Top 18 'Soi-Secret' Breakfast Spots to order in Bangkok for Escaping the Tourist Traps - Goh Ling Yong
Bangkok. The name itself conjures images of shimmering temples, bustling markets, and a nightlife that buzzes with electric energy. But for me, the true magic of the city reveals itself in the quiet hum of the early morning. It’s in the rhythmic tok-tok of a vendor's cleaver, the hiss of dough hitting hot oil, and the fragrant steam rising from a cart on a sleepy side street, or soi. This is where Bangkok’s heart beats strongest, and it’s where you’ll find the best breakfast of your life.
Forget the generic hotel buffets and the overpriced avocado toast in tourist-heavy cafes. The real culinary soul of Bangkok is tucked away, known only to locals and the most dedicated food explorers. These are the "soi-secret" spots—humble, often family-run establishments that have perfected a single dish over generations. They're the places that will redefine what you think of as breakfast and leave you wondering how you ever lived without a morning bowl of peppery noodle soup.
The best part? In today's world, you don’t even have to navigate the labyrinthine sois at 7 AM to find them. Thanks to food delivery apps like GrabFood and LINEMAN, these local treasures can be brought right to your doorstep. So, let’s peel back the curtain and dive into the ultimate list of 18 soi-secret breakfast spots you can order from, for a truly authentic start to your Bangkok day.
1. Pa Tim’s Jok Samyan (โจ๊กป้าติ๋ม สามย่าน)
Let's start with a Thai breakfast cornerstone: Jok. This isn't the watery, bland rice porridge you might be picturing. A proper Thai Jok is a thick, velvety-smooth rice congee, slow-cooked for hours until each grain dissolves into a creamy, comforting base. Pa Tim’s, a legendary (yet un-Googleable) stall whispered about by Chulalongkorn University students, is the gold standard.
Her secret is using premium jasmine rice and a pork bone broth that simmers overnight, infusing the congee with an incredible depth of flavor. The standard order comes with tender pork meatballs (moo sub) and delicate slivers of liver, but the real magic is in the toppings. Always add a soft-cooked egg (kai luak), which melts into the hot porridge, creating an even richer texture.
Pro-Tip: Order it "piset kai," which means "special with egg." Don't forget to add a dash of white pepper and a few drops of soy sauce from the little packets they provide. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug.
2. Khao Kai Jeow Lung Dam (ข้าวไข่เจียวลุงดำ)
Sometimes, the simplest things are the most profound. Khao Kai Jeow is a perfect example. It's just a Thai-style omelette over rice, but when done right, it's a masterpiece of texture and flavor. Lung Dam's version is legendary in the On Nut area for its signature "crispy-fluffy" technique. He uses a searing hot wok and a generous amount of oil, flash-frying the egg so the outside becomes a delicate, crispy lattice while the inside remains impossibly fluffy.
He seasons the egg with a splash of fish sauce and a pinch of sugar, creating a perfect umami-sweet balance. You can order it plain or with minced pork (moo sap) mixed in. It's served over a steaming pile of jasmine rice with a side of chili fish sauce (prik nam pla) that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Pro-Tip: Add a side of fried chicken (gai tod) if you see it on the menu. It's a decadent, protein-packed start to the day that will keep you going for hours.
3. Salapao Wutthakat (ซาลาเปา วุฒากาศ)
Forget those sad, pre-packaged steamed buns from the convenience store. A fresh, handmade salapao from a traditional shophouse is a completely different experience. This little spot near the Wutthakat BTS station makes their buns fresh every morning, the dough impossibly soft and pillowy.
The two must-try fillings are the sai moo daeng (BBQ pork), with its sweet and savory char siu filling, and the sai moo sap kai kem, a savory minced pork filling with a glorious wedge of salted egg yolk hidden in the center. They're the perfect grab-and-go breakfast, easy to eat and incredibly satisfying.
Pro-Tip: Order a mix of both sweet and savory. Besides the pork buns, try the sweet cream-filled bun (sai cream) for a little dessert-for-breakfast treat.
