The phrase “elusive” isn’t normally used to explain a meals institution, not to mention a stationary restaurant. However over the previous 12 months, I’ve discovered myself squeezing it into virtually each sentence I give you about our time at Jay Fai, maybe Bangkok‘s most sought-after street-side restaurant.
Jay Fai can be the identify of its proprietor, born Supinya Junsuta, who cooks a lot of the dishes herself. Though it has been a neighborhood 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 “Road Meals 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 turn out to be, getting a slot right here means queuing up early within the morning. I’ve tried many occasions, to no avail.
However if you happen to’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 tons of of different worthy meals spots! On this article, we’re sharing with you a few of the greatest low cost eats in Bangkok aside from Jay Fai.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Deal with: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
If I may devour just one Thai dish in my life — there’s little question about it — I choose tom yum. It’s that one dish I order no less than as soon as each single day I’m in Thailand. And if you happen to’re searching for a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded tom yum, look no additional than Jeh O Chula or Jay Oh.
Jeh O Chula has a reasonably in depth menu, however it’s greatest 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 if you happen to don’t have an enormous urge for food, it may simply feed a gaggle of 4 or 5. However as a result of it has noodles, attempt to end it immediately. In any other case, they could take up all of the broth, which is the right mixture of bitter and aromatics. It’s probably the most unforgettable dishes I’ve had the pleasure of stuffing my face with in Thailand.
The essential choice prices solely ฿150. Different 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.
One other dish we advocate is its salmon salad (฿300), composed of big cuts of fish, drizzled with spicy-and-sour citrus primarily based dressing. Thoughts you, I already adored its tom yum, however this salmon salad turned out to be my favourite out of all the pieces we ordered.
By the way in which, you’ll seemingly be requested how spicy you need your tom yum and salad to be. Should you can’t deal with an excessive amount of warmth, don’t be shy to allow them to know. We ordered “delicate” however it was nonetheless fairly sizzling for us. The flavors radiated by regardless, so it was completely wonderful. However we had been drenched in sweat by the point our meal was over.
The queue right here can be loopy! Lining up can take so long as two hours, if you happen to don’t present up early. Happily, there’s a option to skip the primary line. You may reserve a slot by way of Klook! Those that booked with Klook has a separate, devoted line that’s a lot shorter and strikes a lot sooner. Should you fail to order with Klook, attempt to arrive early. It opens at 4:30 PM, however the strains would possibly already be lengthy right now.
JEH O CHULA (JAY OH)
Specialty: Tom Yum Noodle Soup
Working hours: Day by day, 4:30 PM-12:00 MN
Jeh Oh Chula Costs
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
Deal with: 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 go away. Little do they know that just some meters away is one other legendary institution bestowed with a Bib Gourmand recognition by the Michelin Information. That is Thipsamai Pad Thai Pratoopee, in-built 1939 simply earlier than World Warfare II and is regarded by many because the oldest pad Thai restaurant within the nation.
Identical to at its neighbor’s, the road at Thipsamai grows quick, too! However it’s positively definitely worth the wait. I used to be instructed that some locals are usually not too keen on it as a result of, they are saying, it isn’t consultant of the standard pad Thai we generally see within the nation. First, it’s wrapped in fried egg that it is advisable to slice open to disclose the sen chan rice noodles. Sure, that is one other factor that’s completely different. These noodles are noticeably thinner. And so they’re orange, because of the its signature shrimp oil that covers it throughout, giving it a bolder, extra seafoody taste, complimented effectively by the sweet-and-sour mixture of the tamarind.
You may select the protein to accompany the noodles, however the prawns are the bestseller.
Though there’s a dine-in area, it’s principally generally known as a takeaway sales space. It’s open from 10:00 AM till midnight, however it solely accepts dine-in clients beginning 5:00 PM.
THIPSAMAI PAD THAI PRATOOPEE
Specialty: Pad Thai
Thipsamai Costs:
Pad Thai (plain): ฿105
Pad Thai with prawns: ฿150Working Hours:
Takeout Solely: 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
Deal with: 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 pleasure 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 combined with tamarind juice.
The plain pad Thai prices ฿100, however we advocate 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.
Style-wise, I loved Thipsamai’s a bit extra solely as a result of my palate tends to favor seafood greater than pork. However if you happen to’re leaning extra in direction of meaty profiles, Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu may ship extra of these.
PAD THAI FAI TA LU
Specialty: Pad Thai
Fai Ta Lu Costs
Pad Thai (plain): ฿100
Pad Thai moo hob (with pork): ฿220Working 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
Deal with: Wisut Kasat, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
One other Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee is Ten Suns, positioned not too distant from Khao San Highway, 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. After which I used to be requested to decide on once more: the thicker flat rice noodles or the thinner ones. Maybe to interrupt the language barrier, she really 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 wished the latter, however for some motive — maybe I used to be nonetheless groggy as a result of it was too early within the morning — I pointed on the brisket. 😅
However it was nonetheless fairly good. The meat was sluggish cooked till it was so tender 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, however it was flavorful. Each sip was an umami tsunami, but it didn’t go away any aftertaste or a layer of grease in my palata. It was clear and lightweight, however nonetheless very comforting and filling. And excellent as a result of I nonetheless had hangover from all of the ingesting the night time earlier than.
