There’s a new Taco Bell in Bangkok and I could not help but to try it during my recent trip.
Taco Bell In Bangkok? Yes Please.
I spent three days in Bangkok and promise I’ll shortly share all the details about my stay, including my arrival into Suvarnabhumi Airport, quarantine, and hotel hopping. I had a great time and after nearly three years it was great to be back in Thailand.
But today, just a shoutout to Taco Bell for its attempt to enter the Thai market. Last time I was in Bangkok, Taco Bell was not present. But on my way to the Grand Hyatt I passed the Taco Bell just a few blocks away.
I had to try it.
Taco Bell Bangkok
540 Phloen Chit Rd Lumphini
Pathum Wan District Bangkok 10330 Chidlom
+66 65 953 2784
(there are seven other locations too)
Wait. Come all the way to Thailand for Taco Bell? Are you crazy?
Yeah, yeah. I get it. But no apologizes for trying my favorite American fast food chain in Bangkok, just as I did in Tokyo.
The sad thing was the place was empty…I’m not sure Thais really want to shell out for (relatively) pricey American Tex-Mex when they live in a land of delicious food.
But I have to say I quite enjoyed my cheese quesadilla, beef taco, and nachos. A calorie bomb to be sure, but nice comfort food after being released from quarantine. It truly hit the spot and was cheaper than U.S. pricing.
So if you’re in Bangkok for an extended trip and are feeling a bit homesick, Taco Bell is open daily until 10:00pm and offers nice comfort food. You can also have it delivered via the Grab app.
For those who may be more regular travelers to Bangkok than I am, any good Mexican food recommendations while there? Wherever I am in the world, I’m always up for Mexican food.
No shame from me. Taco Bell was not the reason you went, you just found it there and decided “why not?”
Eating Taco Bell in Bangkong? That’s just plain bad! Eat some authentic thai street food please Matthew.
Bangkong?
Sadly, Hong Kong has no Taco Bell.
Best Mexican food in America!
https://theharrispoll.com/taco-bell-is-americas-favorite-mexican-restaurant
LOL
*Face palms
Does this take him a notch down on the Stuart scale?
@Ed – Best Mexican food?? LOL I am in San Diego and the Taco Bell drive through is usually busy so I guess it’s not the worst “‘Mexican” food, but why would you bother when you can get the best Mexican food usually within a few feet.
When I was in Bangkok my first time I went in to a Dunkin Donuts because they weren’t available in CA yet. So no shame for going to Taco Bell there.
Were there any Thai-curated options? I remember a while ago at the Bangkok McD’s you could have a fried chicken sandwich with sticky rice “buns”. And the chicken wasn’t like Western fried chicken; it was more aligned with the chicken you’d get at a Lawson or 7-11 in Tokyo. I was in Bangkok for like three weeks and couldn’t get enough of the sandwich. It was both Thai (I think) and McD’s, so sort of the best of both worlds: local and reminiscent of home.
This is what I wanted to know… McDonald’s can usually be counted on for some interesting local only menu items. Curious if Taco Bell does the same
I’m with you! I wouldn’t hesitate to try it just for the novelty of it. Thanks for sharing!!!
I don’t think Taco Bell will succeed. They were late to the game. There’s a restaurant at the basement of Siam Paragon which sells good Tex Mex food. They and Five Guys and Shake Shack in Asia will find that just because you’re an American brand doesn’t mean everyone will like you. You’ve gotta be good.
@Matthew: Are you sure you didn’t pick up anything else from the Taco Bell “host”?
That name gave me a chuckle.
I just left Bkk yesterday. Stayed at Grand Hyatt the last 3 nights. Maybe I saw you and didn’t recognize you. Was fortunate to get a double upgrade to executive suite corner room on 17th floor down from ex lounge. Overlooking golf course. Used Amex Hotel $200 credit. Used Hyatt suite certificate and a second upgrade with Amex. They conferred Hyatt globalist benefits even though didn’t have to.
I didn’t see the Taco Bell. Maybe because I was too busy Swadee Khrabing all the Ronald McDonalds in town.
Hope your airport experience was as nice as mine. I was a total of about 25 minutes deplaning, screening, immigration, luggage pu, and swab. Pays to have paperwork ready.
Much longer at Thai Health Clinic for exit antigen test. 2 hours total counting waiting for paper copy.
