Famous Paella in Bangkok, Thailand (Chatuchak Weekend Market)

Famous Spanish Paella

at Chatuchak Park Weekend Market, Bangkok, Thailand

Chatuchak Market, located in Bangkok's northern Chatuchak neighborhood, is the world's largest outdoor weekend market. You can find everything from souvenirs and fake Ray-Ban glasses to used books, art, and handicrafts.

Wander around for long enough, and you're sure to come across Viva 8, a Bangkok institution. This open-air bar and restaurant is famous for their paella which they cook in a huge pan in front of the bar and serve to hungry customers all weekend long.

famous Chatuchak Weekend Market paella in Bangkok, Thailand

I have been living in Bangkok for over a decade, and I've seen this famous paella dozens of times, but I've never actually sat down and ordered a plate for myself. Recently, I've been working on weekends and haven't been able to visit Chatuchak Market (which is only open on Saturdays and Sundays). This week, however, I had a rare Sunday off and decided it was finally time to get a plate of Bangkok's most iconic Paella.

a huge pan of Paella at Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market) in Bangkok, Thailand

A plate of paella costs 190 baht, which is a bit steep for Bangkok, but the portion is relatively big and since Chatuchak Market is pretty touristy, I guess I can understand the price.

The paella is made in a huge pan full of round grain rice, meat, and tons of veggies. A plate of paella comes with a mound of rice, squid, roasted sweet bell pepper, peas, green beans, several roasted chicken drumsticks, and a massive Thai prawn.

a plate of paella at Viva 8 in Bangkok's Chatuchak Market

The service is super quick (all they have to do is pile up your paella on a plate, after all!), and the meal is very filling. It's a great way to rest as you explore the sprawling expanses of Chatuchak Market on foot!

paella with prawn, squid, and chicken drumsticks in Bangkok, Thailand

Price and Menu

While Viva 8 bills itself as a bar and pizza restaurant, it's really their paella that made them a famous Chatuchak Market institution. If paella isn't your thing, check out their pizzas and other American-style bar classics like calamari rings, fried chicken, and french fries. There's also a huge drink menu of beer, cocktails, smoothies, and much more.

A plate of Viva 8's famous paella costs 190 baht (about $6). It's pretty expensive for Thailand, but the food is worth it.

Viva 8 menu and prices (pizza, paella, drinks, and more)

Location

Viva 8 is located inside Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand. Chatuchak Market (usually called "JJ Market") is located in the Chatuchak district of northern Bangkok. It's the world's largest weekend market, so it can be a little difficult to find exactly where you are going. To get to Viva 8, it's best to enter from the Chatuchak Park entrance of the market near Chatuchak Park MRT and Mo Chit BTS stations.

Viva 8 Bar at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok, Thailand

Viva 8 is specifically located at 375-367 โครงการ 8 ซอย 16/1 Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900.

See the map below for the restaurant's exact location within Chatuchak Market.