Visitors coming to Thailand from the West arrive with preconceived notions about how the world thinks, many of which are incorrect. One such notion is that most of the world is Christian—in fact, it is not. In Thailand, try as they might, Christian missionaries have spent the past two hundred years or so failing miserably at converting this happily Buddhist nation.

Dining out is as important a cultural experience as any other when traveling and Bangkok offers plenty of culinary delights. From roadside dining in the exhaust fumes of Bangkok’s traffic to elaborate meals on the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River, Bangkok offers a variety of dining experiences. Here are a few of Bangkok’s best restaurants and food adventures.