Tiny Thai “House of Flavours” at Tha Tien with vintage décor, bold flavours and front-row Wat Arun views across the Chao Phraya.
Rongros – literally “House of Flavours” – is a small Thai restaurant perched right on the Chao Phraya at Tha Tien, looking straight across to Wat Arun. Inside, it feels more like a moody townhouse than a conventional river terrace: chandeliers hanging low over dark wood, painted Chinese panels on the walls and big windows that frame the temple outside. The room is compact and a little buzzy, but that’s part of the appeal – you’re here for punchy, nostalgic Thai flavours and a front-row view of one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, not white-tablecloth formality.
Arriving at Rongros means slipping off busy Maha Rat Road and into a narrow riverside strip where old shophouses lean over the water. The restaurant itself occupies one of these townhouses, spread over a low-lit ground floor and a small upper level, with windows that sit almost flush with the river. In daylight you get a clear, detailed view of Wat Arun across the water; after dark, the temple glows above the boats and the whole space takes on a slightly cinematic feel – reflections of chandeliers in the glass, candles on the tables and the river flowing silently behind it all.
On the plate, Rongros leans into familiar Thai comforts dialled up just enough to feel special. Signature dishes highlighted by guides and regulars include a rich green curry with rib eye beef served alongside flaky roti, a tangy glass noodle salad and crisp fried grouper with fresh chilli and garlic. There are stir-fries, curries and small bites that pair easily with rice, plus cocktails, wine and cold beers that fit the slightly celebratory mood. It’s the kind of menu where you order a few favourites, add one or two “let’s-try-this” plates and pass everything around while the temple slowly changes colour outside.