81. Noodle & Roast Pork Soup
A staple for city dwellers, because there must literally be thousands of pavement vendors and push-carts selling this quick, cheap and nutritious meal. A few stand out though, like this particular vendor right outside the 7 Eleven. The noodles taste like it's just been made, the soup is delicious and high in calcium, and the generous portion of sliced roast pork go down very well.
How to find it: As your turn into Sukhumvit 55 (BTS Thonglor), it's situated about 50 meters on the left.
82. French Quarter
Some people refer to Convent Road (just off Silom Road) as Bangkok's French Quarter. Probably because the bakery-cum-bistro La Boulange has been a pillar of the French community in the city for more than seven years, and continues to uphold the French way of living. Wonderful breads, pastries, cakes and bistro-type meals, all masterly created by a French chef (of course). Open every day from 06:30 until 22:00.
How to find it: Take the Skytrain (BTS) to Saladaeng (or underground to Silom).
83. Lebanese Food
You wouldn't expect to find such authentic and mouth-watering Lebanese food in the basement of Ploenchit Centre (considering all the fast food outlets on the ground floor). But there it is, with the apt name of Beirut, serving old-time Middle Eastern favourites like hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, schwarmas and home-made pita bread - and so cheap you'd think that they're making a mistake. The creamy mashed potato and garlic paste (served as a condiment) and the yoghurt and chickpea dip deserve mention.
How to find it: Opposite the JW Marriott Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 2.
84. Rosemary Chicken
A big favourite with students and teachers at the nearby International Academy of Music, this modern, bright and inexpensive little restaurant, called By Bangkok, serves a variety of tasty Thai and Western food. The grilled chicken with rosemary (served with potato salad) is a real show-stopper and, at 90 baht, a bargain not to miss!
How to find it: About 800 meters from Sukhumvit Soi 39.
85. Ethiopian Food
Looking to broaden your horizons with a very unique culinary experience at Bangkok's only Ethiopian restaurant? If you're not put off by eating with your hands by dipping sour flat 'injeera' bread into all kinds of exotic (and spicy!) stews, Abyssinya Caf- is it. To enhance the experience patrons sit at low tables and dishes are shared, a la Thai style.
How to find it: Just past the Grace Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 3 (BTS Nana)
86. Coffee, Tea or Gossip?
With a name like 'Cafe-ja! Kaffeeklatsch' you know you're in for something entirely different. But when it comes to coffee and tea, there's no other place in Bangkok that serves such an exotic variety. From South Africa's famous 'rooibos' (red bush) and honeybush herbal teas, 'lapacho' tea from South America, 'sencha' or 'chai', to rare Kenyan coffees and unusual flavours like vanilla, chocolate mint, mango, cinnamon and, you would never have guessed it, even that putrid-smelling Asian fruit, durian. Also up for offer are some great breakfast deals, cakes, sandwiches, lunch specials and BBQ dinners. For those who were wondering, 'kaffeeklatsch' is German for 'coffee gossip'. Clearly, much more than drinking rare coffees and teas goes on here - worth the trip out to Nonthaburi!
How to find it: Roof garden (4th floor), Software Park, Chaengwattana Road, Nonthaburi.
87. Shark's Fin Soup & Bird's Nest Soup
The cost of these Chinese delicatesses often equals the selling price of a small island in the Caribbean, and as such isn't something that have passed the lips or pleasured the palates of many people. Hidden in Chinatown (where else!?), a little restaurant called 'Lao Li' serves up the cheapest shark's fin soup and bird's nest soup in town. At 300 baht for a claypot of braised shark's fin soup with crab meat (and which can easily feed two people), it's a steal (the normal cost of this sought-after dish can be three, four times more). A small bowl of bird's nest soup, essentially a sweetened syryp with pieces of bird's nest, goes for a measly 100 baht (five times cheaper than its going rate). Great value for money.
How to find it: Yauwarat, Chinatown (ask around as this venue is well known)
88. Streetside Curry and Rice
When the funds are running dry and a glance at the menu at one of Khao San Road's many restaurants sets the 'overpriced' alarm bells ringing, head to this local 'raan khao kaeng' (rice and curry stall). The food may be pre-prepared, but it's cheap and always delicious. Try the 'massaman gai'.
How to find it: from Khao San Road, head down the alleyway on the left of the Bayon complex. At the end turn right along Soi Rambutri. Its at the end on your left, right next to the local 7Eleven.
89. BBQ Fish
On Soi Rambutri next to the temple, there are a brigade of stalls grilling fresh fish. The eating facilities aren't up to much - little more than roadside plastic chairs and cheap tables - but it always makes for a tasty feed at just as tasty prices. Beers are also a snip here, coming in at around half the price as at Khao San Road's restaurants.
How to find it: From Khao San Road head to the temple and take a left down Soi Rambutri. Just follow your nose to your barbecue of choice.
90. Or Tor Kor Market
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Located opposite the southern entrance to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor is run by the Agricultural Market Organization and has recently undergone a facelift, resulting in expanded parking space. The market is spacious, clean, bright and devoid of flying and crawling insects and funny smells. Often referred to as a 'hi-so' (high society) market, Or Tor Kor is famous for its select produce and gourmet edibles, whether vegetables, seafood, dried or preserved ingredients, ready-to-eat dishes or Thai traditional sweets. At the back of the market is an alley where rice, grains and seeds are sold, together with other ingredients such as a wide variety of 'kapi' (Thai shrimp pastes) from Rayong and Mahachai in Samut Songkhram, dried salted fish, sun-dried shrimp, pickles and more.
