Bangkok is a city where food lovers can experience the best of both worlds—high-end Michelin-starred dining and incredible street food, often just steps away from each other. From lavish, meticulously plated dishes to sizzling wok-fried delights served on plastic stools, Bangkok’s food scene is a paradise for those who love bold flavors and authentic Thai cuisine. On my trip, I set out to compare two of the best culinary experiences the city has to offer: the world-famous Jay Fai, a Michelin-starred street food legend, and Sorn, a two-Michelin-star fine dining restaurant specializing in Southern Thai cuisine.
Jay Fai – The Queen of Bangkok Street Food
Location: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
When it comes to street food in Bangkok, no name is more famous than Jay Fai. This small, no-frills eatery became a global sensation after earning a Michelin star and being featured on Netflix’s Street Food: Asia. Run by the legendary Supinya “Jay Fai” Junsuta, who is instantly recognizable by her oversized goggles, this spot attracts long lines of eager foodies waiting to try her signature dishes.
The absolute must-try dish here is the Crab Omelet (Kai Jeaw Poo)—a golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside masterpiece stuffed with massive chunks of fresh crab. Each bite is rich, buttery, and bursting with seafood sweetness. The Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are another highlight, packed with wok-fried smoky flavor, tender seafood, and a perfect balance of heat and aromatics.
Why It’s One of the Best:
✔ Fresh, high-quality
ingredients, especially the generous portions of crab
✔ Incredible
wok-cooked flavors infused with smoky “wok hei” essence
✔
Michelin-starred street food experience unlike anywhere else in the
world
Sorn – A Luxurious Journey Through Southern Thai Cuisine
Location: 56 Sukhumvit 26, Klongton, Klong Toei, Bangkok
For an entirely different experience, I booked a table at Sorn, a two-Michelin-star restaurant that showcases the complexity of Southern Thai cuisine through a meticulously curated tasting menu. Set in a beautifully restored house, Sorn offers an immersive dining experience where every dish tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation.
The meal began with a selection of Southern canapés, each bite packed with intense flavors—coconut, turmeric, and fiery chilies. The standout dish of the night was Gaeng Ranjuan, a deeply aromatic and spicy Southern-style curry made with rare herbs and aged fish sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. Another unforgettable dish was the Grilled Lobster with Southern Spices, where the natural sweetness of the lobster paired beautifully with a fragrant curry paste.
Why It’s One of the Best:
✔ Authentic Southern Thai
flavors elevated with fine-dining precision
✔ Thoughtfully curated
tasting menu showcasing rare Thai ingredients
✔ Beautiful atmosphere
with exceptional service and presentation