Jirakaan Restaurant (จิรกาล) — Restaurant in Khlong Tan Nuea Subdistrict

Travel a few steps down this quaint little alley and step into the culinary world of Thailand's past. Enter the kitchen of Siam... There is a tree growing in the middle of the lobby to this beautifully appointed Thai bistro, with Edison bulbs and marble tables elegantly adorning the post colonial architecture of alabaster walls and cedar wood. The dining areas both on top and below are quite spacious and very comfortable for a proper sit down meal only for those who love food as much as you. The tropical heat and monsoon rains outside makes this place such a lovely sanctuary to spend a few hours waiting for the temperature to cool.

But the real beauty is the food....

Jirakaan is steeped in old world flavors that has sadly disappeared more and more each time we visited Bangkok. It's really hard to describe what presents itself in these dishes, but suffice it to say that the dishes have so many points of flavors that makes every bite and unexpected surprise.

The deep fried sea bass, tasted anything but deep fried. The fish was so dense but flakey, and the batter has a bit of a bite to it. Paired with a shrimp paste sauce that was not pungent, but a bit sweet and aromatic. There is a green seafood sauce that has a tamarind tang and citrus aroma that I could have drunk like a soup, marvelous!

Jirakaan has one of the best veggie stir fry dish that I've ever had. This humble dish has vegetables and 3 types of mushrooms thoughtfully cut into bite-size pieces before tossing them in a very hot wok to give every granule a bit of a char, instead of the clumps of broccoli, carrots, and colliflower that most places serve as a side dish. This veggie stir fry sits on its own as a main star.

The last dish we had was the chicken and bamboo. And it was heavenly. If you've never smelled the aroma of very fresh bamboo (not the pungent canned stuff), then it's pretty hard to describe. Its light and savory and breathes freshness into the dish. Paired with delicate cuts of chicken thighs and a spoonful of Thai chilli, this yellow sauced savory item, spooned over hot steamed rice is mouthwateringly good, very good.

This restaurant is the epitome of hidden gem, which hopefully will not stay hidden for...

I recently had dinner at Jirakaan in Bangkok, and it was a mixed experience. Let me start with the positives—the ambiance and decor are absolutely gorgeous. The restaurant is beautifully designed, creating a cozy yet elegant space that’s perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a relaxed meal. It’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought into the aesthetics, and it really pays off.

The service was also very good. The staff were attentive, polite, and made sure everything was taken care of. The pacing of the meal was just right—not too rushed, and not too slow—which made for a pleasant and stress-free dining experience.

Now, on to the food. While it wasn’t bad, it didn’t live up to the expectations set by the stunning ambiance. The dishes were average—nothing stood out in terms of flavor or creativity. It felt like the food was more about being “safe” than delivering a true Thai culinary experience. It was certainly edible and nicely presented, but lacked the kind of bold and exciting flavors I was hoping for.

Overall, Jirakaan is a great spot if you’re looking for a beautiful setting with good service and a comfortable atmosphere. However, the food itself didn’t leave a lasting impression. I might come back for the ambiance, but not necessarily for the food. A solid experience, but there’s room for improvement in...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More Than a Meal, It's an Experience: Finding a Cozy Gem in Bangkok

Restaurant: Jirakaan (จิราการ) Location: Bangkok

If you're tired of generic, tourist-trap Thai food and are on the hunt for something truly special, your search ends here. Jirakaan isn't just a restaurant; it's a warm, heartfelt escape into the soul of Thai home cooking. A Cozy, Vintage Dream From the moment you step off the bustling Bangkok street, you're transported. The ambience is an absolute 10/10. Think cozy, vintage charm without trying too hard. We're talking soft lighting from rustic lamps, shelves lined with nostalgic knick-knacks and old books, and beautifully worn wooden tables that feel like they each have a story to tell. It’s intimate, it’s quiet, and it feels like you've been invited into the coolest, most stylish grandmother's dining room you can imagine. Perfect for a romantic date night or a thoughtful conversation with close friends. Friendly and Attentive The staff were the cherry on top of a perfect evening. They were not just efficient; they were genuinely friendly, welcoming, and passionate about the food. They offered great recommendations, checked on us just the right amount, and their smiles felt warm and sincere. It felt less like being served and more like being taken care of....