Somtam Nua (ส้มตำนัว) @ Siam Square
Cuisine: Thai (Isaan)
Address: 392/14 Siam Square Soi 5, Bangkok 10110.
GPS: Nil
Tel: 02 2514880
Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm. Kitchen closes at 930pm.
Payment: Cash only.
Web: Nil
So many have been written about food in Bangkok. This blog will never be complete if there is no mention of a restaurant in the heart of Bangkok called Som Tam Nua which is renowned for their delectable Issan food.
** Our order **
This is a sample of our order which we last visited the restaurant two months ago (May'11). Most of them are signature dishes of the northeastern Thai cooking. Among all, the Laab Moo is the most spicy dish on the table. This time, we'd a special dish called Phad Khanom Jeen which, I believe, is not a typical Isaan dish. Khanom Jeen, a kind of thick white noodle, is usually taken with hot spicy/curry soup topped with shredded cabbage and hard-boiled eggs. However, this was our first time sampling stir-fried Khanom Jeen with pork floss. The dish turned out to be surprisingly good. It isn't spicy and tasted a little sweet, probably because of the pork floss!
Kor Moo Yang / คอหมูย่าง (Grilled pork collar) THB98
Laab Moo / ลาบหมู (Spicy minced pork) THB85
Somtam Nua @ Siam Square
Mango Tango @ Siam Square
Name: Mango Tango @ Siam Square
Cuisine: Dessert (Mango)
Address: Siam Square Soi 5, Bangkok
GPS: NA
Tel: NA
Open: 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
Payment: Cash only.
Web: http://www.mymangotango.com/
Remarks: Nil
Originally posted: March'2011
Last updated: Nil
After last year's May incident which wrote off almost the entire Siam Square Soi 4, most of the shops along the street are still being fenced off pending rebuilding. Mango Tango, unfortunately, was one of these victims. Last month, we visited the new Mango Tango which has since found its new foothold at Soi 5. The new location is right at the intersection of Soi 5 and Soi 7 and directly across from Ban Khun Mae restaurant.
** Our order **
Looking through my past write ups, I realized that we always have the same order. Perhaps, we could be a bit more adventurous next time.
Mango Sticky Rice (THB120)
Mango Aloha (THB65)
Mango Smoothie (THB75)
Our table ...
Amphawa River Tour
Originally posted: February'2011
Last updated: Nil
One of the highlights in Amphawa is to enjoy an evening boat ride on the river Mae Klong. But first things first, I'm always skeptical about all these guided tours. I remembered once we were holidaying in Taipei, we booked an one-day city tour but a ginseng presentation cum fair was miraculously included in our itinerary! And then there was my very first overseas trip to Penang and Ipoh (in Malaysia), we are made to visit leather and jewelery boutiques. Admittedly, those were yesteryear's, but I doubt things have gotten any better.
Contrary to my past experiences, the Amphawa river tour has only one mundane objective which is to provide city-pumpkins, like us, a chance to watch fireflies. The 1.5hrs long-tail boat ride we booked, suffice it to say is safe (life vests were provided), slow moving and full of novelties. Also, more importantly, we were not coaxed into visiting any gem factory or souvenir shops. The entire experience was largely positive.
** Booking of River Tour ** I do not know how many river-tour operators are there in Amphawa, but I find the one we engaged to be reliable. The long-tail boat set-off on time, there are onboard life vests provided and the embarkation point is just around the corner from the shop.
Pointer : If you plan to return to Bangkok on the same day, it is important that you pick the earliest timing so that there is ample time to catch the last departing van/bus. For obvious reason, the 90-minutes firefly-watching trip couldn't commence too early.
We booked our tickets from this counter. You can find them next to the concrete bridge.
The boat ride costs 60B (~S$2.50) / pax and our ride starts at 18:30hrs.
Amphawa Floating Market
Originally posted: January'2011
Last updated: Nil
Last year, we took a trip to Amphawa Floating Market. It was an ad-hoc event. By the time, we arrived at the scene, the sun was setting and the place was already crowded despite being a Friday. We thought the place becomes jam-packed only on weekends! Well, we were wrong. Amphawa was literally overran by groups and groups of foreign tourists led by their zealous guides.
