Bangkok, Thailand, instantly brings to mind the film “The Hangover II”.
However, this dynamic city offers so much more than its pop culture portrayal. It is a place rich in culture and history, famous for its energetic club scene and a street food experience celebrated globally.
Dale Herbst, CEO of That Food Guy blog and a respected figure in South Africa’s culinary scene, recently revisited his cultural and culinary immersion following a visit there
On what inspired the trip, he explained: “Bangkok was sparked by the Salsify x Gaggan collaboration in Thailand – a moment that opened the door to something much bigger. We had the privilege of dining across some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, including Potong, Gaggan at Louis Vuitton, Sühring, Le Du, Nusara, Homeburg and Gaggan.
“At the heart of it all is a constant motivation: to explore food culture deeply and connect with the people behind it – the makers, the creatives, the minds shaping each menu with intention, precision and imagination.
In trying to understand his first impressions of the city, I asked him how he believes Bangkok maintains its profound connection to ancient spiritual traditions while simultaneously presenting itself as a futuristic, high-tech metropolis.
“Bangkok is magical. It carries a rare balance – deeply rooted in culture and tradition, yet effortlessly modern and progressive,” Herbst noted.” There’s an underlying sense of efficiency to the way the city moves, but never at the expense of its identity.
“The people of Thailand hold their heritage with real intention and respect, while remaining open, curious, and forward-thinking. It’s this harmony between past and present that makes Bangkok feel so dynamic – and so special.
Below are more questions around his visit:
Beyond the humidity and the traffic, what is the one specific scent or sound that defines the bustling “Bangkok energy” for you?
There’s a constant soundtrack of movement – traffic humming, footsteps passing, street vendors calling out and connecting with people. It’s electrifying.
At first, the city can feel chaotic, almost overwhelming. But spend a little time in it, and you begin to find its rhythm – a natural flow and groove that starts to make sense. The energy shifts from noise to something uplifting, almost addictive, as the busyness fades into the background.
You start to zoom in. The people. The food. The tiny shops. The street-side moments. And then the endless signs – each one pulling you in a different direction, deciding whether it’s time to eat, grab a coffee, or sneak in a quick massage… lol.
How does exploring the “Venice of the East” via its hidden khlongs (canals) change your perspective on a city that seems dominated by concrete?
Food feels like the heartbeat of Bangkok. It’s not just important; it’s everywhere, woven into the fabric of daily life. Every second or third shop has something to do with food, whether it’s a street vendor, a tiny family-run eatery, a café or a full-scale restaurant.
What’s incredible is the accessibility and diversity. You can move from a quick, perfectly balanced bowl of noodles on the pavement to a beautifully considered tasting menu just a few steps away. There’s no hierarchy in how food is experienced here – it’s all respected, all part of the same ecosystem.
It creates a city that’s constantly feeding you – not just physically, but creatively too. Every corner offers a new flavour, a new idea, a new moment. In Bangkok, eating isn’t just something you do; it’s something you live through.
Is the true heart of Bangkok’s world-famous food scene found in its Michelin-starred dining rooms or on a humid street corner at 2am?
The beauty of Bangkok’s food scene is that its true heart exists everywhere, from the World’s 50 Best and Michelin-starred restaurants to the humblest street-side alleys. There’s a constant sense of discovery, with innovation and flavour around every corner.
A refined tasting menu at Homeburg, tucked away on the third floor of a quiet alley. The electric, boundary-pushing experience of Gaggan is set in a house wrapped in greenery. And then, just steps away, a bowl of freshly made noodles from Ta Chai Sukhothai Noodles on the street.
Different settings, different scales, but the same soul.
Any hidden gems you stumbled upon?
The city truly offers anything and everything. Beyond the depth of traditional Thai cuisine, I found some of the most incredible coffee shops and cafés, each with its own distinct character and quality. There was also a standout sourdough bakery, Larder, that felt like a hidden gem.
Towards the end of the trip, I even stumbled across a Neapolitan-style pizza that was exceptional – a reminder of just how global and diverse Bangkok’s food scene has become.
It’s a city that caters to every craving, every mood – a true foodie’s dream.
In a city that never sleeps, how have Bangkok’s night markets evolved from simple shopping hubs into the ultimate social playgrounds for 2026?
You really have access to everything. I’m not much of a party person, but even without that, the city never slows down. Late-night dinners at World’s 50 Best restaurants, indoor and outdoor markets, street vendors still in full swing, and seamless delivery options like Grab (even spots like Equalivist on Uber Eats) – it’s all alive, all buzzing, all ready to meet you where you are.
Bangkok doesn’t switch off; it simply shifts gear.
Beyond everything it offers, it’s one of the friendliest cities I’ve ever experienced. There’s a genuine sense of respect in the way people interact – a calm, welcoming energy that stays with you.
For me, the food – both in its depth and its innovation – was exceptional. Every meal felt considered, expressive and exciting.
A true dream trip.