A Comprehensive Guide to Bangkok’s Food Courts for Vegetarians and Vegans

MBK Food Island

My preferred food court in Bangkok is MBK Food Island, nestled within the vast MBK Center shopping complex. Conveniently situated between the National Stadium BTS station and the Siam BTS station, it can be a bit confusing to navigate, so be sure to follow the signs inside the station that indicate the correct exit and overpass.

MBK Food Island is one of the most popular food courts in Bangkok, featuring over twenty vendors that serve Thai, international, and yes, vegan cuisine!

It was here that I discovered my Ultimate Thai Food Court Strategy for Vegetarians and Vegans: Follow the Monks™.

Different schools of Buddhism approach meat consumption uniquely, but I consistently observed monks ordering from fully vegetarian stalls. By discreetly following a few monks, I learned to order the same dish by simply pointing to their plate and saying, “Kob khun ka” (which means “Thank you”).

The first time I followed this technique at MBK Food Island, I was delighted to receive a plate featuring white rice, sautéed vegetables, and crumbled tofu (which was shockingly spicy!). After enjoying this nutrient-rich meal, I felt rejuvenated.

When I returned to MBK Food Island a few days later, I again followed the monks’ lead and ordered a delicious medley of white rice, tofu scrambled with bamboo shoots, sautéed greens, and a delightful mix of tofu and beansprouts drizzled in ginger sauce. I couldn’t resist indulging in a mushroom steamed bun from another stall, resulting in an impractically large—but utterly satisfying—meal!

Pier 21 Food Court at Terminal 21 Shopping Center

Pier 21 is one of Bangkok’s most acclaimed food courts. Located inside the Terminal 21 shopping center near the Asok BTS station, it boasts a vibrant, airy atmosphere adorned with tropical decor and features thirty vendors, including one dedicated vegetarian stall.

Determined to broaden my culinary horizons at Pier 21, I ordered from one of the vendors that offered both vegetarian and meat options. I relished a Thai omelet with vegetables served with a side of rice—an ideal protein-packed vegetarian dish that was simply delectable!

For my drink, I went with sugar cane juice, but it turned out to be incredibly sweet—an experience I wouldn’t be eager to repeat.

Siam Center Food Republic

Siam Center’s Food Republic takes you on a culinary journey with an international flair, where many food stalls specialize in dishes from specific regions. If you’re in the mood for ethnic cuisine in a bright and vibrant dining area, this food court should be on your list.

However, it’s worth noting that Siam Center Food Republic does not have a dedicated vegetarian or vegan stall. After careful inspection, I found three reasonable vegetarian options: pad thai (request it prepared vegetarian), assorted curries from the Indian stall, and a veggie burger from the burger joint.

Siam Paragon FoodHall

Located beneath high-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, the upscale Saigon Paragon FoodHall offers a variety of both traditional stalls and trendy food options perfect for your Instagram feed. During my last visit, I discovered that the vegan food stall had closed, leaving only limited vegetarian options at various trendy stalls—none of which felt substantial enough for a proper lunch.

Fortunately, the shopping center boasts a dedicated vegan cafe called Veganerie, where you can savor a wide menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, along with smoothies and baked goods. While prices are slightly higher, they’re reasonable for the surroundings, and the service is always friendly. I particularly enjoyed their massaman curry featuring potatoes and jackfruit in a creamy peanut sauce, paired with roti.

Banana Family Park Food Court

TL;DR: This food court is now closed.

My first food court experience was at Banana Family Park Food Court, conveniently located just a few blocks from The Yard Hostel in the trendy Ari neighborhood.

Banana Family Park featured a small, covered arcade with a food court at its center, renowned for its fully vegetarian food stalls (most of which I suspect are vegan, but double-check!).

Despite the lack of English signage, I confidently let the staff choose my meal, which included whole-grain rice (a rarity in Thailand), stewed pumpkin, spicy eggplant, and soy-based mock meat. This meal won my heart with its lovely balance of textures and flavors.

Feeling inspired after this delightful meal, I set out to explore more Bangkok food courts. However, I soon discovered that Banana Family Park is officially closed as of mid-2018—but fingers crossed for its revival in the future!

Dessert at Bangkok Food Courts

While I focus on a healthy and nourishing diet, that doesn’t mean I skip the occasional dessert! Most Bangkok food courts feature at least one dedicated dessert stall, with some even offering full sit-down dessert-focused eateries near their entrances.

One of my favorites was an “egg waffle” with ice cream from a stall just outside the main food court area at MBK Center, where I indulged in matcha batter and matcha ice cream. On the other hand, the mango bubble tea from Yenly Yours Dessert Bar inside Siam Center—which uses fresh mango slices—was an unforgettable treat! It was worth every calorie, so don’t miss it despite the slow service.

How to Order and Pay at Bangkok Food Courts

You might be wondering:

“Carly, if I make it to Thailand, I think I can manage ordering food at a Bangkok food court.”

I thought the same until I visited Banana Family Park and realized that no one would take my money!

In Bangkok food courts, you don’t pay with cash. Instead, you load funds onto a prepaid card to use at any stall within the food court.

This card system has two key benefits: first, it saves staff time since they don’t have to handle cash; and second, it maintains a hygienic environment by keeping food handlers away from money. Speed and cleanliness are a win-win!

Each card is specific to the food court you are visiting. For instance, you’ll need a separate card for MBK Food Island and Pier 21 at Terminal 21. You can purchase a card at cashier booths—clearly marked once you know to look for them.

When you leave the food court, or at the end of your trip, you can return your card to the cashier, who will refund any remaining balance.

Curious how much to load onto your card? None of the meals I ordered exceeded $4 USD (130 Thai baht), including food and a bottle of water. For safety, plan to load 150 baht on your card for each meal you want to buy. If you expect to indulge in dessert or a special drink, add another 100 baht to your budget, as those treats can be pricier than a full meal.

Bangkok Hotels – Deals & Splurges

I love splurging on luxurious hotels in Southeast Asia, where you can enjoy upscale accommodations for a fraction of the price you’d pay for a two-star hotel back in North America or Europe.

Bangkok is an excellent city to invest a bit more in a nice hotel—especially one close to a Skytrain station or any of the major shopping centers I’ve mentioned. Staying in a central, comfortable location makes the entire city feel just a step away!

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