4. Guay Jub Mae Ploy (ก๋วยจั๊บแม่พลอย ตลาดพลู)
For those who believe breakfast should be bold and savory, I present Guay Jub. This dish consists of rolled-up rice noodles in a dark, intensely peppery pork broth. Mae Ploy’s version, a hidden gem in the foodie paradise of Talat Phlu, is known for its clear yet powerful soup, aromatic with a secret blend of spices.
The soup is filled with an assortment of porky delights: crispy pork belly (moo krob), tender braised pork, and various offal cuts for the adventurous (which I highly recommend). The silky noodle rolls soak up the broth, making every spoonful a flavor explosion. It’s a breakfast that wakes up your palate and your soul.
Pro-Tip: The soup is famously peppery. If you're sensitive to spice, you might want to have a glass of Thai iced tea (cha yen) on standby. Also, add the fried dough sticks they offer for dipping.
5. Patongo Savoey (ปาท่องโก๋ เสวย)
Known as the Thai or Chinese donut, Patongo is a beloved breakfast staple. These deep-fried dough sticks are light, airy, and wonderfully chewy. The key is finding a place that fries them to order, and this little cart, often found on food delivery apps under a simple name like "Patongo Savoey," does just that.
You can hear the crackle as you tear one apart. The classic way to enjoy them is by dipping them in a small bowl of sweetened condensed milk or a cup of warm soy milk (nam tao hoo). The contrast of the slightly salty, savory dough with the sweet dip is pure breakfast bliss.
Pro-Tip: Order a side of sangkhaya bai toey, a sweet and fragrant pandan custard. Dipping the hot, crispy patongo into the cool, creamy custard is a game-changer.
6. Khao Neow Moo Ping by Jae Orn (ข้าวเหนียวหมูปิ้งเจ๊อร)
Walk down any Bangkok soi in the morning, and you’ll eventually smell it: the sweet, smoky aroma of grilling pork. Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers) with Khao Neow (sticky rice) is the quintessential on-the-go breakfast. My friend and fellow foodie, Goh Ling Yong, and I have spent countless mornings debating the perfect moo ping to sticky rice ratio, and Jae Orn’s version is a top contender.
Her pork is marinated in a mixture of coconut milk, palm sugar, and soy sauce, giving it a beautiful caramelization on the grill without being overly sweet. The meat is tender with just the right amount of fat for flavor. Served with a small bag of warm, chewy sticky rice, it's simple, cheap, and utterly perfect.
Pro-Tip: Order at least three skewers per person. Trust me, one is never enough. Some vendors also offer a spicy dipping sauce (jaew); if you see it, get it.
7. Nam Tao Hoo Jay Fai (น้ำเต้าหู้เจ๊ฝ้าย)
This is not the Michelin-starred Jay Fai. This is a humble, neighborhood Jay Fai serving up comforting bowls of Nam Tao Hoo, or warm soy milk. It's a light, healthy, and surprisingly customizable breakfast. You start with a base of freshly made soy milk (either unsweetened or lightly sweetened) and then add your choice of toppings.
The options are usually displayed in big glass jars: pearled barley, lotus seeds, ginkgo nuts, red beans, and clear tapioca pearls (sago). It’s a wholesome and warming bowl that feels both nourishing and delicious. You can also get it iced for a more refreshing start on a hot day.
Pro-Tip: A classic combination is soy milk with barley and ginkgo nuts. For something a little different, ask for it with ginger juice (nam khing) for a spicy kick.
8. Charoen Krung Dim Sum (ติ่มซำเจริญกรุง)
While Bangkok has many high-end dim sum restaurants, the real charm lies in the small, family-run shophouses that steam baskets to order. This spot in the historic Charoen Krung area offers a focused menu of handmade classics. You won't find fancy truffle-infused creations here, just honest-to-goodness deliciousness.
Their ha gao (shrimp dumplings) have a translucent, chewy skin packed with plump shrimp. The shu mai (pork dumplings) are juicy and flavorful, and their steamed pork ribs in black bean sauce are fall-off-the-bone tender. It's a fantastic way to have a shared, leisurely breakfast delivered to your room.
Pro-Tip: Don't skip the salapao sai cream lava (molten cream-filled steamed bun). It’s a sweet, messy, and unforgettable way to end your dim sum feast.
