A popular Seafood Street Restaurant in Chinatown
Lek Seafood (Lek & Rut) is one of those iconic places in Bangkok’s Chinatown that many travellers remember long after their trip. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it feels slightly chaotic—but that’s what makes it special. Sitting right at the corner of Yaowarat Road and Phadung Dao (also called Soi Texas), this street seafood spot has been attracting locals and tourists for years with its fresh seafood and fast-paced service.
The restaurant started as a humble roadside stall and slowly built its reputation over time, thanks to its no-nonsense stir-fried crab, prawns grilled right on the sidewalk, and steamed fish in spicy lime sauce. It became one of the “must-eat” spots on Yaowarat Road. Back in the day, it was known for its consistency and friendly pricing. The food was fast, fresh, and packed with flavour, and the experience of eating out in the open, right next to roaring tuk-tuks and wandering crowds, added something you couldn’t find in indoor restaurants.
But over time, things changed a bit. With more blogs, food videos, and TikTok videos spreading the word, Lek & Rut became increasingly popular. Some say it’s not as good as it used to be, and we tend to agree a little. It’s still worth trying, but be ready for long queues and a bit less of that old charm. The quality of food is still above average, but when a place becomes this famous, expectations also grow.
There are a few small rooms inside, hidden behind the storefront, accessible via narrow and oddly designed staircases. But the truth is, sitting indoors takes away half the experience. Street dining is the real deal here. You’ll be seated on plastic stools next to folding tables set up right on the pavement. Tuk-tuks pass only a metre away from your plate, staff are rushing around with hot dishes, and you’ll be dodging pedestrians as they squeeze past your table. It’s not calm or quiet—but that’s Chinatown.
You’ll recognise the staff easily—they all wear red shirts, which is useful because their biggest competitor, T&K Seafood, is just across the street and their staff wear green. The two places have been rivals for well over a decade, and their menus are almost identical. If the queue at Lek & Rut is too long (which happens often after 6:30 PM), you can just cross the street to T&K. The food is very similar, and you won’t miss out.
The best time to come is just before sunset, when the street starts to light up and the grills are firing up. Don’t expect comfort or quiet, but do expect a classic Bangkok food memory. You won’t need a reservation (they don’t take any!), but you’ll need a bit of patience—and maybe a few tissues. Things can get messy, in a good way.
Lek Seafood Info
Location: Yaowarat Road – Chinatown
Address: Phadung Dao Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Hours: 3 pm – 2 am
Phone: 0865145328
Lek Seafood Map
More About Bangkok Chinatown
