Taste of History: Oldest Restaurants in Bangkok and Their Iconic Dishes

Stepping into Bangkok feels like immersing yourself in a culinary adventure like no other. Known for its street food scene and gastronomic delights, the city is also home to old restaurants that have been serving up tradition and flavor for generations. These places are considered culinary institutions that allow visitors to dine through time and experience history on a plate.

Each restaurant has an iconic dish of its own that has captured the palates of guests from around the world. Are you ready to dive into Bangkok’s rich culinary history? From savoring unforgettable servings of Mee Krob to relishing plates of sweet Mango Sticky Rice, you’re guaranteed a satisfying trip to these culinary time capsules.

Mee Krob Jeen Lee (also known as Tek Heng)

Mee Krob Jeen Lee, also known as Tek Heng, traces its roots to royalty back in the time of King Rama V. According to sources, the King was impressed with the smell and taste of the restaurant’s most famous dish, the Mee Krob, which the chef-owner personally served during his visit. Tek Heng might be over 131 years old, but the restaurant still follows the same recipe.

Iconic dish: The Mee Krob, a crispy noodle dish that highlights the flavours of palm sugar, tamarind, shrimps, pickled garlic, and beansprouts, among others.

Location: Mee Krob Jeen Lee, 326-330, Talat Phlu, Thon Buri, Bangkok

Prachak Pet Yang

Founded in 1909, Prachak is known for its roasted duck, considered to be one of the best in Thailand. Those who have visited the restaurant can’t get enough of its succulent duck dishes including duck noodles, duck rice, and wontons. As you can miss the shop when exploring the area, visitors suggest keeping an eye out for the roasted ducks hanging near the entrance.

Iconic dish: The roasted duck is served in tender slices highlighting juicy meat and served with savoury gravy.

Location: Prachak Pet Yang, 1415 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Ek Teng Phu Ki

A century-old traditional coffeeshop that used to attract Thai-Chinese elders, Ek Teng Phu Ki underwent a renovation recently and has since been attracting a younger crowd who love taking Instagram-worthy photos. Regular customers can’t get enough of the coffee and toasted bread that makes for a filling breakfast or snack.

Iconic dish: The traditional coffee drinks that can perk up your day paired with the soft breads.

Location: Ek Teng Phu Ki, 163 Thanon Phat Sai, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Jok Prince Congee

A Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee that started out as a simple food stand, Jok Prince has evolved into a famous restaurant serving the best congee in Bangkok and is now over six decades old. Here, you'll find locals and tourists enjoying steaming bowls of congee while the staff stir huge pots of the hearty porridge. Regular customers suggest bringing enough cash for your visit as they don’t accept card payments.

Iconic dish: A filling bowl of porridge rice topped with minced pork balls and raw egg.

Location: Jok Prince Congee, 1391 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Mit Ko Yuan

Opened in 1966, Mit Ko Yuan boasts a menu that highlights Chinese, Thai, and Western influences. Many food websites in Bangkok list Mit Ko Yuan as one of the top-notch and must-visit eateries in the city, and for good reason. The place is famous not just for its Tom Yum but also for its unforgettable Ox Tongue Stew.

Iconic dish/es: Their creamy yet light Tom Yum Gung perfectly balances the sour and sweet notes. Aside from the Tom Yum and Ox Tongue Stew, many also can’t get enough of Stir-Fried Spicy Razor Clams.

Location: Mit Ko Yuan, 186 Dinso Rd, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

On Luk Yun

Breakfast lovers will enjoy their visit to On Lok Yun known for its Thai-style Western breakfast. Established in 1933, the café is known for its shophouse vibe and traditional interiors that make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time. The Thai-style Western breakfast is served until 2 p.m. so you have enough time to savour a hefty meal before going on your way.

Iconic dish: A serving of International Breakfast featuring egg, bacon, and sausage. You can also order this with bread, French toast, and Thai tea.

Location: On Luk Yun, 72 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Wattana Panich

A broth that has been simmering for 50 years? That's the main draw of Wattana Panich, a beloved family-owned restaurant renowned for its 50-year-old beef and goat soup. You can't miss the huge cauldron of soup being mixed near the entrance, nor the framed Michelin recognitions adorning the walls of the restaurant. If you're planning on visiting, be ready to wait for a while as the place can get packed.

Iconic dish/es: The Beef Noodle Soup that visitors can’t stop raving about and the equally savoury Goat Soup.

Location: Wattana Panich, 336 338 Ekkamai Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Kor Panich Sticky Rice

When it comes to desserts in Bangkok, you can never go wrong with Mango Sticky Rice! This delicacy is available on almost every corner of the city, but if you want a serving that’s rich in history, a visit to Kor Panich is in order. According to sources, the recipe for the sticky rice was passed on to the owner’s wife by her mother, who worked in the royal kitchen. Visitors claim that even now, members of the royal family still get their sticky rice from Kor Panich. In fact, the shop’s 80-year-old recipe for Mango Sticky Rice boasts such high quality that it was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Iconic dish: The Sticky Rice that’s soft and chewy, served with sweet mangoes

Location: Kor Panich Sticky Rice, 431 433 Thanon Tanao, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok