5 Recommended Spots for Affordable and Delicious Eats in Bangkok’s Siam Area!

Siam, one of Bangkok's most cutting-edge spots, is naturally a great place to enjoy gourmet food to your heart's content. However, as it's in the rapidly developing center of Bangkok, prices do tend to be a bit higher. Even so, there are still plenty of places in Siam where you can enjoy cheap and tasty food. Here are five spots perfect for affordable lunches or street food adventures!

1. Som Tam Nua

This restaurant is located right by Siam Square, just a short walk from the Siam BTS Station. Known for its delicious papaya salad, or "som tam," a beloved Thai specialty, the restaurant even bears the dish's name. What sets Som Tam Nua apart is its modern, stylish ambiance that embodies the Siam area while preserving the traditional flavors of Thai cuisine. Even better, the prices remain attractively affordable, making it a go-to spot for budget-friendly gourmet meals.

Loved by locals and easily accessible for tourists, this restaurant provides a worry-free dining experience. In addition to their signature som tam, their deep-fried chicken, known as "kai tod," is also highly recommended. Be aware, though, that the spiciness of the dishes stays true to traditional Thai levels, so those with a low tolerance for heat might want to proceed with caution.

2. Scala Shark's Fin

In the heart of Siam Square, you’ll find one of Bangkok’s most famous restaurants specializing in shark fin dishes—Scala Shark’s Fin. Shark fin is considered a luxury ingredient, often reserved for special occasions.

While the cost of a meal may be around 2,000 yen per person, it’s still considered reasonable for indulging in delicacies like braised shark fin. As one of Bangkok’s renowned dining spots, the restaurant can get quite crowded, but if you’re curious, it’s well worth the visit.

3. Paragon Food Court

In Thailand, many department stores and shopping malls feature food courts. Similar to other food courts, they are designed with communal tables surrounded by various stall-like shops, offering a wide selection of dishes. You can pick your favorite meal from an array of options, and most vendors provide menus that are easy to understand, making it convenient for travelers to order by simply pointing. The self-service format also allows you to enjoy affordable gourmet meals, which is a major highlight.

Siam Paragon is one of the most upscale shopping malls in Bangkok, and it also houses a food court. Despite being located within this luxurious mall, the food court offers reasonably priced dining options, making it a convenient choice.

4. MBK Food Court

The Siam area is packed with department stores and shopping malls. While Paragon is famous for its luxury offerings, the MBK Center (Ma Boon Khrong Center) stands out as a bustling and quintessentially Thai shopping destination. MBK is a down-to-earth mall filled with countless small shops, and its food court mirrors this vibe by offering an abundance of budget-friendly local delicacies.

With a wide variety of vendors and dishes, MBK’s food court is one of the most diverse in Siam. It provides even more affordable and authentic local dining options than Paragon. Whether you’re window shopping or looking for an affordable yet tasty meal, MBK offers a great glimpse into Thailand’s local charm.

5. Soi Kasem San Street Food

Siam is the center of Bangkok and a bustling area with beautiful buildings. For this reason, street food stalls are becoming very scarce here. Places with rows of food stalls are almost nonexistent. However, there are still spots where you can enjoy affordable street food.

One such place is Soi Kasem San. Located in an alley near the National Stadium BTS station, it’s an area with several budget hotels and often listed in guidebooks. Numerous ordinary street food stalls are constantly operating here. Due to its location, the vendors are accustomed to serving foreigners. If you want to try Thailand’s iconic, budget-friendly street food, be sure to visit!

◎ Summary

Siam is often regarded as one of the most expensive areas in Thailand, where the high-end shopping mall restaurants offer quality and prices. While finding cheap eats in Siam can be challenging, places like Soi Kasem San still offer authentic local dining experiences. Instead of simply seeking an inexpensive meal, take the opportunity to savor the flavors of local Thai street food and immerse yourself in its unique culinary culture.

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5 Recommended Spots for Affordable and Delicious Eats in Bangkok’s Siam Area!