When planning my latest trip to Bangkok, there was only one restaurant recommended

The famous Phed Mark’s… I was never going to say no to a birthday Pad Kaprao was I.

So I headed over to the Sukhumvit area to sample the spicy sensation.

But here’s the thing: Bangkok is packed with incredible Pad Kaprao stalls on every corner, most for a fraction of the price. So is this viral spot actually worth the hype?

Having eaten Pad Kaprao all over Thailand, I was ready to find out.

I was ready for my birthday meal… After all the excitement waiting to try it, it was finally time!

This is my honest review of Phed Mark Bangkok: why it’s famous, how it tastes, what you need to know before visiting, and whether it truly deserves a place on your Bangkok food itinerary.

Arriving at Phed Mark Restaurant in Bangkok in Thailand — ***Arriving at the famous food spot.***

Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.

Why is Phed Mark famous?

When I was planning my Bangkok itinerary, people kept recommending Phed Mark’s… So I was wondering why is it so popular? In one of the best destinations in Thailand, why does this restaurant stand out?

The short answer: Mark Wiens.

With millions of followers across YouTube and social media, Mark has become almost synonymous with Thai street food.

His love for spice, and Thailand’s most famous dish has inspired countless travellers to head to Bangkok to see if they can match his spice tolerance.

And I was no different!

In 2020 Phed Mark was launched by Marl and some local chefs to create Bangkok’s best Pad Ka Prao.

The concept caught fire immediately. Travellers loved the idea of trying Thailand’s national comfort food in a restaurant curated by a viral food vlogger.

Hence the big draw for any international visitor to Bangkok…

A spicy experience awaits.

A fiery first taste: so how does it actually taste?

But does the Pad Kaprao live up to its hype?

I ordered the pork pad kaprao with a fried egg on top… And straight away, the holy basil aroma and chilli heat came through…

And even just trying the ‘medium’ spice level, it packed more punch than most street-side versions I’ve tried.

The flavours were clean, and strong, and the portion size was more than adequate, and matched the everyday plates you find across Thailand.

It’s definitely a dish for spice lovers, and one that shows why Thai food is such a major reason people choose Thailand over other destinations…

I wrote more about that in my Bali vs Thailand guide.

Pad Ka Pow at Phed Mark Restaurant in Bangkok in Thailand — ***Can’t wait to try it!***

A little about the place itself.

Phed Mark isn’t a big sit-down restaurant - it’s a compact, casual spot just steps from Ekkamai BTS station.

The brightly coloured signs make it easy to spot, and inside you’ll find a few tables along with plenty of takeaway orders moving quickly.

It has more of a modern street food feel than a full restaurant vibe, and you’ll often see a mix of tourists, locals, and expats dropping in. It’s simple, functional, and designed for quick meals rather than long dining sessions — which fits the no-nonsense spirit of pad kaprao.

Queuing inside Phed Mark Restaurant in Bangkok — ***Nearly time.***

Practical info for visiting Phed Mark.

Visiting is straightforward, but a few details make the experience smoother. Let’s look at the essentials — location, hours, prices, and ordering, so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 38, right next to Ekkamai BTS.

Opening hours: Usually 10:00am – 19.00pm.
Menu & price: Pad kaprao in different forms (pork, beef, wagyu, vegetarian), priced around 100–200 THB depending on protein choice.
Spice levels: You can choose your heat, from manageable to sweat-inducing. But even the medium packs a punch, so don’t underestimate it!
Ordering tips: Don’t forget to add a fried egg, its a tradition, and adds a nice taste to the dish.

Bangkok is an easy city to navigate, making it one of the best cities in Asia to explore.

The easy BTS access and simple ordering system make it one of the most convenient ways to tick off this famous Bangkok food experience without too much effort.

Menu displayed at Phed Mark Restaurant in Bangkok in Thailand — ***A good menu to choose from.***

So… is it worth the hype?

So was it worth all the hype? For me, absolutely.

The flavours were spot on, the spice lived up to its name, and the whole experience felt fun rather than just another tourist trap.

It is no secret, but it’s definitely a gem!

100%. If you’re in Bangkok and love Thai food (and can handle a bit of heat), Phed Mark is absolutely worth the stop.

Empty plate at Phed Mark Restaurant in Bangkok in Thailand — ***Delicious!***

Other places in Bangkok for epic pad kaprao.

Pad Ka Prao is one of the reasons why Bangkok is one of my favourite places in South East Asia…

Of course, the signature dish is everywhere in the Thai capital.

From the local street food carts, to the highly rated restaurants. These are some other good options if you want to try a true authentic pad ka prao:

Jay Fai.

Famous (and famously pricey) thanks to its Michelin star, Jay Fai is known more for her crab omelette, but her Pad Kaprao is legendary too - And a must for any first time visitor to Thailand.

You can expect long waits and high prices, but it’s an experience, so as you would expect it is a popular Instagram spot in Thailand.

Ung Jia Huad.

A small, no-frills place in Chinatown that locals rave about. Their Pad Kaprao is heavy on holy basil, less sweet, and super aromatic. Bonus: it’s cheap, fast, and another place that is absolutely packed at lunchtime.

Any busy street stall.

Some of the best Pad Kaprao I’ve had in Thailand came from nameless stalls with tiny plastic stools. If you see locals lining up, that’s your sign to stop and try it. I always notice many busy food stalls in and around Sukhumvit.