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We recently spent a month housesitting in Bangkok. It was great to experience the city as more of a local than a tourist.

Part of that process is finding the best places. We were staying in Khlong Toei, so there were plenty of fancy hotels and restaurants that we could have eaten at. But when we’re staying for a long time, we usually want a mixture of cheap street food, reasonably priced places and the occasional splurge.

This list includes places from around Sukhumvit Road, as well as a few other hot spots around the city. Half of team Slower Travels eats meat, so this isn’t all vegan restaurants, but includes places where you can keep everyone happy.

Kaek Kao Kua

Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten has come from unlikely-looking places. And Kaek Kao Kua is one of those. We decided to walk there, which involved a trip along the main road. It was a good start. Then we turned onto a side street, which became increasingly suburban. Had we missed a turn?

No, Kaek Kao Kua just happens to based in the house of a fantastic chef. You can sit on the balcony or inside, in what feels like her living room. And the food is just as warm and homely.

Ever since visiting Chiang Mai, Khao Soi has become one of my favourite dishes. The spicy sauce, the crunchy noodles, and the variety of fillings (more than just tofu!) make each one unique yet delicious. And the one here didn’t disappoint.

I also ordered the Sukhotime and So Mush Sukho many times during our month in Bangkok. It was great having reliable vegan food saved in Grab for those days that we didn’t feel like leaving the apartment.

Kinaree by Vanessa Wu

We stumbled into this Thai food restaurant on our first night in Bangkok. We were jetlagged and didn’t realise how absolutely lovely it was until we were seated at our table and had a look around.

The restaurant is set down a small Soi (yes, this is the red light district) off one of the busiest roads in Bangkok. When you enter, you forget all that as you’re suddenly transported into a peaceful oasis surrounded by trees. There was even a live band the night we visited.

The restaurant isn’t vegetarian, but a separate section of the menu is available for vegetarians. That always helps me trust that a restaurant understands what 'vegetarian' means, rather than just substituting meat on an existing dish.

I was so tired when we visited that I forgot to take a photo of the food. However, if you’re seeking elevated Thai cuisine, then this is the place.

Taye Ethiopian Restaurant

I have never had the joy of eating Ethiopian food before. But Bangkok is such a cosmopolitan city, you can find everything here. And like so much indigenous food, the Ethiopians know how to make delicious vegetarian-approved food.

We got the sambusas, which are very similar to a samosa—absolutely delightful parcels of lentils or vegetables.

The main course, though, is an experience, not just a meal. The injeri platter is served in a traditional style. A large, spongy flatbread serves as the base of the dish. Then each of the toppings is placed on top. It’s designed to be eaten with your hands, tearing a piece of bread and scooping up the delicious toppings.

I haven’t mastered the art of eating with my hands, but it’s definitely worth attempting to get the whole experience here. Delicious, a little spicy and a unique experience for us.

Arawy Vegetarian Food

If you didn’t know that this restaurant was in every Lonely Planet, you’ll quickly learn as they’ve framed most entries and lined the walls with them.

Run by friendly local women, they’ll welcome you in off the street and invite you to sit. There are large dishes piled high with all sorts of offerings. Pick your dishes, but also let them guide you. They’ll know the best options and what isn’t too spicy for Western palettes.

This spot is right in the heart of the action. The nearest tourist spot is Wat Suthat and the Red Swing. After the heat of being a tourist, the iced tea was a welcome reprieve.

Vegetarian Stall at Ploenchit Market

Thailand does markets so well. So much of their delicious food is easily prepared in small spaces. This little stall we stumbled across accidentally when looking for cheap lunch options on Sukhumvit Road.

If you’ve read our previous food guides, you’ll know one of our favourite styles of restaurants is the small Buddhist eateries. The sweetest little women often run these, and it’s refreshing knowing I can eat everything in front of me.

This little market stall, although run by men, is the same! Everything is vegetarian, so I can feel relaxed when I’m ordering. I would generally begin with red rice, then select 2-3 toppings to go with it.

The only thing to look out for is the spice level! One day, we came late and there weren’t many options available. They warned me that the dish I selected was spicy. I figured I’d been in Thailand a while, so I thought I could handle it. I could barely handle it. Thank goodness for avocado smoothies.

Lily Fu’s

Soi 11 off Sukhumvit Road is a hive of activity in the evenings. There are plenty of bars serving up cold Chang beer. If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated with delicious food, then you have to head down as far as Lily Fu’s.

We got the mixed mushroom bao buns and the vegan summer rolls. Perfect food for sharing, either as a whole meal or just while out for a couple of drinks and people watching.

Sound Pop Coffee

If you’re after an oat milk coffee, it can sometimes be hard to find. Sound Pop Coffee became our go-to spot.

Thai cafes can be so ridiculously cool. Sound Pop has a large sofa for lounging, along with a stack of records and a set of decks.

Our favourite morning routine became a walk around Benchakitti Park, then cutting through the car park of this church from Soi 10 onto Soi 8. We’d wander up the quiet street and then park ourselves outside Sound Pop for some early morning people watching and cruelty-free coffee.

Bartell’s

This became our favourite spot to work when we got sick of the inside of our apartment. Based over three levels, it gets busy, but you can easily get a table outside of the lunch rush.

For me, this place is the whole package. Coffee that looks like it could be a cocktail. Fantastic sourdough bread with excellent toppings. Vegan cheese.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to lock in for a few hours with a strong cold-brew or if you’re just after a delicious lunch, head to Bartell’s and enjoy.

If you’re continuing north, don’t miss Thailand’s unofficial vegetarian capital, Chiang Mai. With its abundance of Buddhist-inspired eateries, organic cafés, and weekend markets, it’s a dream for plant-based travellers. You can read our full guide to vegetarian food in Chiang Mai to plan your next stop.