Hotel concierges recommend tourist traps. Michelin's Bangkok street food section lists 50+ vendors with exact addresses and specialty dishes - completely free online.

Jay Fai gets Netflix fame but Som Tam Jay So (near Victory Monument BTS) makes superior papaya salad for ฿60. Better technique, authentic Isaan flavors, no tourist markup. Thip Samai (Mahachai Road) sets the pad thai standard - same family recipe 60+ years, perfect wok hei, tamarind balance that most places can't touch.

Raan Jay Fai for crab omelets if you want textbook wok control demonstration, but expect ฿1,200+ and long waits since the documentary. Real pros hit these spots during lunch rush - no queue at dinner time means keep walking.

Follow the guide religiously. These vendors earned stars through technique, not marketing. Locals still queue at the good ones despite Michelin attention.