Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket… In 2015, Thailand welcomed nearly 30 million tourists, 20.4% more than in 2014, a record year. The ancient kingdom of Siam is one of the favorite destinations of the French. Last year, more than 681,000 visited the country, compared to 320,000 ten years ago. Those who know the country are unanimous: it has everything to seduce. It’s easy to get around and above all, there’s something for everyone: cultural, seaside, solidarity tourism… and culinary! So between two planes and before heading off to a paradise island, why not take advantage of your three days in Bangkok to discover the city differently?

Because in addition to its Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaeo or Wat Arun temples, its royal palace and its monster traffic jams, Bangkok is also famous for its gastronomy, in particular its street food which embodies the culinary soul of this megalopolis. This street food culture has no equivalent. Thais love to snack, having up to six small meals a day. For them, it is unthinkable to eat alone in their corner. Moreover, the phrase commonly exchanged to greet each other

Yes, we feast in the street

Food is ubiquitous, prepared and eaten everywhere: in morning and evening markets – whether indoor or outdoor – along sidewalks, next to temples or monuments, near parks and in shopping malls. … In 2014, we were talking about more than 400,000 mobile stalls circulating in Bangkok and its surroundings. In Chatuchak, a simple bamboo basket containing peeled mangoes and pineapples, cut into bite-size pieces ready to eat. At the flower market, a cart pulled by a moped, loaded with utensils and furniture needed to set up a micro-restaurant. Further on, a seller who offers his chicken skewers cooked by the minute.

In terms of food hygiene, don’t panic: the dishes offered are generally extremely fresh. The reason is simple, they are cooked the same day with ingredients bought a few hours earlier on the market. A first look at the frequentation of the place and the hygiene of the trailer will quickly reassure you. If you have to queue and wait… that’s a pretty good sign. And for those in a hurry, consider downloading Street Food Bangkok. This new free application includes a directory of 120 geolocated shops and stalls and covers the 25 most typical dishes of Thailand. You choose the dish you want to eat from the starting list, and the application lists the places that offer it. Most ? Linked with Google Map, it allows you to clearly locate shops and display the route to get there. Want to immerse yourself? In the evening, strolling through the Chinatown district (the “world” temple of street food ) and “pecking” at every street corner is a unique culinary experience in the world. Even more original, to combine the pleasure of the taste buds with tourist discovery, there is nothing like a ” Midnight food tour» in a tuk-tuk to experience an evening off t

Bo.Lan press photo

But Bangkok also rivals European, American and Asian cities for its high gastronomy. On February 29, the fourth annual ceremony celebrating Asia’s 50 best restaurants will be held in the Thai capital for the first time. The most respected chefs, influential restaurateurs, as well as more than 300 thought leaders in the restaurant industry across Asia, will come together to reveal the list of top establishments on the continent. Bangkok has seen several of its restaurants make the famous list: David Thompson’s Nahm and Gaggan Anand ‘s eponymous restaurant took first

“Thailand has long been recognized for its rich culinary history, but in recent years the country’s dining scene has matured , hosting world-class establishments serving a variety of international cuisines. Moreover, during your stay, don’t forget to book a table at

He opened this atypical restaurant in Bangkok even before their mentor arrived in the Thai capital. We opt for the Bo.lan Balance, the complete 6-course tasting menu, but the smallest stomachs can be reassured: the chef has planned the Bo.lan. Brief, an abbreviated version of the previous one. Most of the dishes are as tasty ascarbon” restaurant here to 2018. Another district, another address: direction Ruen Urai.

Despite its central location right in Surawong, the pretty teak house that houses the Ruen Urai restaurant is tucked away from the tourist stream and remains one of Bangkok’s last hidden oases. The establishment offers a mix of traditional dishes such as red duck curry, and more original dishes, such as yum puk bung tod krob, delicious watercress fritters. To avoid having to rack your brains in front of the menu, indulge yourself with the tasting menu. Test with your eyes closed. When making your reservation, ask for a table on the terrace, which is much more pleasant than in the room without much charm, and over-air-conditioned.

Helix, the new food court temple

Between two shopping sessions, why not eat in a shopping center? Direction the Em District (direct access from Phrom Phong Skytrain station). This brand new complex, opened a few months ago, houses almost all the boutiques of well-known brands in the world. And when the call of the belly is felt, spin in the culinary temple ” Helix “. Access is from an indoor tropical garden where a huge waterfall brings a bit of freshness.