Nahm is yet another cornerstone of Bangkokian culinary culture. Since opening in 2011 under the leadership of Australian chef David Thompson, Nahm has received significant praise over the years. It’s also lived through the inevitable criticism and backlash that inevitably comes with big success. And with equally mouthwatering competition throughout the city, it’s undeniably fair for visitors to be critical of Nahm’s cuisine.

And yet when something’s so lauded, there’s often good reason. Without a doubt, Nahm churns out some of the best Thai food in Bangkok. Thompson’s core motivation seems to be in bringing to fruition the traditional essence of Thai cuisine. Instead of focusing on creating new-fangled fusions, Nahm remains committed to perfecting what we all love so much about Thai dishes. Although not every item on the menu is something to write home about, the ones that are—such as the crispy catfish, grilled mussels, and lemongrass salad—are still unrivaled. Just remember to keep your expectations in check!