** Amphawa Bazaar ** Before we could reach the floating market, we are welcomed by streets of makeshift-stalls and pushcarts selling all kinds of traditional foods, snacks, tees, hand-made souvenirs and even potted plants.
This small alley leads to the klong where the floating market is.
Fancy a big packet of crispy fish crackers for only THB20?
Tom Yum Kung @ Khao San Road
Name: Tom Yum Kung @ Khao San Road
Cuisine: Thai cuisine
Address: 9 Trokmayom Jakapong Rd., Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200
GPS: NA
Tel: 02-2629 2772, 02-2629 2882
Open: 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Payment: Visa, Master & cash.
Web: http://www.tomyumkungkhaosan.com/
Remarks: Nil
Originally posted: November'2010
Last updated: Nil
** The Restaurant **
'Tom Yum Kung', the Thai restaurant, is tucked at the end of a short soi, off Khao San Road. The restaurant, or more aptly an eating place, is in reality set at the courtyard of an old bungalow which now houses 'true Cafe'.
We have to navigate through a cramped alley before reaching this part of the soi.
Their neon signboard.
Courtyard view ...
Ruen Mallika @ Sukhumvit 22
Name: Ruen Mallika @ Sukhumvit 22
Cuisine: Royal Thai cuisine
Address: 189 Sukhumvit Soi 22 Bangkok
GPS: NA
Tel: 02-6633 2112
Open: 8am to 10pm
Payment: Visa, Master, Diners & cash.
Web: http://www.ruenmallika.com/
Remarks: Nil
Originally posted: September'2010
Last updated: Nil
** The Restaurant **
A fine lady greeted us on our arrival.
Because of the rain, we were ushered to this big low coffee table.
Looking to the left from our table is a small indoor garden. If not for the rain, we would have dined alfresco.
Hi-Tea Cake Buffet @ Le Boulanger, Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit
Name: Hi-Tea Cake Buffet @ Le Boulanger, Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit
Cuisine: Pastries & cakes
Address: 1 Soi Daeng Udom, Sukhumvit Soi 33 Rd., Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
GPS: NA
Tel: 02 610 0111 Ext. 4129
Open: 8am to 10pm
Payment: Major credit cards & cash.
Web: http://www.hotellotussukhumvit.com/fb/leboulanger.html
Remarks: Nil
Originally posted: August'2010
Last updated: September'2010
UPDATED: The hi-tea cake buffet promo has ended. (Sep'10)
** The Patisserie **
The cake shop is conveniently located at the lobby floor of the hotel but they seem to have very limited tables. 3 to be exact, on the day of our visit.
Le Boulanger's signage
Located on the lobby floor.
small selections of pastries and croissants.
Ratree Seafood @ Silom
Name: Ratree Seafood @ Silom
Cuisine: Thai
Address: Silom Soi 1, Bangkok.
GPS: N13°43'41.46", E100°32'01.71"
Tel: NA
Open: 8pm to midnight.
Payment: Cash only.
Web: NA
Remarks: NA
Originally posted: July'2010
Last updated: NA
** The stall **
Ratree's small banner
I believe she is the stall owner who also prepared our foods
A humble selection of seafood
Guay Tiao Lawt Boran @ Yaowarat
Name: Guay Tiao Lawt Boran @ Yaowarat
Cuisine: Snack
Address: Thanon Charoen Krung, Bangkok 10100.
GPS: N13°44'30.16", E100°30'38.73"
Tel: NA
Open: NA
Payment: Cash only.
Web: NA
Remarks: Lawt (หลอด) is drinking straw/tube in Thai language. Guay Tiao Lawt (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวหลอด) is, as the name suggests, flat noodles rolled up like a tube with fillings.
Originally posted: Jun'2010
Last updated: Added GPS coordinates and amended location description. (7/7/10)
** The stall **
Just a few hundred metres down the Gui Chai stall @ Yaowarat that I previously blogged was another busy roadside stall selling ancient guay tiao lawt.
