Steakhouse Near the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok’s Historic Heart

Looking for a steakhouse near the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok’s historic heart? Located a stone’s throw from the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and a short walk from the Grand Palace, Medium Rare Tha Tien is a meat lover’s paradise. Brace yourself for steaks grilled to perfection. They will make your mouth water and leave you craving for more – at incredibly low prices!

The Back Story

I had flown in from Hong Kong a few hours earlier and checked into the Chakrabongse Villas and Residences, an exclusive boutique hotel overlooking the River of Kings.

It had just four suites, three rooms, a small café, and fine-dining restaurant. But more on that later.

While I had reservations for lunch and dinner the following day, I didn’t have plans for dinner that night. So I asked the affable hotel manager for a recommendation.

“Do you like beef?” she asked.

When I said yes, she said there was an excellent steakhouse near the Reclining Buddha, which was a short walk from the hotel. “It’s called Medium Rare,” she said. “When you walk out the front gate, turn left and go straight. You can’t miss it.”

I returned to my gorgeous room to freshen up and chill out. As soon as it started to get dark, I decided it was time to have dinner. I walked out the front gate and turned left, as the manager had instructed. After a few minutes, I could see a cluster of tables on the sidewalk.

“This must be the steakhouse near the Reclining Buddha that the manager was talking about,” I thought.

Medium Rare – Steakhouse Near the Reclining Buddha

Parked in front Medium Rare – Tha Tien was a tuk-tuk with a plentiful supply of wine and beer packed in ice. In the background across the street was the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

But this was hardly the tourist trap I was expecting of a steakhouse near the Reclining Buddha. When I arrived, almost all of the diners appeared to be local. There was hardly a foreigner in sight.

I decided to sit on a stool at an empty table. I asked the waiter for a menu, but there wasn’t one – at least not an English menu.

“Steak or seafood?” the waiter asked simply.

When I said steak, he asked, “Small, medium, or large?”

That’s when I noticed a large sign on an easel next to the entrance to the indoor dining area of the steakhouse near the Reclining Buddha. It said Medium Rare, with something in Thai underneath.

And there were three prices: S 150, M 200, and L 300. That would work out to roughly US$4, US$5.40, or US$8 at the time I wrote this. Can you believe it?

The waiter asked how hungry I was. If I was very hungry, I should order the medium. Otherwise, I should order the small. The large was meant to be shared by a few people.

I wasn’t asked how much I wanted the steak cooked. However, judging by the name of the restaurant, I assume that management assumed I would want it cooked medium rare. Another auspicious coincidence: medium rare is the exact way I like my steaks cooked!

Neither was I asked what I wanted to go with it … Apparently this was a “steaks only” kind of place. Unless you wanted seafood …

I was definitely in a “vegan free” zone! What else would you expect from a steakhouse near the Reclining Buddha in the heart of historic Bangkok?

My Wine

I ordered a glass of house wine to drink while I waited for my steak to arrive. I was poured a glass of very mellow Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon, a Chilean wine with soft, elegant, and red fruit flavors.

When I arrived, there were only a few diners. But slowly the empty tables became occupied with most diners arriving on foot.

My Steak 

When my steak arrived, it was served on a large wooden cutting board, already sliced. If I remember correctly, the only condiments were rock salt and sprigs of rosemary. There were no dipping sauces or gravies.

I took one bite, and I was blown away. It was absolutely delicious – juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Thai Beef

By now, I was wondering whom I was chatting with – a waiter or the manager. He seemed awfully knowledgeable.

So I complimented him on the quality of the beef and asked him where it came from, assuming it would be the United States, Australia, New Zealand, or Argentina. Instead, he said, “It’s local. If we served imported beef, we’d have to charge twice the price.”

He went on the explain that the quality of Thai beef had improved greatly in recent years, and it was no longer necessary to serve imported beef.

Based on the quality of my steak, I’d have to agree.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

What a location! If you are looking for a steakhouse near Reclining Buddha, this would have to be the place!

I was seated almost directly opposite the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of Thailand’s most important religious and heritage sites. The Grand Palace was also a short walk away.

I learned later that this was the old Royal City, Bangkok’s historic and cultural heart, which is situated on Rattanakosin Island.

I decided to visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace the following day.

Nearby Restaurants

Unfortunately, I could only spend two nights at Chakrabongse Villas. But I did have reservations to have lunch and dinner on Rattanakosin Island the following day.

Both of them were at fine-dining restaurants perched at the edge of the River of Kings, which is known locally as the Chao Phraya. They have views of the Temple of Dawn across the legendary waterway. And both of them served Thai cuisine. 

Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien serves homestyle Thai dishes inspired by family recipes handed down through the generations. Overlooking the River of Kings, it offers an Instagrammable view of the iconic Temple of Dawn.

Click HERE to read my first-hand-review!

Chakrabongse Dining is situated within Chakrabonse Villas, where I was staying. Overlooking the River of Kings, it affords a gorgeous view of the Temple of Dawn. With outdoor and indoor dining areas, the celebrated restaurant serves mouthwatering Royal Thai Cuisine inspired by original Royal Family recipes from the kitchens of the Grand Palace.

Click HERE for my first-hand review!

The Location

Medium Rare Tha Tien – Maha Rat Road, Tatien, Bangkok, Thailand. Telephone: 084 680 4564.

The restaurant is located on Rattanakosin Island in Bangkok’s historic heart.

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