Best Places to Eat and Drink Near Don Mueang Airport

Don Mueang Airport— Bangkok’s first international airport and often regarded as Asia’s oldest surviving Airport—opened its doors way back in 1924. While most flights to and from Bangkok are now operating out of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang still accommodates plenty of traffic. In 2015, for example, total passenger traffic in Don Mueang Airport reached 30.3 million. Many budget airlines like Scoot and Thai AirAsia also fly in and out of Don Mueang. As such, those who are fond of low-cost travel to Thailand are probably familiar with this airport.

Don Mueang Airport is old and is in need of a facelift, no doubt, but a lot of passengers still prefer to travel here since it’s smaller, quieter, and less busy. There’s also plenty of transport options going to Bangkok’s city center, from hiring a taxi to riding a local bus. In fact, it’s actually closer to the city center compared to Suvarnabhumi Airport (26.5 kilometers versus 31.5 kilometers).

What many people love the most about Don Mueang Airport, however, seems to be the numerous dining options around. These are great for when you’re booked in hotels near Don Mueang Airport (โรงแรมใกล้สนามบินดอนเมือง) for either business or pleasure. If you’re not staying in an accommodation near the airport, then these restaurants are instead perfect for hearty pre- or post-flight meals that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

Without further ado, here’s a quick list of some of the best places to eat and drink near Don Mueang Airport.

Classic Room Restaurant

Classic Room Restaurant is just a little over 3 kilometers from the airport. Tourists and locals alike tag this humble restaurant as a must-visit, with its “chill” vibe, quick and excellent service, and value for money. With large servings good enough to share, your THB500 will go a long way in this restaurant. They also serve beer for only THB75 per bottle. Customers also love the unique and trendy décor, centered around toys and video games by Nintendo. The only thing that could be considered as a “downside” of Classic Room is that they have a rather short menu. However, the excellent taste of the options available are more than enough to make up for the limited choices. Make sure to try the pad Thai!

Baik Baik

With a lush garden, water fountains, and a pond snaking through the length of the restaurant, Baik Baik provides a unique dining experience. You can also choose to dine al fresco or hire a private room for larger gatherings of friends and family. When it comes to the food, the word “superb” easily comes to mind. Highly recommended dishes here include the tom yam, kai khem, banana flower salad, crispy pork belly fried with chili and garlic, morning glory and fried fish with basil and chilli. For dessert, the sa koo tua dum is a hit with customers.

Baik Baik also has a live band, singing Thai songs and some popular English tunes. In addition, they also have English-speaking staff to make ordering easier for foreign guests. Finally, Baik Baik has long operating hours. They are open from 10 in the morning until 12 midnight, so you can catch a late-night meal or linger for a bit to enjoy the relaxing ambiance.

Kanah and Red Tea

Kanah and Red Tea is a delightful halal surprise in Bangkok. Their delicious meals are quite affordable, with menu items as cheap as THB40. A meal for five can cost about THB1,500, which is an excellent deal for their generous servings. Customers love the Pattaya fried rice, phad prik phao, and stir fried Chinese noodles with black soy sauce. Other favorites include fried chicken with basil and fried egg (served on top of rice), beef noodles with meatballs, and Thai southern salad with fried chicken. The vegetable dishes are also quite excellent, if you’re looking for vegetarian fare. For beverages, people swear by the iced Thai coffee. A nice touch in Kanah and Red Tea is their prayer room, which allows Muslim customers to perform salah if they happen to be dining at the time.

Mabuba Halal Food

Another halal option near Don Mueang Airport is Mabuba Halal Food. Just like Kanah and Red Tea, this restaurant also has a prayer room (located upstairs). They have a variety of stir-fried dishes, khao mok with either beef or chicken, and also an array of curries. Mabuba also serves egg, raisin, and banana rotee with sweet milk, as well as mataba (Indian puff with chicken and potato). For drinks, the fresh fruit shakes like watermelon and pineapple are excellent choices. There are also coffee, fruit juice, and tea on offer if you prefer them. What’s great about Mabuba is that their food is halal but they infuse it with local flavors, allowing you to experience a unique fusion of tastes.

Foresta Café

Upon entering Foresta Café, you’ll be welcomed by a garden, waterfalls, and a large pond with a variety of fish (even a manta ray!). It’s the perfect place to relax for a while before or after your flight. They have plenty of both traditional and unique dishes that are sure to tickle your taste buds. Try the fried pork with garlic or marinated pork with boiled eggs for a filling meal. Couple it with their Thai iced tea for your beverage. If you’re looking for healthier options, they have mixed vegetables and various seafood dishes. For dessert, you can try their durian bingsu with coconut durian sauce, or their famous rum raisin ice cream. Foresta Café also serves beer in frozen mugs, keeping your beverage cold for longer.

For tourists traveling to and from Don Mueang Airport anytime soon, make sure to check out the interesting dining destinations listed above. For locals and foreigners already in Bangkok, well, you don’t need to fly in! Hop on a bus, taxi, or train, and pay a visit to these restaurants and sample their delicious food!