How was the grand Hyatt in terms of globalist benefits: breakfast, cocktail hours, lounge?
Planning a trip there but hesiting between the Regency or the Grand Hyatt.
Thanks.
In a word: Nasty
Margarita Storm on Sukhumvit is good.
When I left BKK in April (after 1.5 years) it seemed like Taco Bell’s were all over. Sukhumvit Soi 11, Siam, other malls, food panda.
You missed the long queue when it opened more than two years ago. There are now nine branches.
You missed all the queue when it first opened more than two years ago. There are now nine branches.
Taco Bell in India, at one point at least, gave free drink refills. I’ve hit the bell in Spain, Guatemala, Brazil, India, and Poland and I always recall their menu being pretty standard around the globe. It’s a lot of cheese for SE Asian appetites though. I look forward to dropping in for one meal (and that’s it!) next time I’m in Krung Thep.
I can proudly say that last time I ate at any fast food chain such as McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc… was over 20 years ago.
When I lived in Saudi Arabia, I occasionally visited the Saudi McDonalds. I felt no shame…Sadi isn’t exactly know as a culinary Mecca. Did the Taco Bell have anything unique to that market? The Sadi McDonalds had Egg Rolls (tasted like cabbage wrapped in a French fry.
The menu:
https://tacobell.co.th/thailand-en/
Not really any unique items.
This isn’t new. It’s been there for 3-4 years now. There’s a few locations now.
There’s no great Mexican in Bangkok but a few food trucks are around which are decent.
“Now All Restaurants are Taco Bell” Sandra Bullock- Demolition Man
My biggest complaint is they no longer serve Cognac. Other than that it is mostly the same. You cannot serve yourself in the lounge now so there may be a queue.
Breakfast is served downstairs only now but that is not a negative for me as o rarely eat breakfast in the club lounge. Selection is always better downstairs.
Club lounge hours for cocktails is 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
I must say I regretted staying in the middle of town as much as I did this time. I enjoy the views and the river so much more staying near Chao Phraya.
But the Grand Hyatt is always a solid choice, especially at current prices.
Yes, it was so cheap! I paid more to stay at the Hyatt Regency my last night and wish I had stayed at the Erwan. I far prefer it.
Takes place in 2032, so only 11 more years.
Above was meant to reply to Joe
being that there are now 9 Bangkok locations and 1 in Pattaya I’d say Thai people like Taco Bell.
For the “tards” who can’t understand why Thais would eat Taco Bell, the word you might search for is “variety”. The same reason you don’t eat Thai food 365 days a year. 🙂
Tacos y Salsa in onnut!
Regarding taco bell it was crowded with Thais pre pandemic!
Eating Taco Bell in Bangkok. What a Jabroni. What a rube.
Should have tried one of the local MKs. The duck with rice is to die for. The Smokin Pug has great barbecue!!!
Cannot wait to get back. Hopefully in May.
might take some thai friends there for the amusement value
Taco Bell In Bangkok?
Yes. Why not?
Not every single meal in a trip has to be a life changing or local authentic experience.
Nothing wrong with doing this. I visited McD’s, KFC and some others when I was in Japan (of course it was a month). It’s interesting to see how familiar chains adapt to different cultures – and I like to do this when I travel. That said, those pictures make it appear that Taco Bell in Bangkok is no different than Taco Bell in Sheboygan. So, that could be why the place is so empty.
La Monita is a short walk away!
I have eaten there, and it’s the worst food in the whole of Bangkok. The portions are tiny and the food is disgusting. Avoid at all cost. The burrito in the photo is tiny, and it’s not a burrito, it’s mostly bread. Nothing positive to say about this taco bell. You have been warned.
I always found Sunrise Tacos to be pretty decent Mexican in BKK, there is a branch in T21. They have a great selection of tacos and various hot sauces. Can’t wait to get back!
What amaze me:
* An Angelino who loves Taco Bell, where real Mexican food is plentiful.
* You love it so much that you had it during your 3 day stay (if I read correctly).
* You had it in Guatemala City, I was surprised to know Guatemala has one. I’ve never seen it in Mexico, except in Tijuana, where a small taqueria using the name without a license.
It was empty because it isn’t cheap for what they sell? It was rare that I paid more than THB100 for a good meal.
Look, I adore real Mexican food, but Taco Bell is a weakness. Whatever chemicals they put in their food have hooked me.