Restaurants and food stalls in Bangkok

NickLam · February 9, 2006

I've just moved to Bangkok for business this January and my mates there have been bringing me to the secret spots that locals go to. Whilst I spent most time closing my eyes whilst they zoom precariously near to other traffic on the roads, here are three that I can remember.

(1) Prawn Noodles on Sukumvit Soi 26 (Its the next road up from Emporium, going away from Siam square). Walk down the road past the roadside vendors and you will come to a row of shophouses. There will be 2 stores selling noodles there. Its the 2nd one at the corner. The other one is a copycat.

(2) Nam Tok Luer

Boatman's noodles. The most amazing noodles I've ever had. If you head up north, you will defo eat it. The best I've eaten was prepared by my friend's maids, but to get close, take the highway towards the airport and get off at the end of the highway and go towards the river. There will be a few boatmen there where you can buy these noodles from! Alternatively...........you can go to the top floor of MBK using the main escalators in the middle of the building. On reaching the top floor, turn right and it is behind you. You can see their kitchen from the outside...and its pretty messy! Have the noodles and the barbecued pork.

(3) General seafood

Great and affordable seafood with amazing dipping chilli sauce. Enter Soi 24 on Sukhumvit, travel down all the way to the end and you will come to a petrol station. Turn left and continue down and you will see a restaurant on your left with fish tanks on one side.

(4) In Pattaya

They have giant prawns up there the size of dinner plates. They serve it on rice and you pull the head out, scoop all the good stuff from the head into the rice, cut up the meat, put the 4 condiments and yum!

NickLam · February 9, 2006

I've just moved to Bangkok for business this January and my mates there have been bringing me to the secret spots that locals go to. Whilst I spent most time closing my eyes whilst they zoom precariously near to other traffic on the roads, here are three that I can remember.

(1) Prawn Noodles on Sukumvit Soi 26 (Its the next road up from Emporium, going away from Siam square). Walk down the road past the roadside vendors and you will come to a row of shophouses. There will be 2 stores selling noodles there. Its the 2nd one at the corner. The other one is a copycat.

(2) Nam Tok Luer

Boatman's noodles. The most amazing noodles I've ever had. If you head up north, you will defo eat it. The best I've eaten was prepared by my friend's maids, but to get close, take the highway towards the airport and get off at the end of the highway and go towards the river. There will be a few boatmen there where you can buy these noodles from! Alternatively...........you can go to the top floor of MBK using the main escalators in the middle of the building. On reaching the top floor, turn right and it is behind you. You can see their kitchen from the outside...and its pretty messy! Have the noodles and the barbecued pork.

(3) General seafood

Great and affordable seafood with amazing dipping chilli sauce. Enter Soi 24 on Sukhumvit, travel down all the way to the end and you will come to a petrol station. Turn left and continue down and you will see a restaurant on your left with fish tanks on one side.

(4) In Pattaya

They have giant prawns up there the size of dinner plates. They serve it on rice and you pull the head out, scoop all the good stuff from the head into the rice, cut up the meat, put the 4 condiments and yum!

Most of Bangkok's gems are hidden away and seldom patronised by tourists. My mom and my aunts used to bring us to Bangkok to eat and we ate at the expensive restaurants (Well, converted, it was cheap for us) that were hyped up in magazines and newspapers. I will give all that up in a flash for a 20 baht bowl of nam tok luer.

jeanlim · May 7, 2006

(4) In PattayaThey have giant prawns up there the size of dinner plates. They serve it on rice and you pull the head out, scoop all the good stuff from the head into the rice, cut up the meat, put the 4 condiments and yum!I am off to Pattaya and staying at the Dusit resort for 3 days. Any recommendations on where and what to eat? Thanks.

jeanlim · May 29, 2006

I've really enjoyed the Bangkok airport canteen. It is tucked in a little corner and I think mainly the local staff go there. The food is cheap (relatively) and (I think) pretty authentic. I always have the tom yum koong (with lots of tissue) :raz:

iii_bake · July 4, 2006

I happen to live in Bangkok.

There are many types of restaurant.. mostly the recommended ones are not those the locals go to.

The noodle shop on Sunkhumvit Soi 26 is the famous one.

The I-sarn style ( North eastern part of Thailand) places are famous..they serve Grilled Chicken, Papaya salad, larb etc.

Good I-sarn places are many: one at the end of Soi Maharlek luang where the Four Seasons Hotel is, also the palce called " Norm Jit" on Soi ekkamai Sukhumvit 61.

The newest chic I-sarn is at the Paragon, the new and hip Shopping center...the place is called Cafe Chilli.

