The phrase “elusive” isn’t often used to explain a meals institution, not to mention a stationary restaurant. But over the previous 12 months, I’ve discovered myself squeezing it into virtually each sentence I provide you with about our time at Jay Fai, maybe Bangkok‘s most sought-after street-side restaurant.
Jay Fai can also be the title of its proprietor, born Supinya Junsuta, who cooks many of the dishes herself. Although it has been an area favourite for many years, Jay Fai was catapulted into international culinary stardom not too way back after being awarded a Michelin star and featured within the Netflix meals documentary “Street Food Asia”, sending throngs of curious foodies and vacationers to its doorstep. And this makes it elusive. It’s not prefer it’s going anyplace, however given how tiny the area is and the way fashionable it has grow to be, getting a slot right here means queuing up early within the morning. I’ve tried many instances, to no avail.
But when you’re like me who can’t get a break, fret not! We’re nonetheless decided to strive Jay Fai sooner or later, however fortunately, the Thai capital’s gastronomy map is dotted with a whole bunch of different worthy meals spots! In this text, we’re sharing with you a number of the finest low-cost eats in Bangkok apart from Jay Fai (in no explicit order).
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Address: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
If I might devour just one Thai dish in my life — there’s little doubt about it — I decide tom yum. It’s that one dish I order no less than as soon as each single day I’m in Thailand. And when you’re on the lookout for a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded tom yum, look no additional than Jeh O Chula or Jay Oh.
Jeh O Chula has a fairly intensive menu, nevertheless it’s finest identified for its so-called tom yum mama, an enormous bowl of tom yum soup drowning a beneficiant serving of noodles. It’s good for 2, however when you don’t have an enormous urge for food, it might simply feed a bunch of 4 or 5. But as a result of it has noodles, attempt to end it immediately. Otherwise, they could take in all of the broth, which is the proper mixture of bitter and aromatics. It’s some of the unforgettable dishes I’ve had the pleasure of stuffing my face with in Thailand.
The primary possibility prices solely ฿150. Other variations have extra toppings, however we ordered the one with Jay Oh’s signature crispy pork stomach, meatballs, and various seafood like shrimps and squid, at solely ฿300.
Another dish we suggest is its salmon salad (฿300), composed of big cuts of fish, drizzled with spicy-and-sour citrus primarily based dressing. Mind you, I already adored its tom yum, however this salmon salad turned out to be my favourite out of the whole lot we ordered.
By the best way, you’ll seemingly be requested how spicy you need your tom yum and salad to be. If you may’t deal with an excessive amount of warmth, don’t be shy to allow them to know. We ordered “mild” nevertheless it was nonetheless fairly scorching for us. The flavors radiated via regardless, so it was completely fantastic. But we had been drenched in sweat by the point our meal was over.
The queue right here can also be loopy! Lining up can take so long as two hours, when you don’t present up early. Fortunately, there’s a approach to skip the principle line. You can reserve a slot by way of Klook! Those who booked with Klook has a separate, devoted line that’s a lot shorter and strikes a lot sooner. If you fail to order with Klook, attempt to arrive early. It opens at 4:30 PM, however the strains would possibly already be lengthy at the moment.
JEH O CHULA (JAY OH)
Specialty: Tom Yum Noodle Soup
Operating hours: Daily, 4:30 PM-12:00 MN
Jeh Oh Chula Prices
Tom yum mama: ฿150
Tom yum mama with crispy pork, meatballs & seafood: ฿300
Salmon salad: ฿300Location: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
On Google Maps, search: Jeh O Chula
Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Most hopefuls who fail to get a quantity at Jay Fai merely flip round and depart. Little do they know that just some meters away is one other legendary institution bestowed with a Bib Gourmand recognition by the Michelin Guide. This is Thipsamai Pad Thai Pratoopee, inbuilt 1939 simply earlier than World War II and is regarded by many because the oldest pad Thai restaurant within the nation.
