Showing posts with label Dining Place: Restaurant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dining Place: Restaurant. Show all posts

Somtam Nua @ Siam Square

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

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...
Lanna Thai Lanna Thai Lanna Thai

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 ...
Buri Tara entrance Buri Tara: Buri Tara:

Mango Tango @ Siam Square

Name: Mango Tango @ Siam Square
Cuisine: Dessert (Mango)
Address: Siam Square Soi 4, Rama 1, Bangkok 10330
Tel: (02) 658 4660
Open: Daily 11am to 10pm
Payment: Cash
Web: http://www.mymangotango.com/
Remarks:
Originally posted: May'2009
Last updated: March'2011

UPDATE 2 : They found themselves a new place at Siam Square Soi 5 now. (3/11)

UPDATE 1 : I was informed that Mango Tango at Siam Square was badly affected by the blaze after the peaceful protest at downtown Bangkok turned in to violence on the 19th May'2010. (5/10)

Original Post
Just a photo update of Mango Tango at Siam Square. Changes have been made to the walls and lighting since our last visit. Their lighting is, literally, a low hanging fruit now! We ain't sure if a mango a day really keeps (there's a missing 's' on the serviette) the doctor away, but we love the sense of mango.

Older pictures of Mango Tango can be found HERE.
The restaurant ...
Shop front of Mango Tango Siam Square bench bench

Sukhumvit House Number 1

Name: Sukhumvit House Number 1
Cuisine: Thai
Address: No 1, Sukhumvit Soi 14, Bangkok
Tel: (02) 653 3900
Open: Daily 11am to 1am
Payment: Cash and major credit cards
Web: http://www.skv1.com/
Remarks: -
Originally posted: March 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: May 2008


Table for two: It was a table for three this time and the bill came up to THB3084 (~SGD134). No alcoholic drink and excluding tips.

My verdict:

Recommended: Nil

In a nutshell
Likes:
> Impeccable & attentive services
> Above average foods
> Great ambiance

Dislikes:
> Performers actively solicit tips

The restaurant ...
Façade:
Suk Hse No 1: FaçadeSuk Hse No 1: Façade

The Krok @ Siam Square

Name: The Krok, Thai Isan Restaurant
Cuisine: Northeastern Thai - Isaan
Address: Soi 2, Siam Square, Bangkok
Tel: (02) 251 9916
Open: (to be updated)
Payment: Cash and major credit cards
Web: Nil
Remarks: -
Originally posted: March 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: January 2009

This was my maiden visit to an Isaan restaurant. The Krok is located at Siam Square. They are not as popular as the much sought after Som Tam Nua @ Siam Square Soi 5. But the latter is also notorious for letting diners queuing up for as long as 30 minutes or longer outside its restaurant. We gave it a miss since time wasn't on our side, as we have a movie to catch later. While we prowled lane by lane for food, we chanced upon The Krok at Soi 2.

The three-storey restaurant, serves mainly Isaan cuisine, is minimalist in design. Each storey has its color theme which is eye-catching and loud. The ground floor was painted in my favorite lime green color.

Mont Nom Sod

Name: Mont Nom Sod
Cuisine: Snack
Address: 160/1-3 Dinsor Rd, Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200.
Tel: 02 224 1989, 02 224 1147
Open: Daily from 2pm to 11pm.
Payment: Cash.
Web: Nil
Remarks: Nom Sod (นมสด) is Thai for fresh milk.
Originally posted: February 2009
Last updated: -
Date visited: 30th January 2009

My several recent visits to Mont Nom Sod were also met with setback. Recalling being there on my NY countdown trip, I was met with a notice on their shuttles that said "Renovation". Repeated visit on the 3rd day of CNY also met with the same fate as to Thipsamai. Moral of the story, stick to the central if you are coming to Bangkok during the CNY period. ^_^"

For the uninitiated, Singapore's homegrown Toastbox (sister chain of Breadtalk) takes after Mont Nom Sod, although the former failed completely as far as foods are concerned.

Apart from fresh milk, Mont is also known for their thick bread toasts which can be served with a great selections of spread ranging from butter to chocolate, condensed milk to peanut butter. But among all, the absolutely 'to-die-for' topping is none other then their fresh and heavenly Sungkayah (Jam made from Pandanus leaves and coconut). Or what is known as Kaya in Singapore.

There are some distinct differences between Singapore Kaya and Thai Sungkayah. Our Kaya is thick and concentrated. It is also usually dark and dull in color and has a strong taste of sweetness. Thai Sungkayah, on the other hand, is comparatively dilute (i.e. lower viscosity), less sweet, has smooth texture that comes in an inviting green. I prefer the latter. To appreciate how good this is, one should not give their steamed bread with Sungkayah dip a miss. The sungkayah is served warm in a small bowl.

