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Khao San Sek: professional photo showing restaurant atmosphere

Khao San Sek

★ 4.4 · 239 reviews Bangkok Opened 2025

Chef Pam's Thai kitchen in a Song Wat shophouse

Skip the tasting menu. At Khao San Sek, chef Pichaya "Pam" Utharntharm cooks straight-up Thai food, a different register from the degustation format that made her Potong famous.

The room sits in an old rice-trade shophouse on Song Wat, a street that's gone from warehouse backwater to the address every Bangkok chef wants in a matter of a few years. BK Magazine named it the winner of its Top Tables new-restaurant list. It's a small room with a short menu, so book ahead.

What guests say

Reviews by Google
  • Bao Anh 150 reviews · Local Guide 17 July 2026

    We decided to go for a nicer place for one of our last meals in Bangkok this trip, and it was simply magnificent! Though our reservation was super last minute (booked it at 15:00-ish through Line for 2 people at 16:30) and they were okay with it! They were extremely kind and even accepted a bit of a delay because we got stuck in traffic. I'd recommend reserving a spot with them through phone or Line text first before coming. Their website might not be 100% correct about available spots (e.g. site says they were fully booked but we texted and still got a spot). We opted for the tasting menu that costs 1800 baht for 2 people (aka 900 baht/person). The meal wasn't extreeeemly filling, but you wouldn't leave hungry for sure. Also ordered one serving of the smoked beef tongue, since someone here on reviews said it was good, and it surely did not disappoint. Highlights were: - The E-san pork jerky with herbal soup, tender meat and super flavorful broth. - Onion flower stem. Surprisingly, because who knew eating something that's kinda like scallions alone can be so damn good), - THE BROWN RICE ITSELF. - The emperor fish (local fish, according to the staff!) that was like a burst of spices on your taste buds. Essentially, it tasted like tom yum soup, but I'm not sure if this comparison sounds right since I know spicy/sour/sweet Thai food is a lot more than tom yum 😔 as a tourist, my apologies. - Palm sugar caramel, the dessert. The perfect temperature, sweetness, and texture. It was very very similar to the Vietnamese bánh bò, which is typically made from palm sugar. The dish obviously have variations across cultures, so I'm not saying it's not Thai:) Just that the one we had was so elevated and you could truly tasted what the humble dessert truly has in it! I hesitated coming at first, but I left with zero regrets. I love love loveddd the concept of using local, daily ingredients in the traditional Thai kitchen to bring out the beauty of its cuisine. Gagged when I realized each page of the menu focused on one main ingredient ahahaha, chef Pam you're a diva. But the main people that really SERVED were the staff. They brought us the best service. Couldn't ask for more. Everything was presented carefully to the smallest detail, they were super attentive to make sure we were comfortable. Thank you very much.

  • Patima Watson 4 reviews 20 June 2026

    Great experience and every dish is tasty and flavorful. The product is very fresh with variety of herbs. Charred Pork belly just perfect and river prawn is to die for..I wish I can have it every day…so many great dishes and fish is so fresh…must try…😋 leave room for dessert please…❤️🎉

  • BC Q 208 reviews · Local Guide 20 May 2026

    Having tried Chef Pam Pichaya’s Michelin rated Potong, there was no way we were skipping her newer offshoot, Khao San Sek. Located in Bangkok’s increasingly trendy Song Wat precinct near Chinatown, the restaurant sits inside a refurbished multi-level shophouse with the kitchen on the ground floor and dining rooms upstairs. The open kitchen window lets curious passers-by peek into the action below, while diners upstairs quickly realise there’s no lift — so consider dinner part meal, part leg workout. Chef Pam’s concept here revolves around the 5 pillars of Thai cooking — salty, sweet, sour, spicy and texture — delivered in a more Thai-centric style compared to the stronger Chinese influences at Potong. Stand outs for us included the smoky eggplant starter, tender beef tongue, pork ribs and beautifully cooked fish. Even the complimentary brown rice deserves a mention. The food was inventive without trying too hard, the atmosphere rustic and casual, and the service excellent — polished but without the formal stiffness often found at fine dining restaurants. We ran out of stomach space before dessert, which probably says enough. Reservations essential.

  • Rain Navalta 6 reviews · Local Guide 30 April 2026

    We had an absolutely wonderful dining experience at this restaurant. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and beautifully maintained. The food was exceptional—each dish was prepared with great attention to detail, full of flavor, and presented perfectly. What truly made the experience stand out, however, was the outstanding service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and professional throughout the entire visit. A special mention goes to the manager Dennis V., who went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Their leadership was clearly reflected in the team’s efficiency and positive attitude. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and service exceed expectations, but this restaurant does exactly that. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience, and I will definitely be returning again.

  • Sitthanan Thanintranon 117 reviews · Local Guide 28 April 2026

    The food was superb. The chef went on great lengths to find and create these authentic and exotic and a-must-try Thai dishes. The staff was very knowledgeable and attentive. We enjoyed our time there very much.

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