As a resident of Bangkok, Thailand I travel through Suvarnabhumi Airport many times a year.
One of south east Asia’s biggest airports, Suvarnabhumi was recently voted one of the world’s top ten airports due to its efficiency, staff, amenities, convenience and, of course, its restaurants.
Suvarnabhumi has more than 60 restaurants to eat at but many are not cheap.
That is why, if you will be traveling through Suvarnabhumi Airport, and know you will want a cheap meal or snack, eat at one of these places.
The food is good and prices are cheaper than at other Suvarnabhumi restaurants.
Dairy Queen – Now, of course, when you are in Thailand you don’t expect to have Dairy Queen recommended to you as one of the best restaurants in Suvarnabhumi.
Don’t worry, it’s not.
However, it is just about the cheapest restaurant in the airport, beating McDonald’s by a mile and Thai restaurants by marathons so, if you’re trying to save money, Dairy Queen in the international departure area is the place to eat.
The last time I flew through Suvarnabhumi Airport, I was late so grabbed a chili hot dog, french fries and a coke at Dairy Queen. Surprisingly, the whole meal was 150 baht, which is comparable to Dairy Queen anywhere else in Thailand.
A typical set meal at McDonald’s just across the aisle was more than 320 baht, for something that wouldn’t cost you more than 130 baht in the center of Bangkok.
That is why I say Dairy Queen is the cheapest restaurant to eat at in Suvarnabhumi, so no wonder it is always busy.
Caffe Nero by Black Canyon – For a Thai brand fast food restaurant, Caffe Nero by Black Canyon, also in the international departure area, is a great choice.
In Bangkok, Black Canyon Coffee is one of my favorite restaurants to grab a quick cheap bite and, at Suvarnabhumi, they are a good cafe for a latte, a fruit shake, a sandwich, pasta, a Thai rice dish, or a number of other quick meals.
Prices are higher than at a comparable Black Canyon Coffee in Bangkok, but not as high as many of the other restaurants. Expect to be able to get away with pasta, a rice dish or a sandwich, plus drink for around 180 to 200 baht.
There is also a Caffe Nero by Black Canyon in the Main Terminal, so you don’t have to be a passenger to eat here. Just expect it to be busy as the latest trend with Thais is to take the new express train out to the airport, spend an hour wandering around, grab lunch and come back.
A cheap afternoon out for them, but it makes the restaurants in the Main Terminal very crowded.
Whittard of Chelsea – One of my favorite eateries in the early morning, when I’m looking for a good cup of tea or a latte and a satisfying pastry, is Whittard of Chelsea.
A British company, Whittard serves excellent croissants, cinnamon rolls, and puff pastries as well as scrumptious cakes later on in the day. Lattes here are good and prices, while not cheap, are cheaper than many of the other cafes and bakeries. In my opinion too, the coffee and pastries are better.
Related Reading: Whittards of Chelsea at Central World serves delicious cakes and pastry and superb coffee drinks
Magic Food Point – Just about the best and cheapest place to eat at Suvarnabhumi, particularly if you like Thai food, is the Magic Food Point food court. Many passengers don’t know about this as it is tucked away on Level One – but ask any staff at any of the check-in desks, they’ll give you directions.
Magic Food Point is superb as it is just like any typical Thai food court. You buy coupons to use at the food stalls, browse the many small restaurant stalls where every member of your party can buy something different, then sit in the main eating area all together. Prices are far cheaper than in the main airport departure area as airport staff eat here.
I have eaten tasty Pad Thai, Som Tam and other rice and noodle dishes at Magic Food Point as well as some delicious Muslim halal food.
At between 35 to 60 baht for a dish, it is particularly useful for those travelers running out of Thai baht and not wishing to exchange more money.