lang and the old town
Pinklao and Charansanitwong
Noodles and noodle soups
Khun Daeng's Vietnamese Noodle (คุณแดง)
Old town sideNoodle shop · 4.4 (4,023) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 4,023 Google reviews
Served with pork sausage and fried spring rolls in a peppery broth.
Nai Soie Beef Noodle (นายโส่ย)
Old town sideNoodle shop · 3.9 (3,724) Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 3,724 Google reviews
On Phra Athit Road since 1976, one of the older shops on the street.
Kuay Teow Kua Gai Aunty Pien
Old town sideNoodle shop · 4.5 (819) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 819 Google reviews
Fried to order in a brass wok over charcoal, the way the shop has done it for decades.
Banglamphu Duck Noodles & Duck Rice (เป็ดย่างบางลำพู)
Old town sideNoodle shop · 4.5 (193) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 193 Google reviews
Open since 1967, and known for noodles cut wider than most shops serve.
Khanom Jeen Banglamphu (ขนมจีนบางลำพู)
Old town sideHawker stall · 4.4 (85) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 85 Google reviews
In the alley beside the old Tang Hua Seng store, with a choice of curry broths and vegetables to help yourself to.
Nai Uan Yentafo (Sao Chingcha) (นายอ้วนเย็นตาโฟ)
Old town sideNoodle shop · 4.2 (2,164) Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 2,164 Google reviews
A third-generation shop by the Giant Swing, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2018.
Saimai Shrimp Wonton Noodle
Old town sideChinese noodles · 4.2 (392) Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 392 Google reviews
Handmade noodles and wontons stuffed with whole shrimp, opposite Siriraj Hospital.
Mit Potchana
Old town sideNoodle shop · 4.1 (136) Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 136 Google reviews
Uncle & Aunt Pork Noodle
Pinklao sideNoodle shop · 4.0 (1,668) Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1,668 Google reviews
Tom yum pork noodles by the Pinklao intersection, open 4pm to 3am and closed Sundays.
Rice plates, khao tom and late-night
Khao Tom Bowon (ข้าวต้มบวร)
Old town sideRice porridge · 4.3 (1,610) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,610 Google reviews
Opposite Wat Bowon Niwet, with the kitchen out front, open from late afternoon to about 11pm.
The Fat Duck rice porridge (original)
Old town sideRice porridge · 4.5 (714) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 714 Google reviews
Around 60 years old, next to Wat Thepthidaram, and known for using every part of the duck.
Khao Dong Moo Daeng
Old town sideThai · 4.7 (1,243) Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 1,243 Google reviews
Red pork and crispy pork grilled over charcoal, from an 80 year old recipe, inside Wang Lang market.
Chok Dee Kota (โชคดี โกตา)
Old town sideChicken dishes · 4.4 (493) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 493 Google reviews
Hainanese chicken rice from a recipe close to 90 years old, first sold in Yaowarat.
Jin Tod Pa Tue (Lotus's Mall Charan) (จิ๊นทอดป้าตือ)
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 3.6 (119) Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 119 Google reviews
A Thonburi-side branch of a northern fried meat chain that grew popular through social media.
Khao Gaeng Ho Charan (ข้าวแกงห่อจรัญ)
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.0 (70) Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 70 Google reviews
Sells one thing only: curry over rice, wrapped in banana leaf.
Thai tables and family restaurants
ELLE ThaPhra Chan
Old town sideThai · 4.1 (142) Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 142 Google reviews
Two air-conditioned floors on Maha Raj Road, busy with Thammasat and Silpakorn students.
Khun Ek
Old town sideRestaurant · 4.4 (110) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 110 Google reviews
Made-to-order dishes on the riverside walkway at Tha Prachan pier.
New Yong Hua Phochana
Old town sideRestaurant · 4.5 (135) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 135 Google reviews
Roast duck and red pork rice, served opposite the Thammasat gate for more than 45 years.
Watchara Phochana
Pinklao sideThai · 4.3 (1,311) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,311 Google reviews
A late-night khao tom restaurant on Charansanitwong Road, open since the 1970s.
Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien (สุพรรณิการ์)
Old town sideThai · 4.5 (2,803) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2,803 Google reviews
Trat and Isan family recipes, with a rooftop looking across the river to Wat Arun.
Mit Ko Yuan (มิตรโกหย่วน)
Old town sideThai · 4.4 (1,255) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,255 Google reviews
Its stewed beef tongue is traced to Western cooking that Pridi Banomyong taught the founder.
Ban Wannakovit
Old town sideThai · 4.3 (269) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 269 Google reviews
Khao chae served inside an old mansion behind the 14 October Monument.
Chuan Aroy Bistro
Old town sideThai · 3.8 (342) Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 342 Google reviews
An open-air riverside spot by Siriraj pier, cooking to order since 1978.