Mango Tango @ Siam Square

Name: Mango Tango @ Siam Square
Cuisine: Dessert (Mango)
Address: Siam Square Soi 4, Rama 1, Bangkok 10330
Tel: (02) 658 4660
Open: Daily 11am to 10pm
Payment: Cash
Web: http://www.mymangotango.com/
Remarks:
Originally posted: December'2008
Last updated: May'2009

The pictures are dated. Newer pictures of Mango Tango can be found HERE.

Undoubtedly, Thailand has the best selections of fresh mangoes in the world, coupled with creatively crafted menu, young and trendy front. All these add up to the success story of Mango Tango.

While teerak likes the Mango smoothie, I am smitten by the sweet & creamy Mango Aloha. The ubiquitous Thai dessert mangoes with sticky rice was relatively good too.

A signage in the restaurant proudly declares that photo-taking is prohibited. Quietly, I snapped a few shots. Some of the crews saw what I was doing but returned with polite smiles. Lovely.

Table for two: Less than THB300.

Recommended dishes: Mango Aloha.

In a nutshell
Likes:
> Friendly crews
> Creative menu

Dislikes:
> You deserve a website [1]

The restaurant ...
Shop front of Mango Tango Siam SquareMango Tango logoMango Tango Siam Square


Our order ...
Fresh mangoes with sticky riceMango AlohaMango SmoothieEnsemble

1. Apparently Mango Tango has finally caught up the internet bandwagon. Although only the frontpage is currently available, the entire site should be ready quite soon. (Added: 22/12/08)

Mayompuri

Cuisine: International
Address: 22 Chakraphong, Taladyod, Phranakorn, Bangkok, Thailand 10200
Tel: (02) 629 3883
Open: Daily
Payment: VI, MC & cash
Web: http://www.mayompuri.com/
Remarks:
Originally posted: December'2008
Last updated: February'2011

UPDATED: We visited Khao San Road yesterday night (5-Feb-11) and saw the place locked despite being a busy Saturday. If you intend to dine there, do give them a call before going. We are unsure if they are wind up or perhaps, observing CNY holidays.

Table for two: No details.

Recommended dishes: Tom Kha Gai (ต้มข่าไก่).

In a nutshell
Likes:
> Great ambiance
> Indoor or alfresco dining

Dislikes:
> A few tables are too small for even 2 persons
> Prawn cocktail with ketchup? Yuck!

The restaurant ...
MayompuriMayompuriMayompuriMayompuriMayompuriWe picked the table on the bottom right of this picture.MayompuriMayompuri


Our order ...
Starter: Prawn cocktail (left), fried shrimp cake (right)Starter: Fried shrimp cake (front), chicken salad (background)Stir fried veg, pork and tom kha gai

Homework

Cuisine: International
Address: 29/2-3 Soi 31, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Tel: (02) 259 4845
Open: Daily. Closes at 9pm.
Payment: VI, MC & cash
Web: Nil
Remarks: The restaurant used to close on Mondays. It has changed.
Originally posted: November'2008

A forum friend, Isan, has this to say about the restaurant after looking at the set of photos, "Looks like dine-in at Harajuku JUST reminding me few years ago. Nice atmosphere with tastily."

I do agree that the place looks über chic and with a hint of zen inspirations. But we had a mixed feelings for their foods. The rocket salad and my partner's squid ink pasta with salmon were above average. Despite of the uninviting color, the squid ink pasta was eye-pleasingly neat and glistering! (I've seen the same dish that's dull and dirty-looking elsewhere) I couldn't say the same for the ham pasta that I had. The ham was terribly done, so much so that it looked and tasted raw. The pungent smell from the raw meat totally put me off.

Table for two: No details.

Recommended dishes: Rocket salad and squid ink spaghetti with salmon.

In a nutshell
Likes:
> Austere and yet chic interior
> Rocket/roquet salad

Dislikes:
> Speak little English

The restaurant ...
homeworkhomeworkhomeworkhomeworkhomeworkhomework

Our order ...
Rocket salad and squid-inked pasta with salmonHam pasta. Regretted!Ensemble


PS: Incidentally, there is a column, 'Cheap & Good', in today's (23/11/08) The Strait's Times features a Pizza Bar along Singapore's Ghim Moh Road. The writer picked a SGD17 (about THB390) squid ink spaghetti. Yes, for that cheap price in Singapore, you get the pasta with nothing else.

About THAIoholic

THAIoholic, the blog, is setup with the initial intention of keepsake. As time goes by, I find it harder and harder for my gray cells (of what left) to remember traces of great places we have been to, good foods we savored but missed, details that I should remember but they slipped away unknowingly.

Then, we have also friends and folks asking little details I thought I should blog them here, because my pea brain is simply no good at recollections.

My partner is a devoted Buddhist, his religion forbids him, and therefore me, from taking beef. As such, it's unlikely that there will be any info about beef dish found in this blog.

About BODYholic

moo and kratai 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.

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