Just like at its neighbor’s, the road at Thipsamai grows quick, too! But it’s undoubtedly well worth the wait. I used to be advised that some locals will not be too keen on it as a result of, they are saying, it isn’t consultant of the normal pad Thai we generally see within the nation. First, it’s wrapped in fried egg that it’s good to slice open to disclose the sen chan rice noodles. Yes, that is one other factor that’s completely different. These noodles are noticeably thinner. And they’re orange, due to the its signature shrimp oil that covers it throughout, giving it a bolder, extra seafoody taste, complimented nicely by the sweet-and-sour mixture of the tamarind.
You can select the protein to accompany the noodles, however the prawns are the bestseller.
Although there’s a dine-in area, it’s largely generally known as a takeaway sales space. It’s open from 10:00 AM till midnight, nevertheless it solely accepts dine-in prospects beginning 5:00 PM.
THIPSAMAI PAD THAI PRATOOPEE
Specialty: Pad Thai
Thipsamai Prices:
Pad Thai (plain): ฿105
Pad Thai with prawns: ฿150Operating Hours:
Takeout Only: 10:00 AM–12:00 MN
Dine in: 5:00 PM–12:00 MNLocation: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
On Google Maps, search: Thipsamai
Address: 115/5 Dinso Rd, Baworniwet, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu is one other Michelin-listed pad Thai spot in Bangkok, simply across the Democracy Monument, a 10-minute stroll from Jay Fai. If Thipsamai’s not-so-secret weapon is its shrimp oil, Fai Ta Lu takes satisfaction in utilizing Berkshire pork, chopped into small items and wok-sauteed in its personal fats, giving it a meaty and smoky taste even earlier than it will get blended with tamarind juice.
The plain pad Thai prices ฿100, however we suggest the pad Thai fai ta lu moo hob, priced at ฿220. It’s the identical noodle dish, however topped with Berkshire pork that’s boiled in natural soup, smoked in a dragon jar, after which fried to a crisp. It’s then served with black candy soy sauce and mustard.
Taste-wise, I loved Thipsamai’s a bit extra solely as a result of my palate tends to favor seafood greater than pork. But when you’re leaning extra in direction of meaty profiles, Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu might ship extra of these.
PAD THAI FAI TA LU
Specialty: Pad Thai
Fai Ta Lu Prices
Pad Thai (plain): ฿100
Pad Thai moo hob (with pork): ฿220Operating Hours:
10:00 AM – 7:00 PMLocation: 115/5 Dinso Rd, Baworniwet, Phranakorn, Bangkok
On Google Maps, search: Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu @ Dinso Rd
Address: Wisut Kasat, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Another Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee is Ten Suns, situated not too far-off from Khao San Road, in all probability round quarter-hour on foot. This family-run culinary establishment boasts a heartwarming braised beef soup that received’t burn a gap in your pockets, at solely ฿140 per bowl.
As quickly as I took a seat, a employees member approached me with the menu and requested me to decide on. I used to be given a selection: simply the soup or with noodles. I opted for the latter. And then I used to be requested to decide on once more: the thicker flat rice noodles or the thinner ones. Perhaps to interrupt the language barrier, she truly introduced the noodles in entrance of me. I picked the latter. It didn’t cease there: with beef brisket or with assorted beef cuts like cheek, tendon, shank, shoulder, and tongue. This time, I needed the latter, however for some purpose — maybe I used to be nonetheless groggy as a result of it was too early within the morning — I pointed on the brisket. 😅
But it was nonetheless fairly good. The meat was gradual cooked till it was so mushy that I couldn’t even carry it with chopsticks with out disintegrating. And the soup, wow, T-A-S-T-Y. It wasn’t partucularly wealthy or viscous or pungent, nevertheless it was flavorful. Every sip was an umami tsunami, but it didn’t depart any aftertaste or a layer of grease in my palata. It was clear and light-weight, however nonetheless very comforting and filling. And excellent as a result of I nonetheless had hangover from all of the consuming the night time earlier than.