Although the name of guay tiao lawt suggests that the noodles take the form of a tube or a drinking straw, the one we had looked more like dried noodle guay jub with sweet source. I did a bit of Googling and found guay tiao lawt may possibly resembled Hong Kong style Chee Chong Fun (rice sheet rolls). The current style could be a simplified version. Basically, that's how Chee Chong Fun would have been if it's sliced and mixed in a plate.
A simple stall along Thanon Charoen Krung
Okay it may look a bit messy because of the crowd.
It's only THB20 for a standard serving of this Guay Tiao Lawt.
Gui Chai Tord @ Yaowarat
Name: Gui Chai Tord @ Yaowarat
Cuisine: Snack
Address: Thanon Charoen Krung, Bangkok 10100.
GPS: N13°44'28.68", E100°30'40.04"
Tel: NA
Open: Daily from 2pm to 9pm.
Payment: Cash only.
Web: NA
Remarks: Gui Chai Tord is fried Chinese chive dumpling where "Gui Chai" refers to the Chinese words "韭菜" (pronounced as jiu cai). I believe Thai people also called these ขนมกุยช่าย (Khanom Gui Chai).
Originally posted: May'2010
Last updated: -
** The stall **
On one of the weekday's evening, the bf had some errands to run at Yaowarat. We went there by cab, when the traffic eventually slowed to a crawl. We alighted and found ourselves stopped right in front of this fried Chinese chive (Thai Teochiew: Gui Chai) dumpling stall tendered by a middle-age redhead Chinese lady. The stall was really busy. The flow of customers never seems to stop. We told ourselves we found something interesting!
The bf spoke to the friendly lady stallholder briefly. She told us her dumplings typically sold out within 5 - 6 hours from the time she starts her business at 2pm. She added that her stall even opens on public holidays e.g. New Year & etc.
A humble stall along Thanon Charoen Krung
The friendly ah-jer ...
Wonder how many pcs of chive dumplings are in these red tubs!?
Apart from chive dumplings, there are also chive cakes.
MK Trendi @ Siam Square
Name: MK Trendi @ Siam Square
Cuisine: Thai steamboat (or "hot pot" in some parts of the world)
Address: Siam Square Soi 5, Rama 1, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
GPS: Not available
Tel: Not available
Open: Not available
Payment: Cash & major credit cards
Web: http://www.mkrestaurant.com/
Remarks: -
Originally posted: April'2010
Last updated: 26May'2010
UPDATED: MK Trendi was also affected by the blaze set off by rioters on the 19th May'2010.
Credits: The rightful owner...
The restaurant ...
Usually after a consecutive days of heavy foods like the gaeng, yams and som-tum, MK Suki is always a good alternative for us. The Thai steamboat restaurant offers an extensive selection of greens. I love veg since I was young and it helps to balance my diet especially when I am in Bangkok, one of the many food paradise.
The place we patronized this time was one located right in the heart of the trendy Siam Square. And MK Suki ingeniously created a new flagship called Trendi to serve its young and hippie community in that area. The funky decor at the ground floor was a head-turner. However, we soon found out that the rest of the levels were gloomy and uninspiring. I guessed that's how they keep their prices friendly.
The neon signboard outside MK Trendi.
The ground floor decor is bright and, as the name suggest, trendy.
However, it is kinda small at this level.
Once Upon a Time Restaurant
Name: Once Upon a Time
Cuisine: Traditional Thai
Address: 32 Petchburi Soi 17, Pratunam, Bangkok. (Opposite Pantip Plaza)
GPS: N13°45'10.08", E100°32'17.72"
Tel: (02)-252 8629 / (02)-653 7857
Open: Daily from 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
Payment: Cash & major credit cards
Web: http://www.onceuponatimeinthailand.net/
Remarks: -
Originally posted: April'2010
Last updated: -
The restaurant (indoor) ...
The indoor dinning place is in an old two storey wooden house painted in pink. The small air-conditional restaurant occupies the first floor. The upper level houses two studios which mock up as bedrooms. As these studios are small & the angles are tight, I don't have a wide-angle cam to take any representative shots of these rooms. Suffice to say, we were very impressed by the nostalgic Victorian decor.
A demure signboard that doesn't say much of what lays behind.