9. Bamee Giaw Moo Daeng Nai Lek (บะหมี่เกี๊ยวหมูแดงนายเล็ก)
A hearty bowl of egg noodles is a breakfast favorite for many Thais. Nai Lek’s shop specializes in Bamee Giaw Moo Daeng, a dish of springy egg noodles, plump pork wontons, and slices of sweet BBQ pork, all topped with crispy pork lard, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro.
You can order it "haeng" (dry), where the noodles are tossed in a savory sauce and served with a small bowl of broth on the side, or "nam" (soup), where everything is served in the clear, flavorful broth. Both are excellent, but the dry version really allows the texture of the noodles and the flavor of the toppings to shine.
Pro-Tip: When ordering "haeng," ask for a little extra of the soup on the side. It's perfect for sipping between bites of the richly sauced noodles.
10. Khao Mok Gai Thong Lo (ข้าวหมกไก่ทองหล่อ)
Khao Mok Gai is the Thai interpretation of chicken biryani, and it's a fragrant and flavorful dish perfect for a more substantial breakfast. This spot, tucked away in a Thong Lo soi, is famous for its incredibly aromatic yellow rice, cooked with a blend of turmeric, cumin, and other spices, along with tender, fall-apart chicken.
The dish is served with a sweet and sour mint-chili sauce that perfectly complements the rich, spiced rice. It also comes with a side of crispy fried shallots, which add a delightful crunch. It’s a complete one-dish meal that will transport your taste buds.
Pro-Tip: Many Khao Mok Gai places also sell Sup Hang Wua (oxtail soup). If it's available, order a small bowl. The rich, spicy, and sour soup is the perfect accompaniment.
11. Soi Roti Mataba (ซอยโรตีมะตะบะ)
While you can find Roti stands all over Bangkok, the best ones are often hidden away from the main tourist drags. A "soi" version of the famous Roti Mataba offers a more local experience. These are not just the sweet, condensed-milk-drenched dessert rotis (though they have those too, and they're delicious).
The star here is the Roti Mataba, a savory pancake stuffed with a spiced minced meat (usually chicken or beef) and egg mixture, pan-fried until golden and crispy. It’s served with a side of cucumber relish (ajat) to cut the richness. It’s a flaky, savory, and incredibly satisfying breakfast.
Pro-Tip: Order one savory Mataba and one sweet Roti Gluay (banana and egg roti) to share. It's the best of both worlds.
12. Tom Luad Moo Nai Uan (ต้มเลือดหมูนายอ้วน)
This one is for the adventurous eaters, but the reward is immense. Tom Luad Moo is a rich, herbaceous soup made with pork blood, offal, and leafy green vegetables. Don't let the name scare you; the pork blood is cooked into firm, jelly-like cubes with a mild, earthy flavor.
Nai Uan’s broth is the star—a clear soup that’s been simmered with pork bones, lemongrass, and galangal, giving it a clean yet complex flavor. It's typically served with a bowl of rice. This is the kind of nourishing, iron-rich soup that locals swear by for energy and vitality.
Pro-Tip: The soup comes with a spicy dipping sauce made with fermented soybeans and chilies. Use it to dip the pieces of pork and offal for an extra flavor dimension.
13. Khanom Krok Suan Luang (ขนมครกสวนหลวง)
A perfect light breakfast or mid-morning snack, Khanom Krok are small, grilled coconut-rice pancakes. They are cooked in a cast-iron pan with small indentations, resulting in a unique texture: a crispy, golden-brown bottom and a soft, creamy, almost custardy top.
This stall is known for getting that textural contrast just right. The batter is a mix of rice flour, coconut milk, and a little sugar, creating a flavor that is subtly sweet and savory. They are often topped with a few slivers of green onion, taro, or corn, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
Pro-Tip: Eat them while they're hot! The crispy bottom softens as they cool down. They are usually sold in pairs, making them easy to share (or not).
14. Khao Man Gai Si Lom Soi 9 (ข้าวมันไก่สีลมซอย 9)
Everyone knows the famous pink-shirted chicken rice spot in Pratunam, but locals often have their own neighborhood favorite. This little shophouse in a Silom business district soi serves a version of Khao Man Gai (Hainanese chicken rice) that is, in my humble opinion, superior.
