Saengcha Farm Resort

There's a real buzz about this perpetually busy shop that is worth the drive from Bangkok. The delicious chicken is tender and juicy, served simply with sauces that add a real kick. Opening times are limited as they often sell out within a few hours – a testament to the quality.

Housed in a beautifully restored railway carriage within the resort's lush grounds, this stunning dining spot with lakeside tables is inspired by the Orient Express. Open in the evenings only, it serves both an à la carte and a changing set menu featuring premium ingredients and a classic European touch, channelling the golden age of rail travel. The bœuf filet mignon with red wine jus, sautéed vegetables and mash is a signature – elegant, comforting and full of old-world charm.

For over 120 years, this no-frills kitchen in a wooden house on a main road has been dishing up intensely flavourful, comforting Thai fare. Don't miss the fish cake, made from authentic spotted featherback fish and heavenly spiced, served with the sweet house-special dipping sauce.

At Gin-D, "eating well" means nourishing the body without sacrificing authentic Thai flavours. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced – organic vegetables, free-range meats, grass-fed Australian beef and seafood from small-scale fisheries – and the use of natural seasonings ensures a clean, MSG-free taste. The setting is simple and relaxed, with warm wooden decor and a garden. This gentle, feel-good approach to Thai cooking is rooted in quality and care.

Locals flock to Auntie Pleung's for Korat's quintessential noodle dish, Pad Mhee Kratok, served in its purest form – with a soft yet chewy noodle texture that requires no additional seasoning. Her tiny district shop also whips up award-winning spins on Pad Thai and papaya salad.

Nina’s homely restaurant, surrounded by greenery, has two dining areas. The inside is decorated with vintage furniture, chandeliers, standing lamps and a classic clock, while diners in the garden can enjoy nature’s shade. The dishes are well seasoned and many of the vegetables and herbs Nina's uses, such as betel leaves, coriander and basil, are grown on-site. The Thai dishes are tasty and well seasoned, with some uniquely created by the chef. One worth trying is long beans stir-fried with shrimp paste and shrimps.

The name of the restaurant encourages guests to ‘focus on eating’ at this quaint house with an open-air pavilion overlooking a serene pond. The chefs, veterans in the kitchen, prepare simple Thai dishes and make their own chilli paste from scratch. The regular pounding of the pestle in the mortar reverberates through nature’s own soundtrack. Try the stir-fried crispy fish with aromatic ginger and salted eggs.