Sawadee ka from Bangkok!
I’m Buriko, living in Bangkok for 15 years.
If you’re visiting Bangkok, don’t miss the huge food court on the 5th floor of Terminal 21, located in the bustling Asok area.
The food is unbelievably cheap and delicious. This place is always packed with locals and tourists alike. I recently went there again and wanted to share my experience, including what I ordered, prices, and tips for navigating the food court.
Let’s go!
Access & Basic Information
Terminal 21 is conveniently located directly above BTS Asok Station in the Asok area of Bangkok. The Pier 21 Food Court is on the 5th floor, making it easy to reach from the station or nearby hotels.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Payment: Prepaid card system (available at two counters inside the food court)
Official website: Terminal 21 Bangkok – check here for the latest information on shops, events, and opening hours.
Why Terminal 21’s Food Court is So Popular
Terminal 21 is a shopping mall with a twist—each floor is themed after a different city or country. Even the restrooms are uniquely designed on each floor!
On the 5th floor, you’ll find Pier 21, a food court that’s not only affordable but also incredibly tasty. Most dishes cost around 50 THB, and even with a drink, you can have a full meal for about 100 THB.
It’s always busy, so securing a seat first is key.
Tip: Place a handkerchief, jacket, or other non-valuable items on a table to “reserve” it while you order your food.
Be careful with half-full drinks or tissues—they might get mistaken for trash!
How to Pay: Prepaid Card System
Before ordering, you’ll need a prepaid card. You can buy it at two locations in the food court (near the entrance and at the back).
Load your card with your budget (I usually load 150 THB for lunch just to be safe).
Pay with this card at each stall.
Any leftover balance can be refunded.
Must-Try Dishes
1. Khao Rad Gaeng
Choose from a variety of ready-made dishes and have them served over rice. This is my go-to when I can’t decide what to eat! You can pick exactly what you want by pointing at the dishes—super easy.
2. Pad Thai
A classic Thai favorite! Stir-fried noodles with a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy sauce.
Options include simple Pad Thai, shrimp-topped, or wrapped in an omelet.
Serve with fresh bean sprouts—add them to the noodles for a perfect crunch.
3. A La Carte
This stall offers stir-fried dishes and rice meals. My favorite is fried rice, available with shrimp, pork, or other toppings.
Served on cute enamel plates, which makes the meal even more fun!
4. Khao Kha Moo (Braised Pork Leg)
Tender, sweet-and-savory braised pork served over rice. Don’t forget the soft-boiled egg! The huge pot behind the stall is quite a sight.
5. Thai Noodles
A lighter, clear-soup noodle option that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Noodle types:
✮Sen Mi: very thin rice noodles, similar to rice vermicelli
✮Sen Lek: thin rice noodles, perfect for soups (my personal favorite)
✮Sen Yai: wide rice noodles
✮Bamee: wheat egg noodles, similar to Japanese ramenCustomize your soup with fish sauce or chili at the condiment station.
Ordering is simple: just give the stall the menu number or point to the dish you want.
Drinks & Desserts
After enjoying some savory Thai dishes, you might want something sweet or a refreshing drink.
At Pier 21, one of the food court’s signature items is mixed fruit juice, served in a cup with your choice of fresh fruits. Prices start at just 25 THB!
Simply point to the fruits you want in your cup, and the vendor will blend them with ice, syrup, and milk. My pick was strawberry + banana + berries, and I think it cost around 30 THB. For that price, the taste is amazing!
Of course, bottled water and other drinks are available for around 10 THB.
Around the food court, you’ll also find small booths selling easy snacks.
One of my favorites is a grilled sandwich stall, where they toast bread over charcoal and fill it with chocolate or jam. Each sandwich costs just 19 THB, and yes, you can pay with your prepaid card. The charcoal-toasted bread smells absolutely irresistible!
Extra Safety Tip: Sterilized Cutlery
For added peace of mind, some stalls offer a UV-C sterilizer for spoons and forks. Just place your cutlery in the machine before using it, and it will sanitize your utensils with ultraviolet light. This makes eating here even safer.
Summary
Location: 5th floor of Terminal 21, direct access from BTS Asok Station
Food Court: Pier 21
Why Visit: Affordable, delicious Thai food and drinks with no disappointing dishes
Tip: The food court is always crowded, so secure your seat first!
Ordering: Use the numbered menus or photos; just tell the stall the number.
Takeaway: Available for an extra 5 THB.
Card Recharge: Two locations; the one at the back is usually less crowded than the front.
Even though it can be busy during lunch and dinner, the prices and quality make Pier 21 a must-visit spot in Bangkok. Don’t miss it if you want a taste of authentic Thai cuisine!