Main entrance to the indoor restaurant. Servers are donned in traditional Thai costumes.
Warm lighting.
Mont Nom Sod @ MBK
Name: Mont Nom Sod
Cuisine: Snack
Address: 2/F MBK
Open: Daily
Payment: Cash only
Remarks: -
Originally posted: March'2010
Last updated: -
Last Monday evening we were at MBK for our routine facial at MD Clinic. It was already past 7pm when our "ionto" & whatnot were finally over. Needless to say, both of us were famished by then, although we haven't decided upon where to get ourselves fed.
I recalled a reader of this blog mentioned a Mont Nom Sod in MBK which we would love to try prior to a more sumptuous meal later. Honestly, the Thai bf and I hadn't a clue where they are located despite our frequent visit to MBK. The bf then consulted the clinic staffs for direction. We were duly informed that Mont is directly above MD Clinic which is at the ground floor.
We were at the doorstep of Mont within minutes. The pale and minimalist eating place is compact. It has barely more than 10 tables and almost every seat was taken that evening.
The bf ordered 2 toasts - 1 with sungkhaya/สังขยา (original flavor) spread, the other with condensed milk. Craving for more, I ordered a serving of steamed breads with pandanus sungkhaya. The original flavor is orange in color which is made from chicken eggs, coconut milk and sugar. The pastel green sungkhaya has pandan leaves added to the original version. The long plant gives the jam a nice fragrance and its inviting color. I've to add that this info was provided by the counter crew while I was placing our 2nd order.
Baan Klang Nam (Main branch)
Name: Baan Klang Nam
Cuisine: Seafoods
Address: Soi Ban Klang Nam (Soi 14, Rama III), Bang Khlo, Bang Kho Laem, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10120.
GPS: N13°41'17.98", E100°30'07.92"
Tel: (02)-682 7180 / (02)-682 7186
Open: Daily (inclusive of major PHs) from 11.00 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Payment: Cash & major credit cards
Web: http://www.baanklangnam.net/
Remarks: Baan Klang Nam is house in the middle of water in Thai.
Originally posted: February'2010
Last updated: -
We, a small group of 3, patronized Baan Klang Nam last month. It was shortly after New Year and reservation was made to ensure we have a table. My the other half insisted, over the phone, a table by the river. He reminded the person who took our booking again before hanging up.
While the name says Baan Klang Nam, it is actually a restaurant built by the bank of Chao Phraya River at the end of Soi 14 off Rama III Road. Do not take it literally that the eating place sits in the middle of the water.
On arrival, we were ushered to a table but the river-view was missing which upset the boyfriend. He demanded an alternative without 2nd thought. The server cordially invited us to another table (see 5th picture) which was cozy and far from other dining crowd. But the night was stale and the place was not air-conditioned. Read: stuffiness. We, once again, requested for a better ventilated place and finally settled down. ^_^"
Yes, it's trivia but this brings out my next 2 points ...
Vitsaraj Sookwattanasiri - Kwam Song Jam
Originally posted: February'2010
Finally a little update on this blog after a short hiatus of 4 months.
Last year, I chanced upon a 2007 lakorn called Sroy Saeng Jan (The Jewel of BangbodOr 月光项链 in Chinese.) starring none other than Rome & Rita. The synopsis, and more, of the drama can be found at Wasashimi's blog.
But what really caught my attention was this song, Kwam Song Jam, played at the end of each episode. I have very little info who the singer is but the song touches my heart.
Wat Rakhang - The Tripitaka Hall
English name: The Temple of Bell
Full name (Thai): วัดระฆังโฆสิตารามวรมหาวิหาร
Full name (Transliterated): Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahaviharn
Type: Buddhist temple
Admission fees: Free
Originally posted: September'2009
This is a continuation from my previous post - Wat Rakhang.
The Tripitaka Hall located within a tranquil garden to the west of the Ubosot was originally a residence for the King Rama I (1737 - 1809). The small residence is made up of 3 chambers which can be distinctively identified from the first picture. The short concrete steps in front of the building lead to the center chamber.
