Where to eat in the Kingdom

TripAdvisor, the travel planning and booking site, announced its Travellers’ Choice awards for top restaurants around the world, earlier this week, recognising 528 restaurants overall, including the top 25 fine dining in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Canada, Europe, India, Mexico, South America, South Pacific, the U.K. and the US. This year, TripAdvisor has also awarded some of the best bargain dining establishments around the world. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period.
“Eating is such a big part of a travel journey so we’re incredibly excited to recognise the top places to eat at in Thailand that have been recognised by millions of global foodie travellers from the TripAdvisor Community,” said Janice Lee Fang, communications director for TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “There is a ‘must try’ list for any occasion, whether you feel like splashing out on the town or having an amazing meal that’s friendlier on the wallet.”
Leading of the pack of the top 10 fine dining restaurants in Asia was DK David's Kitchen at 909 in Chiang Mai, a family-run eatery that offers exquisite French dishes with a modern Asian touch. A TripAdvisor reviewer stated, “The entire experience, from arrival to leaving, was top notch. I watched David personally greet each table and engage in conversation.
It is easy to see that he desires each guest to have a wonderful dining experience. The food was excellent. David and his staff can rightfully be proud of the dining experience that they have created here!”
Restaurant Locavore in Ubud, Indonesia came in second, closely followed in third, fourth and fifth places by TRB in Beijing, Restaurant Andre in Singapore, and Hakushu in Shibuya, Japan. Tapas Molecular Bar on the 38th floor of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Tokyo was sixth and Pattaya’s Cafe des Amis came in seventh place. Travellers raved about its haute-cuisine-style dishes, the more than 300 gins and spirits on offer and the romantic ambience with mood-setting soft piano sounds and jazz blues.
Rounding out the top 10 were Spiral, the buffet restaurant at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Swept Away at The Samaya Ubud in Indonesia and perennial favourite, the Mandarin Grill, the flagship restaurant of Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur.
The awards also made note of Thailand’s Top 10 Cheap Eats. These were:

• Sandwich Me - Nong Thale, Krabi

A former sandwich shop, the eatery has since made its name as the go-to place for both tourists and locals for authentic Thai fare such as tom yum soup and massaman curry.

• On’s Thai Issan – Kanchanaburi:

This vegetarian restaurant also offers cooking lessons for those looking to recreate the delicacies.

• The Hut Cafe– Bophut, Samui

Nestled in a corner at the eastern side of Bophut’s Fisherman Village, The Hut Caf้ offers fresh seafood, terrific papaya salad and Thai curry.

• Kopitiam by Wilai – Phuket Town:

Themed after a kopitiam (vintage coffee house), the establishment is highly sought after for all-day breakfasts as well as Thai snacks and classic local desserts such as the mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream.

• Green Bird – Chaweng: Samui

Tucked on a side street nearby Chaweng Regent Hotel, this no-frills eatery is best known for its down-to-earth Thai menu that includes crispy spring rolls, refreshing papaya salad and savoury pad thai.

• Barrab – Chiang Rai

Featuring local favourites and northern Thai specialities, this restaurant is well loved by locals and expats for its modern ambience, simple menu and friendly English-speaking staff.

• Taste From Heaven Vegetarian Restaurant – Chiang Mai:

A popular and inviting vegetarian place, Taste From Heaven is highly praised for speciality desserts such as vegan brownie and ice cream. Diners can learn to whip up the dishes themselves by signing up for their cooking classes.

• Jungle Kitchen – Ao Nang, Krabi

Positioned right opposite the Slumber Party Hostel, travellers can dine under rustic bamboo huts at this family-run restaurant that is patronised for its hospitable and warm service.

• Phad Thai Rock n Roll – Koh Lanta, Krabi Started by rock music enthusiast Jeab and dubbed by many to be home to possibly the best pad thai in Thailand, this humble eatery has customers returning for seconds for its delectable food and great atmosphere.
• Cooking Love – Chiang Mai: Unique and tantalising dishes such as young coconut curry and mango curry makes this modest vegetarian restaurant a big hit amongst locals and foreigners.