Top 17 'Kitchen-Shutdown' Restaurants to order from in Bangkok to Survive the Sweltering Season
The Bangkok heat has a personality. It’s not just hot; it’s a living, breathing entity that greets you with a sledgehammer of humidity the moment you step outside. During the sweltering season, which feels like it lasts for about 11 months of the year, the thought of turning on a stove, standing over a sizzling wok, or even just boiling water can feel like a Herculean task. Your kitchen transforms from a place of culinary creativity into a fiery sauna you’d rather avoid at all costs.
This is where the magic of Bangkok's food delivery scene comes in. It's not just a convenience; it's a survival strategy. As a long-time resident, I've learned a trick or two about surviving the heat, a sentiment I know my friend Goh Ling Yong shares: when the mercury hits a new high, the kitchen officially shuts down. Forget meal prep and grocery runs. It’s time to lean on the city's incredible culinary landscape, delivered right to your air-conditioned sanctuary.
So, put down that apron, grab your phone, and prepare to feast without breaking a sweat. I’ve compiled the ultimate list of 17 "kitchen-shutdown" restaurants to order from. These are my tried-and-true heroes for every craving, from light and refreshing salads to soul-soothing comfort food that’s worth every single calorie.
1. Som Tam Nua
When the heat is relentless, your palate craves something that can cut through the lethargy. Som Tam Nua, the legendary Isaan institution in Siam Square, is the answer. Their papaya salads aren't just food; they are a crisp, zesty explosion of flavour that jolts your senses back to life. It’s the perfect antidote to a sweltering afternoon.
While their classic som tam thai is a masterpiece of balance, the real adventure lies in their other variations. The tam muah is a glorious, chaotic mix of papaya salad with rice noodles, pork crackling, and various herbs, offering a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. It’s a full meal in a single, spicy bowl.
Pro-Tip: Don't even think about ordering without adding their iconic fried chicken (gai tod) and a side of sticky rice (khao niew). The crispy, juicy chicken is the perfect partner to the spicy salad, and the sticky rice is essential for mopping up every last drop of the delicious dressing.
2. Baan Ice
Southern Thai food is known for its fiery, complex, and uncompromising flavours, and Baan Ice is one of the best places in Bangkok to experience it. While it might seem counterintuitive to fight fire with fire, the intense sour and spicy notes in many southern dishes are surprisingly invigorating in the heat.
Their gaeng som pla (a fiery and sour fish curry) is a must-try for the adventurous. It’s a shock to the system in the best way possible. For something a little less intense but equally flavourful, the khua kling (a dry-fried meat curry) is packed with aromatic herbs. And you cannot miss their signature dish: stir-fried stink beans (sator) with shrimp.
Pro-Tip: The flavours here are bold, so always order a plate of steamed jasmine rice. For a cooling contrast, add the bai liang pad kai, a simple but delicious dish of stir-fried melinjo leaves with egg, to your order. It’s the perfect, slightly sweet counterpoint to the spicier mains.
3. Broccoli Revolution
Sometimes, the heat demands something clean, light, and utterly guilt-free. Broccoli Revolution is a haven for plant-based eaters and anyone looking for a healthy reset. This all-vegan restaurant offers a vibrant menu of dishes from around the world, proving that healthy food can be incredibly satisfying.
Their extensive menu features colourful smoothie bowls, refreshing salads, and hearty wraps that are perfect for a light lunch. The Vietnamese-inspired Fresh Summer Rolls are a fantastic choice, packed with fresh herbs and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Their signature Broccoli Quinoa Charcoal Burger is another standout if you're craving something more substantial but still want to keep it healthy.
Pro-Tip: Don't skip their cold-pressed juices. The "No. 11" with passion fruit, pineapple, and orange is like sunshine in a bottle and the ultimate thirst-quencher on a scorching day.
4. Peppina
Pizza is a universal comfort food, and Peppina serves up some of the most authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas in Bangkok. Certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), their pizzas feature a pillowy, charred crust and high-quality toppings. It’s the ideal choice for a lazy evening when you want to share a meal with friends or family without any fuss.
While you can't go wrong with a classic Margherita, their Diavola offers a pleasant kick with spicy salami. For something different, try the pizza with truffle paste, mushrooms, and Italian sausage. It's decadent, aromatic, and pure bliss.
Pro-Tip: Peppina's salads are not an afterthought. The Insalata di Rucola with shaved parmesan and a simple lemon vinaigrette is the perfect fresh, peppery starter to cut through the richness of the pizza.
5. Isao
Sushi is arguably the perfect hot-weather food: it's light, clean-tasting, and served cool. Isao is a beloved Japanese fusion spot that has been delighting Bangkokians for years with its creative and delicious rolls. It’s a go-to for a high-quality sushi fix that won’t break the bank.