Yellow Curry Studio (แกงเหลืองสตูดิโอ)
Old town sideRestaurant · 4.9 (110) Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 110 Google reviews
Southern Thai cooking in the Surat Thani style, on Ban Mo Road in the old town.
Yong Seng Lee
Old town sideRestaurant · 4.9 (666) Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 666 Google reviews
A Phraeng Nara shophouse that once sold curry over rice and now serves old-style Hainanese suki.
Grandma's (Thai-Portuguese home food)
Old town sideRestaurant · 4.9 (116) Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 116 Google reviews
Home cooking from the Kudi Chin Thai-Portuguese community across the river.
S. Laab Ped Yasothon (ส.ลาบเป็ด)
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.5 (87) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 87 Google reviews
Isan grills near Pinklao bridge, open until about 2:30am.
Rod Dee Ded Pinklao (รสดีเด็ด)
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.0 (201) Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 201 Google reviews
Beef and pork noodles opposite PATA Pinklao, reached by the skywalk.
Chinese and dim sum
Dim Sum Zai
Old town sideDim sum · 4.8 (322) Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 322 Google reviews
Nan Fah
Old town sideChinese · 4.4 (209) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 209 Google reviews
Roast duck on Din So Road for more than 70 years, glazed with honey.
Jade Garden
Pinklao sideChinese · 4.3 (2,176) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2,176 Google reviews
Open for more than 38 years on Arun Amarin Road, known for Peking duck and pomfret.
Korean corner
Dong Dae Moon
Old town sideKorean · 4.2 (713) Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 713 Google reviews
Korean grill buffet on Soi Rambuttri, with no time limit on the table.
Hotpokki
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.6 (217) Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 217 Google reviews
Tteokbokki hotpot buffet on the second floor of Major Cineplex Pinklao.
Indian, halal and South Asian
Tony's
Old town sideNorth Indian · 4.3 (824) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 824 Google reviews
A few open-air tables beside Khlong Ong Ang.
Indian Kebab and Curries
Old town sideNorth Indian · 4.6 (591) Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 591 Google reviews
On Soi Chana Songkhram, a short walk from Khao San Road.
Punjab Sweets
Old town sideIndian sweets · 4.4 (526) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 526 Google reviews
Indian sweets in Phahurat, Bangkok's Little India.
Aheesah Roddee Halal
Old town sideHalal · 4.4 (1,153) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,153 Google reviews
Halal biryani and satay, running since 1975 and listed in the Michelin Guide.
Steak, western and international
Shoshana
Old town sideIsraeli · 4.5 (2,423) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2,423 Google reviews
Banglamphu's long-running Israeli restaurant, a Khao San-area classic.
Medium Rare Tha Tian
Old town sideRestaurant · 3.6 (581) Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 581 Google reviews
Charcoal-grilled steak across the road from Wat Pho.
Chaluy Steak (ฉลุย)
Old town sideSteak · 4.2 (33) Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 33 Google reviews
Steak Charoen Phung (Pinklao) (สเต็กเจริญพุง)
Pinklao sideSteak · 4.7 (153) Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 153 Google reviews
McDonald's PATA Pinklao
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.3 (1,241) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,241 Google reviews
Hotpot, mookata, BBQ and buffets
Mheesuk Hotpot Buffet
Pinklao sideShabu shabu · 4.9 (601) Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 601 Google reviews
Conveyor-belt shabu with a choice of soup bases.
Pinklao Fish Head Hot Pot
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.3 (1,438) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,438 Google reviews
A Thonburi-side fixture for decades, built around fish head hot pot and tom yum.
KBBQ Pinklao
Pinklao sideBuffet · 4.3 (111) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 111 Google reviews
Hon Buffet (ฮ้อน)
Pinklao sideBuffet · 4.7 (1,279) Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 1,279 Google reviews
Isan-style jaew hon hot pot with more than 100 dishes, open to midnight.
Tidmunz Buffet
Pinklao sideBuffet · 4.6 (1,068) Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,068 Google reviews
Grill and shabu with no time limit, open to about 3am.
Pookpik Mookata
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 5.0 (18) Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 18 Google reviews
Bar B Q Resort Pinklao
Pinklao sideBuffet · 4.5 (3,036) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 3,036 Google reviews
A grill and seafood buffet chain; the Pinklao branch opens 4pm to 1am.
Suki Teenoi (The Sense Pinklao) (สุกี้ตี๋น้อย)
Pinklao sideBuffet · 4.3 (1,326) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,326 Google reviews
Budget suki chain open until 5am; expect a queue at peak times.
Rimnam BBQ Buffet Pinklao
Pinklao sideBarbecue · 3.9 (2,025) Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 2,025 Google reviews
The tables sit right on the Chao Phraya riverbank; open 4pm to midnight.
Malahub (Bang Yi Khan) (หมาล่าฮับ)
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.9 (469) Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 469 Google reviews
Pay-by-weight mala skewers near MRT Bang Yi Khan; pick your own, then weigh them.