If you like roast duck with good noodle and Thai-Chinese style of food...do not miss Yong Lee...at the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 15...the place is packed.

If any of you need more details or contact number...please let me know.

:wub:

CHARCUTIER · July 25, 2006

I'm going to Bangkok with my partner next week. Whilst she has some vague thoughts about sight-seeing, I shall mostly be eating. We have been to BKK before and eaten amazing food, mostly from stalls. This time, we would like to go to a proper sit-down restaurant for one evening. We want authentic Thai food but in a restaurant setting. Is this possible? If so, where would you suggest? In terms of price, we are fairly flexible but would much rather avoid identikit hotel dining rooms.

I just can't wait to be there.

JC · July 25, 2006

Thanks NickLam and iii_bake for the tips. Keep em coming.

I'll also be in BKK next week, staying around the Sukhumvit Soi 11 area. Gosh, eating there will be a blast.

Stupid_American · July 30, 2006

I'm going to Bangkok with my partner next week. Whilst she has some vague thoughts about sight-seeing, I shall mostly be eating. We have been to BKK before and eaten amazing food, mostly from stalls. This time, we would like to go to a proper sit-down restaurant for one evening. We want authentic Thai food but in a restaurant setting. Is this possible? If so, where would you suggest? In terms of price, we are fairly flexible but would much rather avoid identikit hotel dining rooms.
I just can't wait to be there.
←

In Bangkok, even most "full menu" restaurants stay in business based on one or two items.

The rest of the menu is filler!

A nice place, we always bring visitors, is Yok Yor Marina and Restaurant.

It's in Klongsan, behind the Taksin Hospital.

It's a nice, outdoor, riverside setting and they feature a traditional dance show.

Another nice dinner is Riverside Bangkok Hotel's dinner cruise.

They feature great Thai dishes, cooked to order, onboard a huge boat, cruising the Chao Phraya.

Boat leaves at 8; reservations are a must.

percyn · August 5, 2006

I'm going to Bangkok with my partner next week. Whilst she has some vague thoughts about sight-seeing, I shall mostly be eating. We have been to BKK before and eaten amazing food, mostly from stalls. This time, we would like to go to a proper sit-down restaurant for one evening. We want authentic Thai food but in a restaurant setting. Is this possible? If so, where would you suggest? In terms of price, we are fairly flexible but would much rather avoid identikit hotel dining rooms.
I just can't wait to be there.
←

Last Aug I ate at the Spice Market at the Four Seasons (since I was staying there) and I liked the food soo much (even compared to the street food) that I ended up eating there twice.

Here are a few things I ordered from there (everything was fantastic):

Thom Yum Kung

Satay

Can't remember the name of this dish, but you put some meat, coconut, peanuts and sauce on a leave and eat it...it was increadible and I can't find it in the US...someone please help identify it and let me know if it is available in the US

Assorted desserts

Cheers

Percy

Edited August 5, 2006 by percyn (log)

Stupid_American · August 5, 2006

Can't remember the name of this dish, but you put some meat, coconut, peanuts and sauce on a leave and eat it...it was increadible and I can't find it in the US...someone please help identify it and let me know if it is available in the US

Here's mieng kum from a vendor ("25 baht, made fresh daily"):

If you are in the LA area, I have seen it at Silom Supermarket and the little store opposite Wat Thai LA.

I would imagine a few other LA Thai markets have it from time to time

Here's a tomyam noodle soup, also 25 baht:

It is of the best I've had.

This cart is on Convent Road, across from, and just south of the Swiss Lodge.

Convent Road, during the week, has some of Bangkok's best food carts.

They cater to Silom's office staffs.

percyn · August 6, 2006

Can't remember the name of this dish, but you put some meat, coconut, peanuts and sauce on a leave and eat it...it was increadible and I can't find it in the US...someone please help identify it and let me know if it is available in the US
Here's mieng kum from a vendor ("25 baht, made fresh daily"):
If you are in the LA area, I have seen it at Silom Supermarket and the little store opposite Wat Thai LA.
I would imagine a few other LA Thai markets have it from time to time

Thanks !!! What kind of leaves are used? I googled it and came up with various recipes, each using different leaves. The one I had in Thailand were similar to a Betel leaf.

Edited August 6, 2006 by percyn (log)

Stupid_American · August 7, 2006

Thanks !!! What kind of leaves are used? I googled it and came up with various recipes, each using different leaves. The one I had in Thailand were similar to a Betel leaf.
←

The betel leaves are the classic.

They add a bitterness, offset by the sauce.