Their signature roll, the "Jackie," is a must-order. This caterpillar-shaped creation of shrimp, roe, and tempura crunch is as fun to look at as it is to eat. The "Volcano" is another crowd-pleaser, a baked scallop dish in a creamy, spicy sauce that is incredibly addictive.
Pro-Tip: Order a mix of their creative signature rolls and some classic sashimi to get the full Isao experience. The salmon sashimi here is always fresh and buttery.
6. El Mercado
El Mercado brings the feel of a European neighbourhood grocer and bistro straight to your door. It’s the ultimate destination for when you want to assemble a "no-cook" feast. Think high-quality cheeses, flavourful charcuterie, fresh bread, and excellent wine. It's perfect for a sophisticated, low-effort dinner.
Create your own custom platter or choose from one of their pre-selected options. Beyond the deli counter, their kitchen also whips up fantastic bistro classics. The steak frites is excellent, and their various salads are fresh, generous, and satisfying.
Pro-Tip: Their blue cheese and fig spread is a game-changer. Order it with a fresh baguette and a selection of their cold cuts for an instant, gourmet picnic in your living room.
7. Holey Artisan Bakery
A great sandwich is a criminally underrated meal, and Holey Artisan Bakery makes some of the best in the city. Using their phenomenal, naturally leavened sourdough bread, they craft sandwiches that are both comforting and complex. This is the perfect solution for a lunch that feels like a treat but doesn't require a post-meal nap.
The "Holey Cheesus" is a grilled cheese of epic proportions, and the Reuben is a masterclass in cured meat, sauerkraut, and tangy dressing. Their more straightforward options, like the smoked ham and cheese on a buttery croissant, are also divine.
Pro-Tip: Add a slice of their carrot cake or a classic pain au chocolat to your order. Their pastries are just as incredible as their bread, and you deserve a little something sweet.
8. Daniel Thaiger
When the craving for a truly great burger strikes, there is only one name that comes to mind for most Bangkok foodies: Daniel Thaiger. What started as a legendary food truck has become a burger institution. This is not a light meal, but it's a "shut down the kitchen and indulge" meal of the highest order.
The classic "Thaiger" burger with beef, cheese, and their special sauce is perfection. The "Mr. Steve" adds crispy bacon and jalapeños for an extra kick. The patties are always juicy, the buns are soft but sturdy, and the balance of flavours is impeccable.
Pro-Tip: Don't forget the truffle parmesan fries. They are a non-negotiable side order. Also, check their social media for special limited-time burgers that are always worth trying.
9. Thipsamai Pad Thai
Known as possibly the most famous Pad Thai restaurant in the world, Thipsamai is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a national treasure. Their signature Pad Thai Sen Jan Man Goong is a flavour revelation, featuring springy noodles cooked with shrimp paste and fat, juicy prawns, all wrapped in a delicate omelette.
Ordering from Thipsamai means you get to taste this iconic dish without waiting in the notoriously long queues. The flavours are rich and complex, with a distinct smoky aroma from the charcoal-fired woks they use. It's a comforting, satisfying meal that always hits the spot.
Pro-Tip: You must order their freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s pulpy, incredibly sweet, and famous in its own right. It’s the perfect, refreshing companion to the rich Pad Thai.
10. Sourced Grocers
Similar to El Mercado but with a slightly different vibe, Sourced Grocers in The Commons Thonglor is another fantastic option for building a beautiful, no-cook meal. They specialize in artisanal products, from local and imported cheeses to house-cured meats and freshly baked bread.
This is my go-to when I want to host an impromptu get-together without any stress. You can build a stunning grazing board that looks like you spent hours preparing it. They also offer excellent sandwiches and salads if you want a ready-to-eat option.
Pro-Tip: Ask for a recommendation on their cheese selection. The staff are knowledgeable and can help you discover a new favourite. Their house-made pickles and relishes are also a must-try.
11. Vistro
Vistro is another star in Bangkok's burgeoning plant-based dining scene, offering gourmet vegan comfort food that will impress even the most ardent carnivore. The menu is creative, diverse, and completely satisfying. It’s a great way to eat well and feel good, especially when the heat makes you crave lighter fare.
The "Habibi" wrap, filled with jackfruit shawarma and tahini sauce, is a flavour bomb. Their Baja Tacos, with battered tofu standing in for fish, are crispy and delicious. The bowls, like the Tokyo Vistro Bowl with teriyaki tempeh, are also excellent choices for a complete, nutritious meal.
Pro-Tip: Their desserts are phenomenal. The vegan cheesecakes and doughnuts are spectacular and worth saving room for.