Yija Suki Mala (Pinklao) (อี้จา)
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 3.5 (98) Rated 3.5 out of 5 from 98 Google reviews
Conveyor-belt mala hotpot with a pot each, near MRT Bang Yi Khan; you pay per plate.
Lucky BBQ (Lotus's Mall)
Pinklao sideRestaurant · 4.3 (96) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 96 Google reviews
Grill buffet on the second floor of Lotus's Mall, beside Makro.
Breakfast, cafés and desserts
On Lok Yun (ออน ล็อก หยุ่น)
Old town sideBreakfast · 4.5 (2,243) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2,243 Google reviews
Old-school Thai-Chinese breakfast house on Charoen Krung, famous for eggs and toast.
Mont Nom Sod (มนต์นมสด)
Old town sideBakery · 4.4 (6,229) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 6,229 Google reviews
Toast and fresh milk opposite Bangkok City Hall; the business started in 1964.
After Sunrise
Old town sideBakery · 4.9 (462) Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 462 Google reviews
Churros and coffee upstairs in an old Tha Tien shophouse, within sight of Wat Pho.
Ghee Gelato House
Old town sideIce cream · 4.8 (336) Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 336 Google reviews
Gelato made in house, with a quiet upstairs, in Soi Pansuk near Wat Pho.
Hia Mak Tofu Pudding & Grass Jelly
Old town sideHawker stall · 4.8 (244) Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 244 Google reviews
The same vendor has pushed this cart near Museum Siam for more than 60 years.
Second Cafe Wanglang
Old town sideCafé · 4.6 (125) Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 125 Google reviews
Upstairs above the Kiew Nong Bua noodle shop, with outdoor seats facing the river.
Chang Khua (Tha Prachan) (ช่างคั่ว)
Old town sideCoffee shop · 4.8 (220) Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 220 Google reviews
Roasts its own beans from farms in the north; on Phra Chan Road opposite Thammasat.
LUA Café
Old town sideCafé · 4.7 (96) Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 96 Google reviews
A short walk from campus, with a bright upstairs room that suits working.
Vanillary Cafe
Old town sideCoffee shop · 5.0 (3) Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 Google reviews
INOME Japanese Tea
Old town sideCoffee shop · 4.9 (135) Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 135 Google reviews
Matcha made with tea from Ujitawara in Kyoto, on Phra Athit Road.
Night spots
Hippiebar @ Rambuttri
Old town sideCocktail bar · 4.8 (112) Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 112 Google reviews
Markets, malls and canteens
60th Anniversary Building Canteen (Thammasat)
Old town sideCafeteria · 4.4 (156) Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 156 Google reviews
The on-campus fallback: fast, cheap and air-conditioned.
Wang Lang Market (ตลาดวังหลัง)
Old town sideMarket · 4.5 (4,490) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4,490 Google reviews
Street-food alleys and stalls across the river from campus, busiest from morning to late afternoon.
Tha Maharaj (ท่ามหาราช)
Old town sideShopping mall · 4.3 (5,475) Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 5,475 Google reviews
Riverside mall with cafés and air-conditioned food options a short walk from campus.
Central Pinklao
Pinklao sideShopping mall · 4.5 (27,137) Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 27,137 Google reviews
Open since 1995, and reopened on 6 November 2025 after a major renovation.
Susco Square Pinklao
Pinklao sideShopping mall · 4.6 (124) Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 124 Google reviews
A petrol station that grew into a community mall, the largest in its chain.
Halal and vegetarian food
Many stalls use pork, and many dishes contain fish sauce, so ask before you order.
- Say ฮาลาล (halal) to ask for halal food. The map has a halal category. Aheesah Roddee Halal (อาอีซะฮ์ รสดี) serves halal biryani and satay.
- Say เจ (jay) to ask for vegetarian food. Jay food has no meat, fish or fish sauce and often no garlic or onion. Stalls fly a yellow flag with เจ during the Vegetarian Festival, held in September or October.
- Say ไม่ใส่หมู (mai sai mu) to ask for no pork.
Eating for less
- Rice with a single topping (ข้าวราดแกงหน้าเดียว) is usually the cheapest hot meal.
- Many buildings have free drinking water points.
- Convenience stores cost more than market stalls for a full meal.
- Most dorms near Tha Prachan do not allow cooking. Some have a shared kitchen. Ask before you rent. See Finding somewhere to live.
The Office of International Affairs estimates meals at 8,000 baht a month. See What a month costs.
Related guides
- What a month costsThe Office of International Affairs estimates about 16,000 baht a month for housing, meals and transport, with rent the largest part.
- Student discountsShow your student card for discounts at cafés, shops and museums near Tha Prachan.
- Finding somewhere to liveTU Dorm Tha Prachan costs about 2,700 baht per person a month in a double room, and private rooms usually ask for a deposit of 1 to 2 months of rent.
Sources
Report a problem with this guide
Students write and update this guide. If something is wrong or out of date, tell BIRSA.
Tell BIRSA