If you spend any time researching where to eat in Bangkok, chances are you’ll come across ThongSmith sooner or later.

Funnily enough, I hadn’t done much research on where to eat in Bangkok (with toddlers, you always just go with the flow). However, our initial plan to eat at the famed Pier 21 food court was thwarted because it was too crowded and there were simply no seats. We then turned our attention to the next best option… then turned out to be the premium (but popular!) place to go for delicious boat noodles.

From what I understand, there are several branches around the city, but the one inside Terminal 21 is particularly convenient for tourists. The shopping mall is directly connected to both BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit, making it an easy stop whether you’re exploring Sukhumvit or simply looking for somewhere to escape Bangkok’s afternoon heat.

(That being said, I still don’t find Terminal 21 particularly worth travelling there for – check out my list of other recommended places to go with a toddler!)

First impressions

Walking into the restaurant, it’s immediately obvious that this isn’t your typical boat noodle shop.

Instead of tiny stools, steaming pots by the roadside and bowls costing just a few baht, you’re greeted by a bright, modern dining room with comfortable seating. It’s clean, air-conditioned and feels much more like a contemporary Thai restaurant than a traditional noodle stall.

In fact, I think it’s one of the reasons ThongSmith has become so popular with visitors. If you’re travelling with family, young children or parents who aren’t particularly comfortable eating street food, this feels like a very approachable introduction to boat noodles.

Service was efficient throughout our visit, and despite the restaurant being busy, we didn’t have to wait long for our food.

What we ate at ThongSmith

As you can tell from the photos, we ordered a variety of boat noodles (beef balls, tendon, chicken, spicy, non-spicy etc).

But the true highlight was none other than the Australian Wagyu beef noodles.

I think it really helped that I came to ThongSmith and ordered this without any expectations, because I was very impressed and blown away by how flavourful this bowl of noodles was.

The beef was thinly sliced, beautifully tender and just fatty enough to add richness without making the bowl feel heavy. Because the slices cook almost instantly in the hot broth, they stay wonderfully soft and absorb plenty of flavour.

However, what I really liked more than the Wagyu beef was really the broth. The flavour was thick, intense, and really packed a punch. There’s sweetness, spice and plenty of aromatic herbs, yet nothing feels overpowering. Every spoonful tastes balanced, and despite being quite rich, it never became overly heavy.

It’s also customisable, with different spice levels available depending on your preference. I picked non-spicy because I don’t take spice well, but I have to warn that from what I’ve heard, even the lowest level can be really overwhelming!

Although the Australian Wagyu boat noodles are clearly the signature dish, don’t overlook the side dishes and drinks.

Many diners order crispy pork crackling to add texture to the noodles, while Thai milk tea is a popular accompaniment if you’re looking for something refreshing to balance the richness of the broth.

Is ThongSmith worth eating at?

There’s no denying that it’s significantly more expensive than traditional boat noodle shops.

If your goal is simply to experience authentic boat noodles at the lowest possible price, I’d probably recommend visiting one of Bangkok’s famous local boat noodle districts instead.

However, I also don’t think that’s a completely fair comparison, because you’re paying for more than just the noodles. You’re really paying for premium ingredients, comfortable surroundings, air-conditioning, consistently prepared food and a location that’s incredibly convenient for visitors.

Is ThongSmith suitable for young kids?

One thing I appreciated was how family-friendly the restaurant felt.

Travelling with an 18-month-old, we also appreciated being able to enjoy boat noodles in a comfortable environment without worrying about traffic, heat or finding seats at a busy roadside stall. They also offer baby/high chairs, so you don’t have to fret about where to seat them.

However, due to the nature of the food (pig’s blood in the soup, etc) here to feed or share with young children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ThongSmith worth visiting?

I think so. While it’s more expensive than traditional boat noodle shops, the quality of the ingredients, excellent broth and comfortable setting make it well worth trying at least once.

What should I order at ThongSmith?

The Australian Wagyu boat noodles are the restaurant’s signature dish and a great choice for first-time visitors. They’re served with premium beef in a rich, aromatic boat noodle broth.

Is ThongSmith expensive?

Compared to local boat noodle stalls, yes. Compared to many restaurants inside Bangkok shopping malls, the pricing feels much more reasonable, especially considering the quality of the ingredients.

Which ThongSmith branch is best?

According to reviews, the food is generally consistent across branches, so I’d simply visit whichever is most convenient. The Terminal 21 branch is particularly easy for tourists because it’s directly connected to BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit.

Is ThongSmith suitable for tourists?

Absolutely. The restaurant is clean, air-conditioned, has an English menu and offers a comfortable introduction to Thai boat noodles for first-time visitors.

Final verdict

I can understand why ThongSmith has become so popular. It doesn’t claim to be the cheapest boat noodle shop in Bangkok, nor does it try to recreate the experience of eating beside a canal or roadside stall. Instead, it takes the flavours that have made boat noodles a Thai favourite for generations and presents them in a way that’s approachable, comfortable and consistently well executed.

For me, the Australian Wagyu was excellent, but it was the broth that I’d remember most. Rich, aromatic and incredibly satisfying, it was the kind of bowl that made me slow down and enjoy every spoonful.

If you’re already spending the day around Asok or shopping at Terminal 21, I think ThongSmith is an easy recommendation. It may not replace the city’s legendary local boat noodle stalls, but it definitely offers something different.