TEN SUNS
Bestseller: Braised Beef Soup (฿140)
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9AM-4PM
Closed: MondaysLocation: Wisut Kasat, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
On Google Maps, search: Ten Suns
Address: 962 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
If you propose to spend a day procuring in Pratunam, don’t miss Go Ang Pratunam Chicken earlier than you go on retail remedy. Situated simply beside Platinum Mall and throughout the road from Palladium World Shopping. Yep, it’s additionally a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient! It’s additionally a longtime title within the space, whipping out plates of bestselling Hainanese hen rice (฿50) since 1960.
While single servings can be found, when you’re a bunch, think about the for-sharing objects, which prices ฿70 for normal and ฿140 for giant cuts. Each order comes with hen soup and a particular sauce, the proper salty companion for the very delicate flavors of the hen. And as a result of we’re in Thailand, anticipate the sauce to be scorching and spicy.
To be sincere, whereas the style of the Hainanese hen was on level, there have been components that had been a bit dry. We truly most well-liked its different signature dish — braised pork (฿50 for solo, ฿70 for normal group reduce, ฿140 for giant serving). The meat was soooo tender and the umami-ness of its sauce seeped deep.
We additionally ordered hen giblets (i.e. liver and gizzard).
Overall, we had a satisfying pre-shopping breakfast right here. And the employees had been additionally pleasant and attentive.
GO ANG PRATUNAM CHICKEN RICE
Bestseller: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Operating hours: Daily, 6:00 AM-2:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: 962 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
On Google Maps, search: Go Ang Pratu Nam Chicken Rice
Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Kuang Heng Chicken is one other extremely fashionable hen spot in Pratunam and is extensively thought of Go Ang Chicken’s rival within the space. Both focus on Hainanese hen rice. But not like Go Ang, Kuang Heng doesn’t have a Michelin Guide quotation nevertheless it was established earlier, in 1934.
They could not have a Michelin award, however for what it’s price, we appreciated its Hainanese hen significantly better than Go Ang. As beforehand talked about, the hen we received at Go Ang had dry components. But right here at Kuang Heng, the meat was so mushy, silky and succulent! Not a morsel was dry, tough, or powerful. It’s very near the very best we’ve tried in Singapore.
Each order comes with hen soup, hen sauce, and a chunk of blood curd. To be truthful, we most well-liked Go Ang’s sauce and soup. Kuang Heng’s broth was too fragrant for my liking. But if it’s simply the precise hen, I’d decide Kuang Heng.
Another crowd favourite right here is the deep-fried hen. The scent alone might drive any passerby loopy. In reality, coming to Pratunam, we didn’t learn about Kuang Heng. We had been solely magnetized by the inviting odor of fried hen! It’s not simply our noses that received delighted ultimately. Each piece was crispy on the surface and juicy inside. It was served with candy chili sauce.
Pork satay and hen satay are additionally fairly fashionable right here, at ฿80 per 10 sticks. Yes, ฿8 lang per stick. Each order comes with peanut sauce, vinegar, and a small plate of cucumber, onions, and chili peppers.
KUANG HENG PRATUNAM CHICKEN RICE
Bestsellers: Chicken rice & satay
Operating hours: Daily, 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Hainanese hen
Single with rice: ฿50
For sharing: small ฿60, medium ฿100, ฿150Deep fried hen
Single with rice: ฿50
For sharing: small ฿60, medium ฿100, ฿150Chicken or pork satay:
10 sticks: ฿80Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok
On Google Maps, search: Kuang Heng Pratu Nam Chicken Rice
Address: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Since we’re already on the subject of fried hen (referred to as gai tod in Thailand), one other go-to spot amongst locals is Soi Polo Fried Chicken. Like lots of the restos on this checklist, it’s additionally pleased with its Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
Soi Polo began out as a humble road stall, however with the assist of its common patrons finally grew into a correct sit-down restaurant. I’m undecided what marinade it makes use of in its signature hen or if it will get scalded in salted water first, however it’s salted after which deep fried complete. It is then drained to take away the additional oil in a single day, to be ready and chopped upon order. And as soon as it’s on the plate, it’s topped with an enormous heaping of crunchy fried garlic.
