How to Do Thanksgiving in Thailand: Where to Find Turkey, Stuffing & Good Vibes
Thanksgiving might not be an official holiday in Thailand, but if you’ve lived here long enough, you know we never pass up an excuse to gather, eat, and share good vibes.
As someone who spent a few years in San Francisco, I still crave that cozy feeling of turkey, cranberry sauce, and laughter around the table. So if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in Thailand this year — whether hosting your own “Friendsgiving” or planning to dine out — here’s your local guide from one Thai girl who gets it.
Where to Find Your Turkey & Ingredients
Finding the right ingredients in Bangkok is easier than you think. Start early though — whole turkeys sell out fast!
Here are my go-to spots:
- Villa Market – My personal favorite for imported goods. They usually take pre-orders for whole turkeys and have all the American staples: canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and marshmallows.
- Gourmet Market (Siam Paragon, EmQuartier, ICONSIAM) – Great for premium produce, imported cheeses, and wine.
- Foodland – 24-hour lifesaver for last-minute ingredients like potatoes, butter, and herbs.
- Sloane’s or Conkey’s Bakery – For homemade sausages, sourdough, and artisan bread.
- Rimping (Chiang Mai & Bangkok) – For organic veggies and meats if you’re up north.
Tip: Many stores open pre-orders around early November. You can even order online through Villa Market’s or Tops’ websites.
Where to Eat Out in Bangkok (2025 Edition)
If you’d rather skip the cooking (and the dishes!), plenty of restaurants across Bangkok serve Thanksgiving specials every year. Here are some worth checking:
- Bourbon Street (Ekkamai) – A true expat favorite! Expect a classic American Thanksgiving buffet with all the trimmings — roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies that taste just like home.
- VIU, The St. Regis Bangkok – An upscale Thanksgiving dinner with wine pairings and a view to match. Perfect if you’re looking for a more refined celebration. (Bookings available directly via VIU BangkoK)
- ALATi, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok – The Mediterranean restaurant brings a semi-buffet Thanksgiving experience, combining festive classics with Mediterranean flair. Children aged 6–12 dine at half-price, making it great for families.
- The Dining Room, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok– For one night only, The Dining Room adds Thanksgiving favorites to its signature buffet — think roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, baked Virginia ham, and kabocha pumpkin soup. Elegant and festive, it’s a Bangkok institution worth booking early.
- Mexicano Restaurante Auténtico, Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok – Add some spice to your Thanksgiving! Mexicano is offering a festive Latin-inspired dinner, pairing roasted turkey with Mexican sides, margaritas, and live music for a fun, vibrant twist on the holiday.
(Pro tip: Check their social pages mid-November — most post menus and booking details early!)
Thai-Style Thanksgiving: A Delicious Twist
If you’re feeling creative, try giving your Thanksgiving feast a Thai spin. I came across this amazing inspiration from Pailin Chongchitnant’s “Hot Thai Kitchen” — a Thai-style Thanksgiving with dishes like:
- Green curry mashed potatoes
- Lemongrass turkey brine
- Pumpkin coconut soup
- Coconut-lime pie
It’s such a fun way to blend both worlds — California nostalgia meets Thai flavors.
The Spirit of Gratitude
Thanksgiving, at its heart, isn’t about the food (though I’ll never say no to pie). It’s about gratitude — and that’s something Thailand gets right every single day. Whether your table overlooks the Chao Phraya or a small condo balcony, you can always find warmth, laughter, and friendship here.
So light the candles, say your “thank yous,” and celebrate the season your own way — Thai style.
