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.

1)      Street Food in Lumpini Park

Eat like the locals do by visiting a roadside stall and picking up a dish of pad thai, some grilled chicken, or a delicious serving of the green papaya salad known as som tum. Admittedly street vendors don’t practice the same high quality health standards as restaurants do, so make sure everything is thoroughly cooked or washed. Vendors can be found on most side streets off of Sukhumvit road. They can also be found around the outskirts of Bangkok’s large Lumpini park. Purchase food by the park for a delicious picnic far from the cars.

2)      Support Family Planning at Cabbages and Condoms

Khun Mechai, Thailand’s Condom King, helped stem the tide of AIDs in Thailand in the 1990s and continues to promote safe sex and family planning today. His organization also runs the restaurant Cabbages and Condoms, which helps educate people on these important issues. Visitors are invited to eat delicious Thai food in the outdoor garden and then visit the gift shop with its various condom related gifts including key chains, t-shirts, and condom-made flowers. At the end of the meal be sure to pick up your complimentary condom in lieu of a mint. Cabbages and Condoms can be found on Sukhumvit Soi 12.

3)      River Views and Hotel Dining

Bangkok’s hotels know how to do luxury and fine dining. Fortunately you don’t need be a guest at an expensive resort to enjoy their delicious food and gorgeous river views. There are many hotels with excellent dishes on the Chao Phraya River’s banks. Especially note worthy is the Royal Orchid Sheraton’s Thara Thong restaurant which serves excellent Thai food amidst elegant décor.

4)     Enjoy Art and Delicious Food

Ambience can do so much for a meal so surround yourself with beautiful Thai art at dinnertime. Baan Khanita is an award winning restaurant and art gallery often focusing on Buddhist art. Their Yam Som O (spicy pomelo salad) is excellent as is their tom yung goong (spicy shrimp soup). They can be found at 36/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23.

5)      Try Something Other Than Thai

Thai food is delicious but Bangkok is a multicultural city with fine cuisine from around the world. Get a well-rounded taste of Bangkok by trying something other than Thai for a day. Kuppa is an excellent choice serving unique dishes such as pumpkin and feta pizza. Be sure to save room for dessert as Kuppa has a fine array of cakes and brownies. Kuppa can be found at 39 Sukhumvit Soi 16.