Ministry of Crab Bangkok
Ministry of Crab Bangkok is the Thai outpost of the celebrated Sri Lankan seafood concept, specialising in premium mud crabs sourced from Sri Lanka. The restaurant has earned a strong reputation for its signature crab preparations, with reviewers consistently praising the freshness and flavour of the crab meat itself. The garlic bread is frequently highlighted as a standout accompaniment, and the clams draw particular attention among the broader seafood selection on offer. The atmosphere suits special occasions, business dinners, and celebratory meals, with professional service and an upscale setting along Sukhumvit 31 in the Watthana district. It is worth noting that some visitors feel the pricing does not offer exceptional value within Thailand specifically, where high-quality seafood is widely available at lower price points. That said, for travellers seeking a polished, consistent dining experience with premium imported crab as the centrepiece, the restaurant delivers on its concept with confidence. Good to know: Ministry of Crab Bangkok operates exclusively as a dinner venue, open daily from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the restaurant's website. The Sukhumvit 31 location is accessible via BTS Asok or Phrom Phong stations. This is a luxury establishment, so guests should dress accordingly and budget for premium pricing before visiting.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ministry of Crab Bangkok, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Ministry of Crab Bangkok brings the legendary Sri Lankan crab experience to the city with style and confidence. Specializing in premium mud crabs sourced from Sri Lanka, the restaurant lives up to its reputation for bold flavors and top-tier seafood quality. The crabs are undoubtedly the star—meaty, fresh, and cooked to perfection. Signature preparations like the iconic chili crab showcase deep, complex spices with just the right balance of heat and richness, while letting the natural sweetness of the crab shine through. Portions are generous, and each dish feels indulgent and well thought out.
I tried asking a few local Thai people about this restaurant, but no one seemed to know it—probably because, at this price range, it’s not a place most people go to regularly. After all, people usually come to Thailand for Thai food. I ordered the jumbo prawns, and the shrimp roe was excellent—rich and paired beautifully with the sauce. If it weren’t for the price, I’d definitely come back more often, at least for special occasions.
Really a wonderful restaurant. Friendly staff, professional service, and of course delicious crabs. This is not a cheap restaurant and if you want "Bang for your buck", there are better options. But if you want an excellent experience (and Sri Lankan crab), I can think of nothing better.
Location Info
15, 1 Sukhumvit 31, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand+66 98 598 6554www.ministryofcrab.com/bangkok/online-bookingTips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter