Seacon Square: dine in the jungle or a garden atmosphere with atrium views just over the railing

Land of Food: Jungle Park in Seacon Square is another decor extravaganza. Entire sections of the eating area appear to be in deep woods, making one think of the Blair Witch Project. Other seats allow diners to peer into Seacon Square's vast atrium; decorated with Dali-cum-Rube Goldberg sculptures hanging from the ceiling. But nothing beats the wooden boat stranded in the food park jungle with tables inside.

Food Island in the Fashion Island shopping mall is also unique. The walls are painted with tropical scenes and modernist metal-and-plastic representations of palm trees dot the area. Diners are also treated to a monorail passing overhead and the Disney-esque entrance to the nearby Magic Island indoor amusement park. Another themed food court is Colosseum at Central Plaza Pinklao where the huge statue of a Roman centurion dominates a central rotunda.

One of the many staff who help to keep MBK’s huge & colourful dining area clean

Although the Seacon Square and Fashion Island food courts are larger than most, when it comes to sheer size and variety of food, Mah Boon Krong's Food Centre is the mother of all food courts. "Number one," asserts manager Supachai Phinyawattana. With 90 stalls, 2,500 seats and 15 years in operation, it's hard to dispute him. Despite the lack of creativity with the food centre’s name, diners here are spoiled for choice. Vegetarians can choose from two veggie stalls and Muslims from three halal stalls. You'll find all the standard Thai dishes, as well as specialties such as bird's nest soup, ‘milk-and-toast’, sushi, draft beer, Japanese crepes, fruit spring rolls and herbal drinks (the bale fruit drink is, reputedly, good for de-flatulence).

Pamper yourself for an extra 20 Baht (US 50 Cents) in the WTC VIP room

For general food court comfort, the clear winner is the relatively small food court at the Emporium. The Garden Terrace features finely crafted wooden booths, a cosy eating space and huge pictures of flowers on the walls. These amenities create a rather exclusive feel but, then again, that’s what would you expect from the mall that bills itself as the ‘Ultimate Shopping Centre’.

For those willing to splurge a bit, the ultimate in food court comfort can be had in the VIP Room at the World Trade Centre. Diners pay an extra 20 Baht per person (in coupons, of course) for the privilege or their own private room with plush chairs, tablecloths, wait staff service and a private video screen.

Sweet treats compliment the sweet views from Emporium’s sixth floor Garden Terrace

It may not be as spectacular as the Bangkok Sky Restaurant atop Baiyoke Tower II but the view from Empire Tower Food Centre and Bistro is definitely a better value. Bangkok's famous ‘Robot Building’ smiles at you from nearby and you can see the sky train sliding along Sathorn Road. Further on, the skyscrapers of the Silom business district and the flat expanse of Thung Mahamek stretch out before you. For those preferring a more pastoral view, Emporium's Garden Terrace allows you to peer down at children playing in Benjasiri Park and the BTS trains cruising down Sukhumvit. Central Rama III’s Food Pavilion also has a nice view of southern Bangkok.

Clean & wholesome; the Vegetarian Society food court next to Chatuchak market

While all food courts represent good value, the Vegetarian Society food court next to Chatuchak market is in a class by itself. Even the hungriest souls will find it nearly impossible to eat more than 40 Baht worth of delicious vegetarian goodies. Most dishes are in the 10-12 Baht (US 25-30 Cents) range, though some of the more expensive ones run up to a whopping 15 Baht. The food court is open air (i.e. no air-con) but standing and hanging fans keep you cool as you indulge. Hours are limited: the food court closes at 2:00pm on weekdays and 3:00pm on weekends. It’s closed on Mondays.

There are numerous other food courts scattered throughout the city. If you're pressed for time, pressed for cash, craving a bit of bizarre decor or simply looking to eat as millions of Thais do every day, head to the nearest food court. You can find details such as locations, opening hours and descriptions of many of Bangkok's food courts in our directory section.