Unlike different fried chickens, it’s not battered and has no breading. Yet, its skinny pores and skin stays crispy, concealing tender internal meat. With no or little effort, the flesh comes off the bones. And if you sink your tooth into it, you’ll discover it nonetheless juicy. The garlic provides extra seasoning and texture.
We additionally ordered the next specialties:
- Papaya salad (som tam) with salted egg and dried shrimp. Very tasty and spicy. It’s an enormous serving for its value. ฿80.
- Larb (laap). Spicy bitter minced meat dish obtainable in pork, hen, duck and beef variations. ฿80.
- Grilled pork neck. Soft, smoky, and sinful. ฿100.
- Spicy pork soup. Reminiscent of our personal sinigang however with cilantro. It was good, however I had higher at different kerbside carts at a less expensive value. ฿80.
- Fried curry fish cake. Think of it as agency curry-flavored kikiam served with candy chili-based dip. ฿120.
Yep, we ordered rather a lot as a result of we had been actually exhausted and famished that day. And nothing dissatisfied!
SOI POLO FRIED CHICKEN
Specialty: Fried Chicken
Prices
Half: ฿130
Whole: ฿260Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM-8:30 PM
Location: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
On Google Maps, search: Polo Fried Chicken
Address: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok
Should you end up procuring round in Chatuchak Weekend Market as a substitute, no want to go looking excessive and low for a great place to eat. Thailand’s largest market advanced has a complete meals part close to Entrance 1, the place you would pattern some native road fare. But the stall we suggest is a bit deeper inside, in the midst of the clothes part — Moo Yang Mae Sumontha. It’s fairly onerous to search out because it’s hidden amid attire shops, however simply search for Area 22, Soi 14. If you’re linked to the web, search for “Roasted Honey Glazed Pork Mae Sumontha” on Google Maps.
This is a takeout stall, and there’s no dine-in space. Yet, loyal patrons endure the lengthy queue simply to get their palms on this meaty goodness. The candy scent alone could make your mouth water and your tummy rumble. What is it well-known for precisely? Grilled pork, referred to as moo yang within the vernacular. As you wait in line, you’ll discover how the employees restlessly carry on chop, pack, and hand to prospects serving after serving of this roasted honey glazed pork. They simply place it in a plastic bag with a stick. Behind the employees are pictures of celebrities who’ve paid a go to to the place.
During our go to, every slice of the pork was so tender and juicy. Each chew was an explosion of the candy and salty marinade that enveloped it evenly. It was additionally completely ready, with no bitter, overcooked, or charred bits.
It prices ฿60 per 100g. You might devour it as is, or you would additionally order sticky rice for ฿10 or mantou (bun) for ฿5.
It has no Michelin Guide nod, however we imagine it’s the very best place to seize a chew when procuring at Chatuchak.
MOO YANG MAE SUMONTHA
Specialty: Roasted Honey Glazed Pork
Price: ฿60/100g
Operating Hours: Weekends 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok
On Google Maps, search: Roasted Honey Glazed Pork Mae Sumontha
Specialty: Fried noodles with hen
Address: 419 Luang Rd, Wat Thepsirin, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Many of the favored native dishes in Thailand have influences from different international locations. And one of many extra well-known road meals right here that has deep Chinese imprints is the guay tiew kua gai (kuay teow kua gai), flat rice noodles fried with hen. How to arrange it was fairly easy. First, the noodles are fried in a wok at excessive warmth, giving it some smokiness. Then, the hen and the egg are added. Most kitchens take the freedom with regards to extra elements, however its core, that’s the very primary recipe for this dish.
If this dish is up your alley, head over to Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai, which has acquired a Michelin Bib Gourmand award 12 months after 12 months. This small, unassuming eatery sticks to the “simplicity is strength” mantra. It makes use of only a few elements. When our bowl arrived, at first look, I might mistake it for a bowl of fried hen chop topped with a freshly cracked egg. Because it was fried at excessive temperatures with out a lot sauces, it might have been extra on the dry facet, however the recent egg made it creamy and easy.
