Review Sri Trat Restaurant & Bar – Bangkok’s Thai Restaurant Guide 2025
The food here reflects the owner’s philosophy: cooking as if for friends visiting at home. This time, we’re taking you to Sri Trat Restaurant & Bar, showcasing Eastern cuisine. For those new to this region, Trat is a province located in Eastern Thailand.
Thai food is a diverse culinary tradition known for its balance of complex, bold flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Where can you find the best Thai restaurants? Each region—Northern, Southern, Central, Eastern, and Western—offers distinct and unique cuisines.
Sri Trat Restaurant & Bar Experience
I visited Sri Trat Restaurant & Bar on a Thursday, and the place was buzzing. It’s a popular spot where locals come to dine, serving guests from lunchtime through late night as an all-day dining venue. It’s also listed in the Michelin Guide under the Bib Gourmand category.
What to eat? The best answer: seasonal dishes made with the finest ingredients at their peak, prepared in harmony with the local climate, and cooked the way locals enjoy them. These are the secrets behind the kitchen.
As a local, I was impressed with the casual yet inviting setup and the extensive menu. Even if you’re not very familiar with Thai food, I can guarantee you’ll find something to enjoy here.
The menu offers great value for money, with a wide variety of local dishes and drinks. This time, I ordered marinated pork neck served with deep-fried galangal, paired with a local beer from Phuket called Full Moon. It was sensational—the perfect way to cool down after a long day at work.
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While dining, I noticed a mix of guests at nearby tables, including both Thai groups and expats. I arrived around 5:30 p.m. to avoid traffic in the Sukhumvit area, and it turned out to be a perfect escape to unwind with cool drinks during rush hour. Groups of friends, families, and company staff were all enjoying shared meals together.
Thai food is all about sharing. We usually pick one or two dishes each, then share everything at the table—seafood, stir-fries, red or green curries, and more. From boiling, stir-frying, and curries to deep-fried dishes, the menu is rich with ingredients and flavors.
As I arrived early, before my husband, I ordered a set of Phuket craft beer—Full Moon—paired with deep-fried galangal-marinated pork neck. It was the perfect way to cool down and relax while admiring the beautiful art pieces and décor, and reading the touching story behind the restaurant.
Personally, I love spicy food as I’m originally from Southern Thailand. However, this time I dined with my husband, who enjoys spices but not at the same level as I do. So, we chose a mix of dishes that suited both of us—because Thai dining is about sharing and caring.
One of the standout dishes was the stir-fried lump crab meat with fresh garlic, chili, and fish sauce. Large chunks of sweet crab are stir-fried with fresh garlic and seasoned with fish sauce from Trat instead of sea salt—a unique twist. It’s an excellent starter and pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or one of their signature cocktails.
One standout dish was the coconut milk–based herbal dip, rich with lump crab meat, crab roe, and minced pork, served alongside a vibrant basket of seasonal vegetables, including young ginger known for its digestive benefits. The coconut, sourced from Trat, adds a distinctive character to the dish.
Thais are incredibly resourceful in their cooking—using coconut not only for flavor but also to help the body absorb calcium from leafy greens. This is not something you’ll typically find in tourist-focused hotels or restaurants; it’s a truly local specialty.
Another highlight was the deep-fried whole Asian sea bass topped with sweet fish sauce and spicy green chilies. The fish was impressively large, golden brown, and deliciously crisp. This is one of our comfort dishes—when we come with the kids, they love it. The spicy green chilies add a bold kick for those who enjoy heat. Even if you’ve had this dish elsewhere, Sri Trat gives it their own signature touch. The sauce is exceptional—sweet, savory, and perfect for dipping the crispy fish.
We also ordered giant tiger prawns topped with chu-chee red curry sauce. Three large, perfectly cooked prawns arrived, coated in a rich, medium-spicy red curry with a beautiful glossy finish. The dish opened up the palate with its balance of spice and sweetness.
I enjoyed it with brown rice, and it was such a satisfying and memorable experience. Definitely a must-try the next time you order Thai food.I have to admit, the restaurant is always busy. Tables turn over quickly—one group leaves, and the next arrives—and it stays lively all night long.
A little tip: before ordering any curry or spicy dishes, check the menu for the chili icons. The restaurant indicates spice levels, so you know exactly what to expect.
To give a little background for context and appreciation: Trat is located on the border of Cambodia. During the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it became an important trading hub. In 1893, French soldiers occupied the province, and Siam handed over Trat to French colonial rule in exchange for Chanthaburi. It was returned to Siam in 1907 in exchange for land along the Mekong River.
The area known as a unique culture influenced by diverse groups—Yuan, Mon, Khmer, and Chinese traders—who settled here. Their traditions blended over generations, creating a rich culinary heritage. This region is blessed with an abundance of plants, fruits, forest produce, and seafood, all of which shape its unique food culture, recipes, and ingredients.
The bar here is divine. It’s a perfect spot to relax while waiting for your partner or friends, or to enjoy a drink after your meal while soaking in the atmosphere and people-watching.
“Eat where locals eat” couldn’t be truer. If you asked me to name a restaurant where Thais go, Sri Trat would be on the list. It’s a place where locals and foreigners dine side by side, and many are regulars.
Sri Trat Restaurant & Bar
Address: 90 Sukhumvit 33, Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok
Tel: 02 088 0968 BTS: Prompong Station
