Cover Yuda Bustara's Pocket List in Bangkok
Yuda Bustara's Pocket List in Bangkok
1 / 1
Indonesian chef and Instagram personality Yuda Bustara (@yudabustara) has made Bangkok his home for the past few years. Here, he shares his favourite dining and drinking spots for your next visit to the Thai capital.
When it comes to Bangkok, discerning gourmands are spoiled for choice. From Tatler Best award-winners to vibrant street food gems hidden within historical neighbourhoods like Chinatown, the city is absolutely brimming with culinary secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Yuda Bustara is an Indonesian chef, content creator, and full-time culinary hunter who firmly believes that the best travel memories are anchored by memorable meals. From ultra-fine dining to back-alley noodle stalls, he is equally obsessed with technique, flavour, and the unique stories behind every single bite. Now based between Bangkok and Jakarta, Yuda Bustara's curated recommendations come with just one caveat: arrive hungry.
Pastries worth setting an alarm for at Slow Butter
I first met chef Panna during one of his masterclasses and instantly fell in love with his technique. The man is ridiculously talented—a biker-turned-baker, which somehow makes his narrative even more compelling. He opened this Scandinavian-style bakery with a strict emphasis on premium, quality ingredients and aromatic spices, and it immediately cemented its status as one of Bangkok’s absolute favourite bakeries. Go early, and be prepared for a grab-and-go experience; the space is intimate, and they are almost always sold out by noon.
41-45 Maha Phruettharam Rd, Maha Phruettharam, Bang Rak
Don't miss: Pocket List: 5 places to experience Kanazawa, Japan, as recommended by foodie Leon Chua
Above The entrance of Slow Butter, Bangkok.
Above Post-pastry-making workshop at Slow Butter
The entrance of Slow Butter, Bangkok.
1 / 2
Visit Bar Us for cocktails with personality
Bar Us is the definitive venue I send fellow chefs and visiting friends to without a moment's hesitation. Their liquid offerings are adventurous, playful, and seriously well-thought-out—ranging from house-made, spice-infused gins to fantastic zero-proof creations that never feel like an afterthought. Always buzzing from midweek onwards, the space is beautifully intimate and cosy. And yes… the bartenders are remarkably easy on the eyes.
61/37 Floor, Opposite side of security kiosk (Glass door) Floor 1, 1 Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei
Cocktails with personality at Bar Us, Bangkok
1 / 3
Fall for Charmgang Curry Shop
I actually celebrated my birthday here because I wanted everyone at the table to guarantee themselves a genuinely spectacular meal. Their curries hit that elusive, perfect balance—bold and deeply flavourful, yet never overwhelmingly heavy. Pair your dish with one of their tropical Thai tea cocktails, and suddenly you will find yourself questioning why you don’t make this a weekly ritual.
14 Soi Charoenkrung 35, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong
In case you missed it: Pocket List: 5 ways to experience Australia and New Zealand by Tatler Best co-jury head Pat Nourse
Above A Southern-style curry with smoked kingfish. Image courtesy of Charmgang Curry Shop.
Above Thai tea-inspired cocktail at Charmgang Curry Shop
A Southern-style curry with smoked kingfish. Image courtesy of Charmgang Curry Shop.
1 / 2
Stop by Rung Rueang Pork Noodles
A Bangkok classic adored by locals and clued-in tourists alike, and for very good reason. I have a profound appreciation for venues where you can customise your comfort food exactly how you want it. My personal, non-negotiable order? The medium rice noodles swimming in a sharp, vibrant tom yum broth, loaded with mixed toppings and an extra helping of crispy fish skin.
21/2 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei
Above Rung Rueang Pork Noodles. Image courtesy of Unsplash.
Rung Rueang Pork Noodles. Image courtesy of Unsplash.
1 / 1
Book a seat at Nusara
Exceptional food is one thing; exceptional hospitality is quite another. Nusara masterfully delivers both. Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanajohn, alongside his brother, Chaisiri ‘Tam’ Tassanajohn, opened the restaurant as a poignant homage to their beloved grandmother. Together, they make the entire dining experience feel deeply personal and intimate, guiding guests through an exquisite narrative of Thai flavours and culinary heritage. The mains are served family-style, encouraging a shared appreciation of the table. To experience all of this while watching the sun go down over Wat Pho? Honestly, it is completely unbeatable.
336 Maharat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon
Dining with a view at Nusara
1 / 3
Credits
Images: Yuda Bustara
