Nature Boutique Hotel Ratchayothin

"Krua Sa Ros Jad" combines the owner's mother's name and a Thai phrase meaning "intense flavour" – an apt description of the boldly seasoned food made with fresh ingredients. Try the deep-fried fish in Choo Chee sauce, the robust, well-spiced flavour of which pairs well with the hot Tom Yum chicken soup with young tamarind leaves. The restaurant boasts a unique collection of Buddha statues and antique European ceramics, as the owner is an avid collector.

Run by the same family for over 20 years, this restaurant is something of a hidden gem for spice-lovers. Their signature dish, jungle curry soup with hand-minced fish, provides suitably lip-smacking flavours using ingredients like red chilli, fingerroot and turkey berry. An outdoor area embraces nature, with curved tree trunk tables and an arboretum. Herbs and spices from the forest are used as seasoning, often with game meats – the succulent stir-fried deer with cumin leaves is a must.

Don't let the name mislead you – "38" is a nod to the founder's lucky number. This porridge hotspot has been simmering since 1962, serving up porridge in its signature brass pots for three generations. Our favourite is the mixed rice porridge option.

Head to this unassuming yet charming restaurant for Thai home-style cooking in Bang Sue district. For over 40 years, diners have been relishing the cosy ambience and a Thai menu that favours seafood over meat. The crispy pork pairs up with a distinctive apple sauce; the tom yum coconut soup is enriched by the flesh of young coconut for a flavour that is a delightful deviation from the norm. Call ahead to nab a table at this neighbourhood gem.

Fast food

Italian