Walter Ponce
Service: **★★★★│**Food: **★★★★★│**Location: **★★★★│**Price: **★★★★│**Portions: ★★★★
Rongros is a Thai restaurant on Maha Rat Road in old Bangkok, right on the Chao Phraya River and facing Wat Arun on the opposite bank. It serves traditional Thai cooking in a small riverside dining room with a rooftop bar above, and it is listed in the Michelin Guide. I ate here on a trip to Bangkok, and this is my Rongros review.
The building used to be a garage by the river, and it has been turned into a charming restaurant. The serene waterside setting and the view of the temple in the background create an atmosphere that feels genuinely romantic.
The dining room and the view
The dining room is surrounded by glass, a little like a cozy conservatory, and looking out you get a stunning sight: the Phra Prang of Wat Arun, standing on the far bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Inside, the decor mixes navy blue and rich brown tones. Floral patterns are embroidered onto canvas panels, woven details have gold-rimmed accents, and stenciled wooden scenes bring in contemporary Thai aesthetics. A Chinese indigo pattern on the walls comes alive when daylight filters in.
Upstairs, the second floor opens onto a rooftop with views over the river and the city. Order a cold drink and you can sit back in the breeze coming off the water, which is one of the most relaxing things you can do in this part of Bangkok.
Rongros menu: what I ordered
The cooking channels the nostalgic flavours of authentic Thai home food, the kind of recipes passed down by grandparents.
I started from the snack menu with the Singburi Watermelon Dried Fish. It uses dried snakehead fish from Singburi province, grilled over charcoal, pounded, roasted until fluffy and mixed with sugar and fried onions, then served with diced watermelon. Sweet, salty and fresh at the same time.
From the appetizers, the vegetable rolls were a delightful choice, and their execution left nothing to be desired. For my main course I went for a classic Pad Thai, made with top-quality ingredients that you could taste in every bite.
Cocktails on the rooftop
The upper floor is the place for a drink, and the signature cocktail list is fun to read. The names alone make you go through the menu twice: “Blowjito”, “Ping Pong Show”, “Golden Flower” and “Bong Petchakad” (also spelled Bong Phetchakad). That last one is served in a bamboo bong and made with a Thai spirit such as Sangsom, mixed with mango and passion fruit juices. It is sweet and tart, with the punch of the local spirit coming through.
Is Rongros worth it?
Yes. I gave it four stars overall and five for the food. Whether you are already sightseeing nearby or simply want a special setting, I really recommend a visit. For the view, few places in Bangkok beat sitting across the river from Wat Arun as the light changes.
Where is Rongros? Address and getting there
Address: 392/16 Maha Rat Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Instagram: rongros_bkk
Rongros is in the historic Rattanakosin area of old Bangkok, one of the best locations in the city for sightseeing.
- By river: The Chao Phraya Express Boat stops at Tha Tien pier, close by. Cross-river ferries connect Tha Tien with Wat Arun.
- By MRT: Sanam Chai station on the Blue Line is within walking distance.
- By taxi or ride-hailing: Convenient, though traffic in the old town can be slow.
What to see nearby
- Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn, just across the river, beautiful at sunset and lit up at night.
- Wat Pho: Home of the giant Reclining Buddha and a famous Thai massage school.
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most important sites in Thailand.
- Pak Khlong Talat: Bangkok’s flower market, a short ride south along the river.
A good plan is to visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace in the morning, then come to the riverside for lunch or a late-afternoon drink. For a very different Bangkok dinner, see my review of Eat Me.
Thai dishes to know
If it is your first time eating Thai food in Bangkok, these classics are worth looking for on any menu:
- Tom Yum: A hot and sour soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chilli.
- Massaman curry: A mild, rich curry with Persian and Indian influences.
- Som Tam: Green papaya salad, sour, spicy and refreshing.
- Mango sticky rice: The classic Thai dessert, best in mango season.
Tips for your visit
- Book ahead, and ask for a window or terrace table if you want the Wat Arun view, especially around sunset. The restaurant is small.
- Dress respectfully if you plan to visit the temples nearby the same day: shoulders and knees covered.
- Ask about spice levels. Many dishes can be adjusted.
- Check opening hours before you go, as they can change.
- Visit in the cooler months if you can: November to February is the most comfortable time in Bangkok.
FAQ
Where is Rongros in Bangkok? At 392/16 Maha Rat Road in Phra Nakhon, by the Chao Phraya River and opposite Wat Arun.
Is Rongros a Michelin restaurant? Rongros is listed in the Michelin Guide Thailand. Check the guide for its current status.
What should I order at Rongros? I enjoyed the Singburi dried fish with watermelon, the vegetable rolls and the Pad Thai.
Does Rongros have a rooftop? Yes. The upper floor has a rooftop area for drinks with river views.
What is the nearest pier? Tha Tien pier, served by the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
Do I need a reservation? It is a good idea, especially for a table with a view at sunset.