Akiko · August 10, 2006

Last Aug I ate at the Spice Market at the Four Seasons (since I was staying there) and I liked the food soo much (even compared to the street food) that I ended up eating there twice.

Percy, what did you think of the hotel itself? It looks like I'll be staying there soon.

iii_bake · August 14, 2006

I'm going to Bangkok with my partner next week. Whilst she has some vague thoughts about sight-seeing, I shall mostly be eating. We have been to BKK before and eaten amazing food, mostly from stalls. This time, we would like to go to a proper sit-down restaurant for one evening. We want authentic Thai food but in a restaurant setting. Is this possible? If so, where would you suggest? In terms of price, we are fairly flexible but would much rather avoid identikit hotel dining rooms.
I just can't wait to be there.
←

Charcutier & JC

So sorry for this showing up late....am i late..? :shock:

I messed up the tracking this issue and got lost somehow.

is this still in time for any assistance?

Sukumvit soi 11...is it Suk11?

How was it?

About the authentic Thai...i just discovered a place..

The owner's brother used to run a place called kanicha ( Sukhumvit Soi 11). Somehow he just closed the place down a few years back.

Now his sister, with the same set of chefs as Kannicha...she opened the place called Foodies ( Prachachuen Road, Cement Thai village). The food is from the recipes of once of the Palaces.

It is much cheaper but not less delicious.

iii

Peter Green · November 10, 2006

Last Aug I ate at the Spice Market at the Four Seasons (since I was staying there) and I liked the food soo much (even compared to the street food) that I ended up eating there twice.
Percy, what did you think of the hotel itself? It looks like I'll be staying there soon.
←

In case this isn't too late.......the Four Seasons Bangkok generally makes it into the top hotels of the world in the polls.

Check the executive club out. It's worth an extra $20 or so for access. Aside from a good breakfast, internet access and the usual, in the late afternoon/early evening they lay out a fantastic spread of appetizers, wines (generally Australian, but some good Chilean as well), and spirits (too early for me). The big draw are the appetizers. The different restaurants in the Four Seasons take turns providing nibbles, so this includes The Spice Market, Biscotti, Shintaro, and Madison's, all laying out some of the best food porn I've seen.

The trick is to sample lightly, while still leaving room for your evening's eatings. Likewise, with the cost of wine in Bangkok, it's nice to relax before traffic with a Long Flat.

I should post some pics.

iii_bake · November 10, 2006

Last Aug I ate at the Spice Market at the Four Seasons (since I was staying there) and I liked the food soo much (even compared to the street food) that I ended up eating there twice.
Percy, what did you think of the hotel itself? It looks like I'll be staying there soon.
←
In case this isn't too late.......the Four Seasons Bangkok generally makes it into the top hotels of the world in the polls.
Check the executive club out. It's worth an extra $20 or so for access. Aside from a good breakfast, internet access and the usual, in the late afternoon/early evening they lay out a fantastic spread of appetizers, wines (generally Australian, but some good Chilean as well), and spirits (too early for me). The big draw are the appetizers. The different restaurants in the Four Seasons take turns providing nibbles, so this includes The Spice Market, Biscotti, Shintaro, and Madison's, all laying out some of the best food porn I've seen.
The trick is to sample lightly, while still leaving room for your evening's eatings. Likewise, with the cost of wine in Bangkok, it's nice to relax before traffic with a Long Flat.
I should post some pics.
←

I like sitting next to the small pond having a cup of coffee and suasage roll.

The orange juice is nice as well, Thai tnagerine actually.

Peter..you join The World Gourmet Festival there every year i think!

See you next year!

Peter Green · November 10, 2006

Last Aug I ate at the Spice Market at the Four Seasons (since I was staying there) and I liked the food soo much (even compared to the street food) that I ended up eating there twice.
Percy, what did you think of the hotel itself? It looks like I'll be staying there soon.
←
In case this isn't too late.......the Four Seasons Bangkok generally makes it into the top hotels of the world in the polls.
Check the executive club out. It's worth an extra $20 or so for access. Aside from a good breakfast, internet access and the usual, in the late afternoon/early evening they lay out a fantastic spread of appetizers, wines (generally Australian, but some good Chilean as well), and spirits (too early for me). The big draw are the appetizers. The different restaurants in the Four Seasons take turns providing nibbles, so this includes The Spice Market, Biscotti, Shintaro, and Madison's, all laying out some of the best food porn I've seen.
The trick is to sample lightly, while still leaving room for your evening's eatings. Likewise, with the cost of wine in Bangkok, it's nice to relax before traffic with a Long Flat.
I should post some pics.
←
I like sitting next to the small pond having a cup of coffee and suasage roll.
The orange juice is nice as well, Thai tnagerine actually.
Peter..you join The World Gourmet Festival there every year i think!
See you next year!
←

It's an addiction, what can I say?

