Cover Head chef Gust Itthipornwithool, who was born and bred in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: Thanying Restaurant)
Head chef Gust Itthipornwithool, who was born and bred in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: Thanying Restaurant)
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Born and raised in Bangkok, Thanying Restaurant’s head chef Gust Itthipornwithool has spent a lifetime eating his way through the city—making his recommendations the ones worth following
Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Gust Itthipornwithool knows the city’s food culture from the inside out—from weathered shophouse kitchens and late-night street stalls to the exacting traditions of royal Thai cooking. At 34, he represents a new generation of Thai culinary talent: one that honours deep-rooted tradition while bringing a contemporary sensibility honed across Thailand and abroad.
Gust’s culinary path began at 16 at the legendary Dusit Thani Bangkok, where he was immersed in the meticulous craft of court-style Thai cuisine. That foundation took him from Boracay to Thanying Restaurant, where he has since risen to head chef, channeling authentic flavour mastery and refined modern presentation into the restaurant's refreshed menu. His Bangkok recommendations don't just come from passion; they come from a lifetime lived in the city’s kitchens.
Read more: Why Bangkok is Asia’s hottest dining capital right now
Yaowarat Braised Pork (ร้าน เฮงชุ้ง หมูตุ๋น เอ็นตุ๋น น้ำแดง หม้อดิน เยาวราช)
Above Braised pork with tendon and pork balls
Braised pork with tendon and pork balls
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“I stumbled upon this spot while hunting for street food in Chinatown, and it’s been a go-to for over 10 years since. The stewed pork and tendon are unbeatable, deeply fragrant, comforting Chinese-style soup that hits just right, especially after a long night. They open late, but only for a short window.”
ร้าน เฮงชุ้ง หมูตุ๋น เอ็นตุ๋น น้ำแดง หม้อดิน เยาวราช
Address: 388 Yaowarat Road, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Thai Niyom Cuisine
“A spot I discovered through friends, and it’s become a favourite for its authentic Thai flavours spanning north to south. Don’t miss its Thai fried rice, it’s a hidden gem. Every version is worth trying.”
Thai Niyom Cuisine
Address: 888/28-29 Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Som Tam Khun Kan (ส้มตำคุณกัญจณ์)
Above Som tum
Above Yum kung foo
Som tum
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“This restaurant is just next to my place, and I’ve been a regular since it first opened. It serves comforting, authentic Eastern Thai cuisine. Highly recommend the grilled chicken and Eastern-style papaya salad.”
Som Tam Khun Kan (ส้มตำคุณกัญจณ์)
Address: 6 Wachiratham Sathit 23 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Chak, Khet Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260, Thailand
Krua Bang Na, Soi Bangna-Trat 42 (ครัวบางนา ซอย บางนา-ตราด 42)
Above Steamed egg with prawn and minced pork
Above Spicy rice noodle salad with crispy pork
Steamed egg with prawn and minced pork
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“This is our go-to whenever my family and I can’t decide where to eat. It serves tasty, home-style dishes with plenty of variety. I’d recommend the stir-fried beagu leaves with egg, crab curry, lotus stem salad and their cakes.”
Krua Bang Na, Soi Bangna-Trat 42 (ครัวบางนา ซอย บางนา-ตราด 42)
Address: 1466 ซอย บางนา-ตราด 42 Bang Na Tai, Bang Na, Bangkok 10260, Thailand
Royal Osha
“A fine dining Thai restaurant serving authentic flavours. I know this spot well, having worked with the owner in San Francisco before they brought the concept to Bangkok. The food is beautifully presented with a modern edge. Don’t miss the relishes, incredibly authentic and full of depth. It’s a bit pricey, but worth the experience.”
Royal Osha
Address: 99 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