How to find it: Take the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station. Exit number three, and you're in the market. If you are here at the weekend then you can cross the road to the market for a bit of shopping.
91. It's a Good Market!
Bon March- ('cheap' or 'good market' in French) is a squeaky-clean and super-organised complex offering everything from food (of course), fresh produce, pastries, Thai desserts, plants, flowers, jewellery and clothes to mobile phones, medicine, home decorative items, foot massage, spa and even yoga classes! The market is broken down into six different sections, namely Bon Market, Bon Food Court, Bon Service & Jewellery, Bon Restaurant and Bon Plaza. The main part, Bon Market, is divided into little sections according to types of food and products. The high ceiling, spacious aisles and insect-free environment make it a pleasant surprise for those used to the typically crowded and unsanitary markets that can sometimes be found in Asia. Walking to the left of the market, you'll see Bon Food Court, which is, if not better, as good as any food court in shopping malls. A great variety of food, ingredients, fresh produce, desserts and fruits are on offer. The slightly higher prices are also justified by the clean and convenient shopping environment and the consistent variety.
How to find it: Bon March- is located on Prachachuen Road, close to Sameinnaree Temple.
92. Crystal Lounge
Looking for the latest hot spot in Bangkok? Crystal Lounge is a caf-, cocktail lounge and jewellery boutique all in one where you can enjoy great tapas, coffee and cocktails. What makes this trendy hang-out unusual is several show-pieces in the gallery like a tuk-tuk and Harley Davidson motorbike partly covered in crystals. It's also the flagship boutique store for the jewellery brand 'Crystal Evolution'. The perfect venue for those who love beautiful things and enjoy good coffee and food.
How to find it: Sukhumvit Soi 20
93. Bargain Lunch in Style!
The upmarket serviced apartments Centre Point Langsuan doesn't look like the kind of place where you'd find a bargain lunch in its stylish, air-conditioned ground floor restaurant. Yet, a wide range of Thai lunchtime specials between 40 and 150 baht are served here - complete with complimentary water and fruit (if you order from the 'daily specials' menu). Good, wholesome food and excellent value for money.
How to find it: 60 Soi 1, Langsuan Road
94. Grill 'n' Garden
The name gives it all away. Grill 'n' Garden is a place where you can sit and savour juicy grilled US beef amidst a lush garden. Other non-grilled items include seafood spaghetti in tom yum cream sauce and 'pla lui suan' (deep fried fish in mixed with herbs and vegetables). If the sun gets too hot, move to the inside 'zone' for live acoustic music and a great atmosphere.
How to find it: Ekkamai Soi 2, Sukhumvit 63
95. Yentafour Kreungsong
Yentafour Kreungsong adds a little Thai twist to this typical Chinese dish by categorising its noodle soups according to their spiciness level. Novices can start with 'yentafour dek dek' (yentafour for the 'children') or 'yentafour jai saw' (yentafour for the 'weak heart'). Those equipped with a more daring tongue are welcome to try 'yentafour rod jeb' (biting-flavour yentafour). For desserts, calm your burning mouth with 'khanom tuay' - a steamed Thai style pudding in small cups.
How to find it: Sukhumvit 42/1, next to Srivikrom School, 7th Floor MBK Center
96. Spring & Summer
This charming house is divided into two different sections, namely Spring Dining Room and Summer Chocolate Bar. You can sit in the front yard and enjoy fresh spring rolls with smoked salmon and chicken in lemongrass skewer with tamarind sauce. Head over to the Summer Chocolate Bar for the yummy Mom's chocolate cake, fruity vanilla crepe and Thai tea custard.
How to find it: 199 Soi Promsri 2, Sukhumvit, Klongtoey Nua
97. The Shock
Run by Thailand's most famous ghost story guru, The Shock menu is definitely something to scream about. Try the Grim Reaper's hors d'oeuvres, 'long dtaek' (bursting coffin), Egyptian mummy, headless zombie and vampire's clay pot. To complete the shocking experience, pay a visit to The Shock Room, where spooky photos from all over Thailand are displayed.
How to find it: 9 Praditmanuthum Raod, Lad Prao (not very far from Lotus Lad Prao)
98. Anyone Care for Almond Juice?
Looking for something to quench your thirst while browsing in Chinatown? Then look no further than this streetside stall. Treat yourself with a wide variety of freshly-squeezed juices from the common orange and coconut juice to pennywort and 'almond' juice. Try for yourself!
How to find it: Soi Tian Kua Tian, Chinatown, next to Kwan Jai Mango & Nam Pla Waan (number 70)
99. Best Crispy Wonton in a Noodle Soup
Fish-ball noodle soup can be found almost everywhere in this city. However, there's only one place that serves the noodles with yummy crispy wontons and shrimp balls. Feel free to order your next bowl!
How to find it: Saphan Luang, Opposite Sam Yan Market, Pathumwan
100. Lim Jing Hiang
Another not-to-be-missed place in Chinatown, Lim Jing Hiang offers flossy pork, dried crispy pork, Chinese sausages, roasted duck and much more. A great one-stop souvenir shop before you leave Chinatown.
How to find it: Yaowarat, Chinatown. Opposite Hua Seng Hong restaurant.
Still want more? Have a look in our What's New in Bangkok's food scene. |