Peter Green · April 22, 2007

There was a good article in the Bangkok Post under Street Eats by Vanniya Sriangura on khao chae, a traditional hot weather treat of soaked rice.

Beyond the khao chae part, what was interesting is that, in talking about good places to eat this, there was a list of traditional, older Thai restaurants.

Here's the list I lifted from the article:

- Dr Gothom Arya's

Following a century-old royal recipe that has been passed on in the Bunnag family, homemade khao chae by Dr Gothom Arya and his wife Porntip has been one of the most sought-after delicacies of the summer. Priced at 160 baht per set, the Arya's khao chae is only available for take-away and delivery from their home on Nang Linchi Road in Thung Mahamek district. Call 02-286-1952 to place orders.

- Lai Rot

For many years, Lai Rot has been well known among Thai customers for its khao chae chao wang, using a recipe from Prince Chalermkhetmongkol's Palace. The price is 150 baht per set. The are two restaurants, one on Sukhumvit Soi 39 and the other on Khlong Prapa Road . Tel 02-391-3193 and 02-279-2895.

- Than Ying

This upmarket, well-respected royal Thai cuisine restaurant offers khao chae following the recipe of MC Sulapwalleng Visuddhi, formerly head chef of Queen Rambhai Bharni's Sukhothai Palace . The sets are priced at 275 baht and the restaurant is on Pramuan Road . Tel 02-236-4361.

- Sa-nguan Sri

For decades, this age-old Witthayu Road eatery in the middle of Bangkok 's commercial and financial district has featured traditional khao chae on its summer menu. The price is 150 baht per set. Tel 02-251-9378.

- Ton Kreung

This well-liked restaurant in the middle of Soi Thong Lo offers khao chae following the recipe used in Chaochommanda Kean's (a wife of King Rama VI) palace. The restaurant is located on Sukhumvit Soi 55. Tel 02-391-8703.

- Baan Prachachuen

Born into the Snidwongse family, 85-year-old ML Promsri Pibulsonggram, like any typical female member of the royal household, is an acclaimed culinary master, especially in authentic Thai cuisine. At her home-style restaurant, Baan Prachachuen, khao chae is one of the most popular dishes and is available year-round at 150 baht per set. The restaurant is on Prachachuen Soi 33 in Bang Sue district. Tel 02-585-1323.

I have to admit, outside of ton Kreung, I don't know any of these. Can anyone make any recommendations or comments on these?

Chris Amirault · February 16, 2008

I just found a copy of Thai Hawker Food here at the DCO Thai bookshop. At $6.45 plus shipping, it came in at under $15 -- about $30 less than the Amazon price. Will update when it arrives.

tupac17616 · February 16, 2008

I just found a copy of Thai Hawker Food here at the DCO Thai bookshop. At $6.45 plus shipping, it came in at under $15 -- about $30 less than the Amazon price. Will update when it arrives.

That book really came in handy as I wandered through the city's wonderful food stalls on a recent trip. Enjoy!

Chris Amirault · March 3, 2008

Just got it and it looks great: very useful illustrations, translations, maps, on and on. I'll know more about whether it's useful this summer, but, for now, I'm thrilled.

Stupid_American · March 17, 2008

The book is great for an introduction to street food, but don't get your heart set on any specific stalls or carts mentioned.

The book is a little dated and many of these small establishments come and go.

Chris Amirault · March 18, 2008

I had assumed as much -- but even with expected comings and goings, the descriptions of what display X or cooking vessel Y means are worth the price of the book so far.

Stupid_American · March 19, 2008

Yes, I recommend the book (unfortunately out-of-print).

It's a great guide to the cuisine; helps you to know what you are looking for/at.

I just didn't want you to expect the locations (maps) to necessarily be accurate.

But, most of the described dishes can be found anywhere.

eternal · January 8, 2009

I have been in Bangkok now for 24 hours after 23 hours in Seoul. Was lucky enough to get into the city and have a few bites there though nothing worth mentioning here.

After a day of eating well off of street stalls, I plan on heading to Chote Chitr and using the map for that area mentioned in a similar post. Other places on my list at Dalat Aw Taw Kaw and Taling Pling, which just happens to be about a block away from our current hotel. Am traveling for the next year so my food budget is pretty small and will be in Bangkok for another few days. Anything else I should add to the list not already mentioned in this thread?

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