2025 was an incredible year for Bangkok. The city was flooded with new restaurants and bars that kept both locals and visitors busy exploring every corner of the scenes of dining, drinking, and also nightlif-ing.

It was a year of high contrast. We saw creative Isaan restaurants blending spicy, rustic flavors with upscale vibes, while international chefs and major restaurant chains continued to move into the city. We sipped coffee at posh cafés run by global fashion houses, explored the world of premium sake, and, of course, rode the wave of the matcha-pocalypse. We also found inclusive new hideouts for the LGBTQ+ community that celebrated diversity in style. On top of all that, Thailand’s culinary status reached a new peak as we secured another three-Michelin-starred restaurant and saw even more of our watering holes climb the global award rankings.

With so much happening, the big question is: which trends will stick around, and which ones will fade in 2026?

In early January, the Friday Bangkok editorial team spent some time "cosplaying as psychics" to brainstorm what’s coming next. It was all in good fun, but we’ve landed on eight specific predictions that we think will define the city this year. Let’s see what made the list.

Overpriced simple food being challenged

One of the most fascinating things about Bangkok is the price disparity. You can pay B50 for a world-class Thai dish at a street stall or B2,000 for a meal in a high-end dining room. This gap is impressive, but lately, some restaurants have faced serious backlash for overcharging.

We’ve all heard the defense from some restaurants, especially the long-established ones: “We use premium ingredients, and if you think it’s too expensive, you aren't our target customer.” In 2026, this mindset is going to be heavily challenged. While serving great food is essential, treating customers fairly with transparent pricing is what keeps a business running long-term.

With the sheer amount of choice in Bangkok today, the "premium" excuse is wearing thin. If a diner can find—say—a crab omelet or chicken rice that is just as delicious and much cheaper elsewhere, why should they pay a massive markup at your place? In a city this competitive, value for money is becoming the ultimate luxury.

Japanese ramen crafted by Thai locals

Japanese ramen has been a mainstay of the Bangkok food scene for decades, but there is a real reason why it’s set to get even bigger in 2026. Over the past year, we’ve seen a surge in local ramen shops run by Thai chefs who are reinterpreting the dish with impressive Thai twists and deep technical skill.

The world is taking notice, too. Shindo Ramen in Salaya was famously invited to host a pop-up at the Yokohama Ramen Museum, bringing a unique Thai take on the dish to the very heart of ramen culture. Back home, spots like Sendo Ramen, Kataru, Sanmai, and Yume Ramen are all developing their own recipes that blend traditional Japanese noodle-making with Thai sensibilities. As 2026 unfolds, we expect to see even more Thai-led ventures that prove you don't need a Japanese name on the door to serve a world-class bowl of soup.

Influencers influencing your night-out

“I’d like to have what that vlogger had” will still be a thing, whether you like it or not. We live in a society heavily driven by social media, and we can’t deny that many content creators are incredibly good at convincing us why a specific spot deserves our time and money.

On the bright side, these online stars are a great marketing tool for businesses, especially the independent ones that don’t have the massive budgets of corporate giants. However, viral fame comes with a price. When a restaurant goes viral overnight, the pressure to live up to the massive expectations of a TikTok-fueled crowd is immense. The real test in 2026 will be whether these businesses can turn a 15-second viral moment into long-term quality and consistency. So, are we eating for the flavor, or just for the feed?

Wineries entering the awards race

If you followed major hospitality accolades like the Michelin Guide, the 50 Best, or the new Michelin Key for hotels, 2025 was an incredibly exciting year. But for 2026, we see the spotlight shifting toward a new category: high-stakes awards for wineries and vineyards.

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards spearheaded this trend last year, and 2026 is set to get even more competitive with the rumored launch of Michelin Grapes—a dedicated recognition for wineries. We’ve also heard that the prestigious French guide Gault & Millau will debut its Thailand edition soon, adding another layer of elite scrutiny to the scene. Furthermore, the arrival of massive Chinese platforms like Meituan and Dianping will likely pave the way for even more international recognition of Thai hospitality. It’s no longer just about the restaurant and bar; the race for the Best in X title has officially moved to the cellar.

Posh matcha taking over the scene

Everywhere you look in Bangkok, there is a matcha vendor. The range is staggering: from B50 street stalls and affordable café cups to the uber-fancy ceremonial grades found in upscale downtown tearooms. It is this high-end, "posh" matcha that we expect to become even more prevalent in 2026.

This green tea movement is currently at an all-time high—so much so that a city-wide shortage recently caused a spike in both demand and prices. You might be shocked to learn that at Deep Tea (Home of Tea) in Ladprao, a single cup of ultra-premium matcha can cost as much as B3,900. The most interesting part? Customers don't seem to mind the price tag as long as the quality and the "ceremony" are there. In 2026, matcha is no longer just a drink; it's a luxury lifestyle and it’s interesting to see if the drink would become a victim of its own hype just like the good ol’ bubble tea.

Khai Pham as the next superfood

Have you heard of this plant before? Khai Pham, also known as watermeal or duckweed (or Wolffia globosa if you prefer the scientific mouthful), is nothing new to the health world. Health enthusiasts have been quietly consuming it for over a decade for its high protein content and impressive nutrient profile.

However, 2026 is the year it goes mainstream. Following its star turn at the Thai Rice Fest last year, local producers have begun using Khai Pham to create a surprising range of products—everything from emerald-green lattes to protein-packed ice cream. Because of its intense green hue and earthy flavor, it’s already being positioned as a local, more sustainable alternative to matcha. With Khai Pham-based foods often being more affordable and locally sourced, it’s only a matter of time before diners are swayed to go green with this Thai superfood.

Sake-pairing meal at Japanese bars

Over the past year, we’ve seen a noticeable surge in sake bars opening across Bangkok. However, simply opening a bar that only serves sake doesn’t quite fit the local drinking culture yet. To bridge that gap, many new spots are focusing heavily on the food.

Venues like Marie Sake, Tipples & Nibbles, Bar Nikori, and The Sake Room are all integrating curated food menus to complement their sake lists. It’s a shift from just drinking to a full culinary experience. We’re also seeing this trend move into the fine-dining world, where chefs are increasingly using sake as a pairing alternative to wine, offering diners a fresh way to experience their tasting menus. In 2026, sake isn't just for izakayas anymore—it’s becoming a sophisticated partner for a great meal.

Macau and Ho Chi Minh City as the new foodie destinations

Hong Kong might be losing its crown as the ultimate foodie destination close to Thailand. With skyrocketing prices making a casual trip feel like a major investment, Thai travelers are looking elsewhere. In 2026, Macau is the big winner. People aren’t just going for the casinos anymore—they’re going to eat. Thai foodies are now swapping their Hong Kong checklists for Macau’s vibrant street food scene, which offers a unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City has become a serious rival to Bangkok. Beyond the famous "Cafe Apartments," the city has embraced Thai tourists with open arms and, more importantly, competitive prices. The Michelin Guide’s expansion into Vietnam has solidified its status, with restaurants like Anan Saigon, Akuna, Gia, and the newly awarded CieL attracting international diners. These spots offer world-class fine dining at a fraction of the cost you’d find in other global hubs, making Ho Chi Minh City a top priority for anyone traveling to eat in 2026.