Thailand

Across the Ratchadamnoen Klang road from Banglamphu district is a popular but low key hangout for the local trend setters. Most come for the ambiance rather than the food as the first floor usually hosts a live band, the second an art gallery, the third a pool hall, and the fourth an open air terrace with beautiful views, all filled with cheerful diners and drinkers.

Food Type :Thai

Address :58/2 Soi Damnoen Klang Tai Ratcadamnoen Klang Road Bangkok, Thailand

A firm favourite in Bangkok's dining scene, May Kaidee is really informal, but serves some of the most mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan food the city has to offer. Known for serving the best massaman curry in Thailand and an array of dishes, from sweet green curry to good stir-fries and black sticky-rice with mango for dessert, this eatery is a must! May Kaidee is also a Thai cooking school. Open daily from 7am to 11pm. Cash only.

Food Type :Vegetarian

Address :59 Tanao Road Watsamphraya, Phranakorn Bangkok

Website :www.maykaidee.com

This 80-year-old Siamese restaurant house features its very own tropical garden and offers a quiet retreat from Bangkok's chaotic Patpong area. The food may not be the most authentic, but it's delicious and the diverse menu with choices such as mild, green chicken curry and crispy spring rolls won't leave guests disappointed. Live traditional music and classic Thai decorative touches create a wonderfully charming atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations advisable.

Food Type :Thai

Address :37 Soi Tantawan, Surawongse Road

This restaurant may not have the most charming atmosphere, but the food is simply delicious and well worth it for those who are willing to make the sacrifice. A popular eatery, Somboon Seafood has friendly staff, is regularly packed and has such a vast menu, guests will find themselves coming back time and again. The restaurant also features a large aquarium full of live seafood such as prawn, fish, lobster and crab. The house specialty, chilli crab curry, comes highly recommended. Open daily from 4pm to 11pm. Credit cards not accepted.

Food Type :Seafood

Address :169/7-11 Surawongse Rd

Website :www.somboonseafood.com

The Rain Tree Café offers a buffet of Thai and international food for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is ideal for family meals. Their Vodka Oyster Bar has four kinds of imported oysters, and special seafood buffets are offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Come on Sunday between 12 and 3pm for a Champagne Sunday Brunch.

Food Type :International

Address :61 Thanon Witthayu Wireless Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan

Website :www.plazaatheneebangkok.com/theraintreecafe

This vibey Bangkok restaurant has live music and karaoke in addition to spicy Thai food at reasonable prices and a Japanese sushi corner. The large restaurant has good views from its position on the riverside, and the lavish décor of waterfalls and springs add to the festive atmosphere.

Food Type :Thai

Address :199/1 Rat Burana

The very popular South Indian aromatic cuisine known as Dosais a Punjabi dish traditionally eaten with the hands. Consisting of a rice and lentil pancake, crepe or tortilla, folded with a potato curry or other savoury filling, and served with a vegetable and lentil broth called sambar. A purely vegetarian restaurant in Bangkok, Dosa King is ideal for a quick and healthy meal for those exploring Sukhumvit. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type :Indian

Address :153/7, Sukhumvit Rd, Soi- 11/1

Website :www.dosaking.net

Just around the corner from the bustling backpacker district, this quiet coffee shop is a great stop for breakfast or early lunch. The dark wooden interior transports diners to old Siam, although omelettes and baguettes are often welcome tastes of the west. Ricky's has added Mexican food to the menu. Open 8am to 11pm.

Address :18 Th Phra Athit

Popular with Westerners and just a short walk from the skytrain, Lemongrass serves some of Bangkok's finest Nouvelle Thai cuisine. Favourites on the menu include pomelo salad and chicken satay. The tom yang kung(a spicy sweet-and-sour prawn soup with ginger shoots) is delicious and comes highly recommended. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings are advisable.

Food Type :Local

Address :5/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24