Is Thipsamai worth it?
Worth it if…Lives up to the hype · +14Bangkok's most famous pad thai shop, cooking egg-wrapped pad thai at Pratu Phi since the 1960s
Worth it, with conditions. 4.2 on 12,000+ reviews: reliably good, but frequent 'standard' and 'smaller portions' comments.
Hype37How famous and hyped it is
Reality51Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.2 ★ Google · 12,662 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
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An easy, cheap way to tick off 'famous pad thai' near the Old Town sights; the egg-wrapped version is the one to order.
Why Reality is 51
Lives up to its fame3/54.2 on 12,000+ reviews: reliably good, but frequent 'standard' and 'smaller portions' comments.
Value for money4/5About ฿120 for a Bib Gourmand signature plate is fair, though more than ordinary pad thai and the juice is overpriced.
Can’t get it elsewhere2/5Pad thai is everywhere in Bangkok, and Thipsamai itself has mall branches; the draw is the history.
Easy to do3/5Long hours and a fast-moving numbered queue, but it's a walk from the MRT and evenings get crowded.
What people loved
Egg-wrapped pad thai with prawns is a well-executed, iconic version of the national dishOpen until midnight six days a week, so it fits around sightseeingQueue moves quickly and food comes within minutes; staff are friendly and multilingualCheap for a Michelin-listed meal; air-conditioned seating availableWhat wore them down
Several reviewers and food bloggers find it good but not as great as the hypePortions have shrunk and the basic pad thai is small; some find it on the sweet sideFamous orange juice is bottled and can cost nearly as much as the noodlesMostly tourists in the queue; pricier than ordinary pad thai stallsKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Walk-in only; take a number at the door. Arrive before opening or mid-afternoon to skip the worst queue.
PriceSignature pad thai with fresh prawns wrapped in egg ~฿120 (2025); orange juice ฿100–300, priced daily by seasonSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 9:00 a.m.–midnight; closed every Tuesday (flagship)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationNo bookings; take a queue number outside. Line moves fairly fast; takeaway is quickerSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Other branchesICONSIAM and Siam Paragon (G floor), both 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Phutthamonthon Sai 4Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
MichelinMichelin Bib GourmandSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed30–60 min including queue; food arrives within minutes of sittingSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereMRT Sam Yot, ~1 km (12–15 min walk); ~15–20 min by taxi from Siam. Next door to Jay FaiSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
In their words
“While I found the signature Pad Thai to be somewhat standard, my partner absolutely loved it.”
“The taste has stayed consistent over the years, but the portion has definitely gotten smaller.”
“Don't let the queue deter you; it moves reasonably fast and the meal is 100% worth it!”
“a small bottle for one person costs almost as much as the shrimp noodles. It was also served bottled rather than freshly squeezed.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
What should I order at Thipsamai?
The pad thai with shrimp oil and fresh prawns wrapped in egg is the signature (about ฿120 in 2025).
What day is Thipsamai closed?
The Pratu Phi flagship is closed every Tuesday; otherwise it's open 9:00 a.m. to midnight.
How long is the queue at Thipsamai?
Evenings are busiest. You take a number outside; reviewers say the line moves fairly quickly and food arrives within minutes of sitting.
Is Thipsamai's orange juice worth it?
Opinions split: some rave about it, others say it's bottled and costs nearly as much as the noodles. Prices (฿100–300) change daily.
Does Thipsamai have other branches?
Yes — ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon (G floor) and Phutthamonthon Sai 4, all with shorter hours than the flagship.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Thipsamai — official site
- Google Maps — Thipsamai
- Phuket 101 — Thipsamai review (updated Nov 2025)
- Lady Iron Chef — Is this the best pad thai in Bangkok? (2019)
- Wikipedia — Thipsamai