Affordable eating at the Terminal 21 Asoke food court

[CharlieH]

 

If you’re in Bangkok and want an affordable, tasty meal with plenty of variety, head to the food court at Terminal 21 Asoke. It’s located in the city’s heart, it’s more than just a dining spot, it’s an experience that combines delicious food, good prices, and a unique atmosphere.

Easy to get to from anywhere in Bangkok

Terminal 21 Asoke is in one of Bangkok’s busiest areas, Asoke, a major transportation hub. Whether you’re hopping off the BTS Skytrain at Asoke station, transferring from the MRT at Sukhumvit station, or arriving via the Airport Rail Link, getting here is super easy. Its central location makes it ideal for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal before diving back into Bangkok’s bustling attractions.

 

 

The food court is open daily from 10am to 10pm. While it gets busiest during lunch and dinner hours, visiting during off-peak times gives you a quieter, more relaxed experience.

 

 

Why the food is so cheap?

Here’s what makes the Terminal 21 food court stand out: you can find dishes starting as low as 20 to 30 baht. In central Bangkok, you can barely find these prices for food anywhere else. In fact, you can easily manage to get up to 4 or 5 dishes within 200 baht, something that would typically only cover one dish elsewhere in the same area.

The secret to these low prices lies in the mall owner Anant Asavabhokhin’s vision. Vendors here don’t pay rent. Instead, they must meet strict quality standards, ensuring that every dish is fresh, delicious, and affordable. This rent-free model keeps costs down while maintaining high-quality food, making Terminal 21 Asoke’s food court one of the best-value options in the city.

PHOTO: via Pier 21 Food Court Terminal 21 Facebook page

What to eat: must-try dishes

With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. For classic Thai dishes, you can try the Pad Thai or Pad Ka Phrao (holy basil stir-fry). If you’re in the mood for something sweet, mango sticky rice is always a favourite amongst anyone in Thailand.

 

 

Feeling more adventurous? You have the choice to also try more regional Thai dishes like Kanom Jeen Nam Ya (fermented rice noodles in curry) or spicy Som Tam (papaya salad). Although if you are tried of Thai food, you can also find Japanese, Chinese, or even Western food as well.

 

How to pay for food

Paying at Terminal 21 Asoke’s food court is simple and flexible. The primary method is through a prepaid card system. You’ll need to load credit onto a card at the cashier counter before ordering food. Any unused balance can be refunded at the same counter before you leave.

Recently, they’ve made things even easier by accepting QR code payments. If you use mobile banking, you can skip the card and scan a QR code directly at many stalls. This is especially handy if you prefer going cashless or forgot to load enough credit on your prepaid card.

These options ensure you can focus on enjoying your meal without worrying about payment hassles.

 

How about the atmosphere?

The atmosphere here is also unique. Terminal 21 Asoke is all about its international airport vibe, with floors inspired by cities like Tokyo and London. But the food court is a whole different mood. Sitting on the top floor, it’s decked out like a pier, complete with cute sailor-themed decor.

The vibe at Terminal 21 Asoke’s food court is unique. While the rest of the mall channels an international airport theme with floors inspired by cities like Tokyo and London, the food court stands out with its cosy pier-inspired decor. Think sailor-themed designs, warm lighting, and a laid-back ambience that makes dining here a pleasant experience.

A smart marketing strategy

You might wonder how the mall profits if the food court doesn’t charge rent. The answer is simple. Once you’re done eating, you’ll need to pass through other levels of the mall to leave. This layout encourages you to explore the shops below, driving profits from the shopping section.

Especially on the first level, where people come in and go out, you’ll often find booths set up selling a variety of goods. At different times, you might even stumble upon a food market, where some of Bangkok’s most popular food vendors set up shop. The variety and tempting aromas are hard to resist, the food looks and smells so delicious, so it’s almost impossible not to stop and check it out.

 

Many people end up staying here for a while, whether they’re just arriving or about to leave the mall. So, it’s a win-win situation; you enjoy affordable food, and the mall benefits from increased foot traffic in its retail sections.

Why you’ll love it

The Terminal 21 Asoke food court isn’t just about grabbing a meal, it’s a food lover’s paradise right in the heart of Bangkok. Its location makes it a hub for everyone, whether you’re hopping off the BTS, MRT, or Airport Rail Link. Plus, it’s just a short walk from Benjakiti Park, making it the perfect pit stop after a stroll.

Here, you’ll find authentic Thai flavours and international favourites without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a fiery Pad Ka Phrao, a sweet serving of mango sticky rice, or even a Japanese bento box, there’s something for every dish and budget.

 

The next time you’re in Bangkok, give it a try. You’ll leave satisfied, with a full belly and maybe even a few shopping bags in hand!

 

 

[msbkk]

This particular food court is really good and cheap. The downside is that it is usually packed with hundreds of people and quite busy.

I personally prefer a quieter atmosphere with less people and I am willing to pay a higher price for that. 

[GypsyT]

Google map says "Pier 21". If it matters.

I'll try. BKK court is no good. Low quality.

[DonniePeverley]

Do they cook the food fresh ? Or do they just lay it out and reheat it?

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

On 11/30/2024 at 7:03 AM, DonniePeverley said:

Do they cook the food fresh ? Or do they just lay it out and reheat it?

 

 

I think it depends somewhat on the particular dish being ordered... But overall at the T21 food court, I'd say the most common mode is the main menu item food choices typically are pre-prepared in large pots / trays and then served up in individual portions when ordered. But there also are some cooked or assembled-to-order items there. Just depends.

 

[proton]

On 11/30/2024 at 7:03 AM, DonniePeverley said:

Do they cook the food fresh ? Or do they just lay it out and reheat it?

 

 

The only food court I got food poisoning from, couple of years ago, and don't eat meat or fish. Place is too busy usually.

[Chris Daley]

300 baht for a stone cold kao pad gai.  80 baht for a cha manow.

 

Got to love that affordable eating.  Hope there's trash on the table when I sit down.

[EVENKEEL]

The view seems like the best part of the meal. Personally I prefer the buffet joints like Shabu shi or others. 

[impulse]

Have they updated their payment methods?  When I worked across the street in Exchange Tower, we'd head over occasionally.  First, we had to queue up to swap cash for a one-day payment card, use the card to buy the food, then queue up again to refund the excess funds on the card.  I'd have preferred a stored value card that was good for more than just the same day.  Queuing twice in itself cut in on an hour long lunch break.  And as others have stated, finding a table to sit was a PITA during the lunch rush.  Most groups had someone nail down a table while one of them was getting the food.  Best time to go was outside of the lunch crush.

 

That said, a huge variety of some pretty good food at a good price.  Some of the choices weren't appealing, but there was plenty of variety, and a lot of the dishes were great.

 

[Celsius]

I don't like to eat there. A lot of restaurants were good 5 years ago, but most seem to be gone for some reason.

 

Emporium food court has a nice view and the quality is better, but probably at twice the price.

 

Terminal 21 on Rama 3 has more interesting food choices.