- Hor Trai (The Tripitaka Hall)
Prior to the restoration works in mid 2007, the Tripitaka Hall was in quite a dilapidated state. I have posted a few old pictures of this hall at the foot of this blog.
Note: Please remove your footwear at the concrete steps prior to entering the Tripitaka Hall.
Wat Rakhang
English name: The Temple of Bell
Full name (Thai): วัดระฆังโฆสิตารามวรมหาวิหาร
Full name (Transliterated): Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahaviharn
Type: Buddhist temple
Admission fees: Free
Originally posted: August'2009
"Rakhang" (ระฆัง) is bell in Thai language. An ancient bell was discovered in this temple grounds during the Ayuthaya period hence the given name of this temple. The original name of this temple was Wat Bang Wa Yai. Although the bell has since been transferred to Wat Phra Kaeo by the order of King Rama I (1737 - 1809), the temple has also been renamed to Wat Rajakhanthiyaram. This temple is still commonly known as Wat Rakhang till now.
Wat Rakhang belongs to the Royal Temples of second grade.
Located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya river. Most visitors arrive at the temple via Tha Chang (Chang Pier) on the eastern bank. Tha Chang is a short walking distance from the Grand Palace. Details of the neighborhood can be found in Google Map at the foot of this post.
- Wat Rakhang from Tha Chang
Wier Sukollwat - Kam Tham Tee Mee Kam Tob
Originally posted: August'2009
I learned the song, Kam Tham Tee Mee Kam Tob (Question that has an answer), from Lyn's Lakorn Blog sometime last month. It was one of the songs from the ongoing soap opera Love Rotation (วกเวียนหัวใจ) at Ch7. I have yet to watch the serials but I am mesmerized by this song sang by the melancholic voice of Wier.
Singer: Wier Sukollwat
Title: Kam Tham Tee Mee Kam Tob (OST Love Rotation/วกเวียนหัวใจ/旋转的爱)
The path that I have taken have generated many questionsCredits: Song and the translated lyrics are both taken from Lyn's site.
Who am I living for?
Inside my heart, I question what is love
I have never seized it.
Today in my life, I have had the chance to met you
The answer to my questions are instantly clear inside my heart
You have helped me find the meaning
what love really is
when we met
Every question in my heart
has only you as the answer
And today you are my answer (the question finally has an answer)
Below is a fan-made MV based on the lakorn itself.
Credits: tuktukland
Face Bangkok - Lanna Thai
Name: Face Bangkok - Lanna Thai
Cuisine: Thai
Address: #29, Soi 38, Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110
Tel: (02) 713 6048
Open:
Payment: Cash & major credit cards
Web: http://www.facebars.com/bg/
Remarks:
Originally posted: July'2009
Last updated: -
A collection of old photos of 'Lanna Thai' Thai Restaurant from the Face Bangkok which is formed by a cluster of traditional Thai houses tucked quietly in the inner Sukhumvit Soi 38.
The compound houses a chill-out bar by the name of Face Bar, Hazara an Indian restaurant, Visage ('Face' in French) the pastry shop and a spa, in addition to Lanna Thai!
Table for two: No details.
My verdict: Fantastic ambiance, impeccable service and definitely a place to impress your partner.
Recommended: -
The restaurant ...
Buri Tara Bar & Restaurant
Name: Buri Tara Bar & Restaurant
Cuisine: Thai
Address: 762/2 Rama III Road, Jatujak Rama III, Bangkok
Tel: (02) 682 9457
Open: 5pm - 1am
Payment: Cash & major credit cards
Web:
Remarks: The restaurant offers both indoor and alfresco dining.
Originally posted: June'2009
Last updated: -
Just some old photos of Buri Tara taken in 2006.
Table for two: It's THB1007 for our sumptuous Thai dinner.
My verdict: Nice river view dining place despite located more than THB100 taxi ride away from Bangkok City center.
Recommended: Tom Yum Goong & morning glory salad.
The restaurant ...
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About BODYholic
BODYholic, also known affectionately as moo ooan (a.k.a fat pig) by his little kratai noi (a.k.a little rabbit), has intense interests in Thai foods, traditional Thai architecture, coffee and cheesecakes. I've to add that I'm not a prolific blogger.