The chicken is poached to silky perfection, and the rice is cooked in the chicken broth and fat, making it incredibly fragrant and flavorful on its own. But the real secret weapon is their sauce—a fiery, pungent blend of fermented soybean, ginger, garlic, and chilies that elevates the entire dish.
Pro-Tip: Ask for "neung" (poached chicken) and "tod" (fried chicken) mixed on one plate. You get the best of both worlds: the clean flavor of the poached chicken and the crispy crunch of the fried.
15. Kanom Jeen Nam Ya Auntie Pin (ขนมจีนน้ำยาป้าพิณ)
Kanom Jeen are fresh, fermented rice noodles, a staple across Thailand. They are always served at room temperature, topped with a choice of curry or sauce. Auntie Pin's specialty is Nam Ya, a creamy, coconut-based fish curry that is both spicy and fragrant.
The joy of eating Kanom Jeen comes from the mountain of fresh and pickled vegetables served on the side, which you add yourself. Think bean sprouts, sliced green beans, pickled mustard greens, and fresh basil. It allows you to customize each bite with different levels of crunch, freshness, and acidity.
Pro-Tip: Start with a small amount of the curry, as it can be quite spicy. Add vegetables liberally—they are not just a garnish but an essential part of the dish, balancing the heat and richness of the sauce.
16. Moo Tod J-Goh (หมูทอดเจ๊จง)
Sometimes, you just wake up craving something sinfully delicious. On those days, order Moo Tod (fried pork). J-Goh's version is legendary. They use fatty pork belly, marinate it simply, and deep-fry it until it's shatteringly crisp on the outside and still juicy within.
It's usually served with sticky rice and a side of nam jim jaew, a smoky, spicy dipping sauce made from toasted rice powder, chili flakes, fish sauce, and lime juice. It’s a heavy breakfast, no doubt, but it's also one of the most satisfying things you can eat in Bangkok.
Pro-Tip: A little goes a long way. Order the smallest portion to start, as it's very rich. It's the perfect fuel for a long day of exploring.
17. Kuay Teow Ruea "Victory Monument Soi" (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือซอยอนุสาวรีย์)
Kuay Teow Ruea, or boat noodles, are a Bangkok icon. They are so named because they were originally sold from boats along the city's canals. The bowls are famously small (you can finish one in about three slurps), encouraging you to order multiple bowls to try different variations.
This delivery-focused spot captures the essence of the boat noodle alleys near Victory Monument. The broth is a dark, complex, and intense brew, thickened with pork blood (which adds richness, not a metallic taste) and flavored with a host of spices. You can choose from pork or beef, with different types of noodles.
Pro-Tip: Since you're ordering delivery, order at least 3-4 bowls per person. Try a mix of "nam tok" (with blood) and "tom yum" versions to experience the variety. Don't forget a side of crispy pork skin to crumble on top.
18. Khao Tom Pla Kimpo (ข้าวต้มปลา กิมโป้)
For a lighter, healthier, yet incredibly flavorful start to the day, Khao Tom Pla is the answer. It's a rice soup (different from the thicker Jok) in a clear, delicate broth, served with slices of fresh sea bass or grouper.
Kimpo's version is celebrated for the supreme freshness of its fish and the clarity of its broth, which is simmered with ginger and white pepper, giving it a clean, warming quality. It’s often garnished with fried garlic, cilantro, and celery, adding layers of aroma and texture. It's the perfect restorative breakfast, especially if you had a late night. As Goh Ling Yong would say, it's the perfect reset button.
Pro-Tip: Add a dash of the fermented soybean sauce provided. It adds a salty, savory depth that beautifully complements the fresh fish.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
Bangkok is a city of endless culinary discovery, and breakfast is the perfect time to dive in headfirst. Stepping away from the familiar and ordering from one of these local gems is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a way to connect with the real rhythm of the city and taste the passion and history that goes into every single bowl.
So, the next time you wake up in the City of Angels, put down the hotel menu, pick up your phone, and get ready to explore. Your new favorite breakfast is just a few taps away.
Have you tried any of these spots, or do you have your own "soi-secret" you're willing to share? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear about your Bangkok breakfast adventures
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!