12. Khao
For a special occasion, or when you simply want to treat yourself to one of the best Thai meals in the city, order from Khao. This Michelin-starred restaurant delivers a fine-dining experience to your home. The dishes are refined, beautifully presented, and showcase the depth and elegance of Royal Thai cuisine. This is the place both Goh Ling Yong and I turn to for a truly memorable at-home feast.
Every dish is a work of art, but the gaeng phed ped yang (red curry with roasted duck) is a standout, with a sauce that is both rich and aromatic. Even a simple dish like moo pad kapi (stir-fried pork with shrimp paste) is elevated to new heights.
Pro-Tip: Order one of their set menus to sample a curated selection of their best dishes. It's the best way to experience the full range of their culinary artistry.
13. Bonchon Chicken
Sometimes, all you want is crispy, crunchy, utterly addictive fried chicken. Bonchon, the global Korean fried chicken chain, delivers exactly that. Their double-fried method results in a crust that stays incredibly crispy, even after delivery, while the meat remains juicy.
The soy-garlic and spicy sauces are both fantastic, but the best move is to get a half-and-half order to enjoy both. It's a simple, no-frills meal that is guaranteed to bring joy.
Pro-Tip: The pickled radish that comes with the chicken is essential. Its sharp, tangy crunch is the perfect palate cleanser between bites of the rich chicken. Also, consider adding a side of kimchi coleslaw for a creamy, spicy kick.
14. Soei (Pediwet)
Soei is a restaurant for those who love bold, unapologetic Thai-Chinese flavours. It's not a place for the faint of heart, but the rewards are immense. The chef is a culinary artist, and his dishes are packed with an intensity that is thrilling. This is food that makes you sit up and pay attention.
The signature dish is galam plee pad nam pla (stir-fried cabbage with high-quality fish sauce). It sounds simple, but the "wok hei" (breath of the wok) and umami flavour are out of this world. Another must-try is the chu chee pla too, a thick, rich curry with mackerel that is simply sublime.
Pro-Tip: Be prepared for spice. Soei doesn't pull its punches. If you're ordering for a group, get a variety of dishes to share, as the portion sizes are generous.
15. The Commons (Thonglor & Saladaeng)
Why order from one restaurant when you can order from a dozen? The Commons, with locations in both Thonglor and Saladaeng, is a community space filled with a fantastic collection of food and drink vendors. Through most delivery apps, you can access many of these vendors in one go.
This is the perfect solution for a group with diverse cravings. One person can get a gourmet lobster roll from The Lobster Lab, another can grab Nashville hot chicken from Fowlmouth, and someone else can get a healthy grain bowl from a place like Bowl Journey. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Pro-Tip: Check which vendors are available on your preferred delivery app. It’s a great way to try multiple acclaimed eateries in a single order without multiple delivery fees.
16. Mugendai Penthouse
When you want to elevate your sushi night into a luxurious affair, Mugendai Penthouse is the call to make. This high-end Japanese restaurant is known for its impeccably fresh fish, sourced directly from Japan, and its masterful preparation. It’s a splurge, but one that’s justified by the sheer quality.
Their omakase boxes for delivery are a fantastic way to experience the chef's selection of the day's best nigiri and sashimi. The quality of the otoro (fatty tuna) and uni (sea urchin) is second to none. This is the definition of treating yourself.
Pro-Tip: Pair your order with a bottle of sake. A crisp, dry Junmai Ginjo will complement the delicate flavours of the fish perfectly.
17. Nice two Meat u
Korean BBQ at home? Yes, it's possible! Nice two Meat u offers a fantastic delivery service that brings the K-BBQ experience to you. While you can order raw, marinated meat sets to grill yourself, the real "kitchen-shutdown" move is to order their pre-cooked sets.
Enjoy perfectly grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal), marinated pork ribs, and a host of delicious banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, and spinach. It's all the fun and flavour of Korean BBQ without any of the smoky cleanup.
Pro-Tip: Order a side of jjigae (stew), like the kimchi jjigae or doenjang jjigae, to complete your Korean feast. It’s the perfect soupy, savoury addition to the grilled meats.
Stay Cool and Eat Well
There you have it—your culinary survival guide to Bangkok's hottest months. The city's oppressive heat is no match for its world-class food scene, which is more accessible than ever thanks to the convenience of delivery. So give yourself a break, declare your kitchen a heat-free zone, and let these incredible restaurants do the heavy lifting.
Now, I want to hear from you! What are your go-to delivery saviours when it’s too hot to even think about cooking? Share your favourite spots and must-order dishes in the comments below. Let's help each other eat spectacularly well all season long
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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