But what I appreciated finest about this place was that it was so budget-friendly. The easy fried noodles with hen and runny egg prices ฿50, however one other bestselling model is the one with hen, ham, squid, and shrimps, at ฿100 baht per serving.
To be sincere, we loved the latter recipe higher as a result of the seafood flavors complemented the hen and egg nicely. And every bit from the ocean was so recent, we might inform.
We additionally had the hen noodle soup, which was a steal at solely ฿50. The style was very clear, homey, and comforting.
All the dishes we tried very mild. Even although any of them might actually move as a full meal — every has carbs and protein — they didn’t really feel heavy within the stomach.
ANN GUAY TIEW KUA GAI
Prices
Fried noodles with hen and egg: ฿50
Fried noodles with hen, egg, ham, and seafood: ฿100Operating hours: Daily, 2:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: 419 Luang Rd, Wat Thepsirin, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
On Google Maps, search: Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
Address: 562 566 Luang Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Just throughout Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai stands one other legendary meals spot that has been serving the identical dish for over 100 years! This is Poon Lert Room, well-known for its khao na gai (hen gravy rice), created by poaching hen thighs, chopped into small chunks, and drowned in a thick, sticky sauce that’s poured over a mound of rice.
This recipe stays unchanged since over a century in the past when the present proprietor’s nice grandfather was nonetheless peddling it within the streets. Now, in fact, it has a everlasting dwelling close to the Phlapphla Chai intersection in Yaowarat space. As with many different institutions on this checklist, anticipate to see a queue in entrance of the shop. Not stunning, on condition that it was additionally bestowed prior to now with a Bib Gourmand honor by the Michelin Guide for a few years.
It was raining after we visited, which might be why there weren’t that many shoppers. We ordered the signature hen gravy rice (฿80). It seemed unreal! One look and I used to be salivating. The gravy glistened and coated the rice throughout. It appeared quite simple, too. Save for the chili slices on the facet, there weren’t another strong ingredient apart from the hen. But it tasted very profound. After my first spoonful, my tastebuds had been greeted with one thing that appeared each acquainted and unusual. Familiar as a result of it jogged my memory of the Philippines’ asado or menudo, however unusual as a result of most profiles had been very subdued — it was neither salty nor candy — leaving solely the deep taste of the hen. But the chilis elevated it, including one other layer to the dish. I form of appreciated it (however my teammate Pycan, not a lot).
We additionally ordered BBQ pork with sticky rice (฿80), which was just like the standard char siu meals at Chinese eateries however drizzled with a wealthy and intensely candy soy-based sauce. There had been additionally sausage slices within the combine, which was a pleasant shock!
Oh, each dishes are additionally obtainable in springy noodle model!
POON LERT ROOM
Specialty: khao na gai
Prices
Chicken gravy rice: ฿80
BBQ pork with sticky rice: ฿80Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Closed: MondaysAddress: 562 566 Luang Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
On Google Maps, search: Poon Lert Room
Of course, this checklist received’t be full with out mentioning the nice previous curbside delicacies. One factor I actually love about Bangkok is its countless arrays of stalls and carts, promoting all kinds of native dishes, snacks, and desserts. Many of them are distinctive, too! From the grilled skewers to pad thai to mango sticky rice to milo dinosaur — these faves cease me at my tracks and make me whip out my pockets for a fast chew or drink. And they’re fairly inexpensive, too!
Often, you don’t want to go looking far and vast. Just scour the world surrounding your resort and also you’ll seemingly discover one thing good. On our current journey, simply in entrance of our hostel within the Khao San space stood a makeshift eatery whipping out bowl after bowl of scrumptious noodle soup. The egg noodle soup with roasted pork and wonton (฿50) was fab, however its large bowl of pork ribs soup (฿70) was immaculate. Hellishly spicy, however nonetheless immaculate.