TEN SUNS
Bestseller: Braised Beef Soup (฿140)
Working Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9AM-4PM
Closed: MondaysLocation: Wisut Kasat, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
On Google Maps, search: Ten Suns
Deal with: 962 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Should you intend to spend a day procuring in Pratunam, don’t miss Go Ang Pratunam Rooster earlier than you go on retail remedy. Located simply beside Platinum Mall and throughout the road from Palladium World Purchasing. Yep, it’s additionally a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient! It’s additionally a longtime identify within the space, whipping out plates of bestselling Hainanese rooster rice (฿50) since 1960.
Whereas single servings can be found, if you happen to’re a gaggle, contemplate the for-sharing gadgets, which prices ฿70 for normal and ฿140 for giant cuts. Every order comes with rooster soup and a particular sauce, the right salty companion for the very delicate flavors of the chicken. And since we’re in Thailand, anticipate the sauce to be sizzling and spicy.
To be trustworthy, whereas the style of the Hainanese rooster was on level, there have been components that had been a bit dry. We really most well-liked its different signature dish — braised pork (฿50 for solo, ฿70 for normal group minimize, ฿140 for giant serving). The meat was soooo tender and the umami-ness of its sauce seeped deep.
We additionally ordered rooster giblets (i.e. liver and gizzard).
General, 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 Rooster Rice
Working hours: Day by day, 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 Rooster Rice
Deal with: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Kuang Heng Rooster is one other extremely fashionable rooster spot in Pratunam and is broadly thought-about Go Ang Rooster’s rival within the space. Each focus on Hainanese rooster rice. However not like Go Ang, Kuang Heng doesn’t have a Michelin Information quotation however it was established earlier, in 1934.
They might not have a Michelin award, however for what it’s price, we appreciated its Hainanese rooster significantly better than Go Ang. As beforehand talked about, the rooster we bought at Go Ang had dry components. However right here at Kuang Heng, the meat was so tender, silky and succulent! Not a morsel was dry, tough, or powerful. It’s very near the perfect we’ve tried in Singapore.
Every order comes with rooster soup, rooster sauce, and a chunk of blood curd. To be honest, we most well-liked Go Ang’s sauce and soup. Kuang Heng’s broth was too fragrant for my liking. But when it’s simply the precise rooster, I’d choose Kuang Heng.
One other crowd favourite right here is the deep-fried rooster. The scent alone may drive any passerby loopy. The truth is, coming to Pratunam, we didn’t find out about Kuang Heng. We had been solely magnetized by the inviting scent of fried rooster! It’s not simply our noses that bought delighted in the long run. Every bit was crispy on the skin and juicy inside. It was served with candy chili sauce.
Pork satay and rooster satay are additionally fairly fashionable right here, at ฿80 per 10 sticks. Sure, ฿8 lang per stick. Every order comes with peanut sauce, vinegar, and a small plate of cucumber, onions, and chili peppers.
KUANG HENG PRATUNAM CHICKEN RICE
Bestsellers: Rooster rice & satay
Working hours: Day by day, 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Hainanese rooster
Single with rice: ฿50
For sharing: small ฿60, medium ฿100, ฿150Deep fried rooster
Single with rice: ฿50
For sharing: small ฿60, medium ฿100, ฿150Rooster or pork satay:
10 sticks: ฿80Deal with: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok
On Google Maps, search: Kuang Heng Pratu Nam Rooster Rice
Deal with: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Since we’re already on the subject of fried rooster (known as gai tod in Thailand), one other go-to spot amongst locals is Soi Polo Fried Rooster. Like most of the restos on this record, it’s additionally happy with its Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
Soi Polo began out as a humble road stall, however with the assist of its common patrons ultimately grew into a correct sit-down restaurant. I’m undecided what marinade it makes use of in its signature rooster or if it will get scalded in salted water first, however it’s salted after which deep fried complete. It’s 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 a large heaping of crunchy fried garlic.
In contrast to different fried chickens, it’s not battered and has no breading. But, its skinny pores and skin stays crispy, concealing tender internal meat. With no or little effort, the flesh comes off the bones. And while you sink your enamel 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 worth. ฿80.
- Larb (laap). Spicy bitter minced meat dish accessible in pork, rooster, duck and beef variations. ฿80.
- Grilled pork neck. Smooth, smoky, and sinful. ฿100.
- Spicy pork soup. Paying homage to our personal sinigang however with cilantro. It was good, however I had higher at different kerbside carts at a less expensive worth. ฿80.
- Fried curry fish cake. Consider it as agency curry-flavored kikiam served with candy chili-based dip. ฿120.
Yep, we ordered quite a bit as a result of we had been actually exhausted and famished that day. And nothing disillusioned!
SOI POLO FRIED CHICKEN
Specialty: Fried Rooster
Costs
Half: ฿130
Entire: ฿260Working Hours: Day by day, 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 Rooster
Deal with: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok
Ought to you end up procuring round in Chatuchak Weekend Market as an alternative, no want to look excessive and low for an excellent place to eat. Thailand’s largest market complicated has a whole meals part close to Entrance 1, the place you might pattern some native road fare. However the stall we advocate is a bit deeper inside, in the course of the clothes part — Moo Yang Mae Sumontha. It’s fairly laborious to seek out because it’s hidden amid attire shops, however simply search for Space 22, Soi 14. Should you’re linked to the web, search for “Roasted Honey Glazed Pork Mae Sumontha” on Google Maps.
It is a takeout stall, and there’s no dine-in space. But, loyal patrons endure the lengthy queue simply to get their fingers on this meaty goodness. The candy scent alone could make your mouth water and your tummy rumble. What’s it well-known for precisely? Grilled pork, known 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 clients 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.
Throughout our go to, every slice of the pork was so tender and juicy. Every 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 eat it as is, or you might additionally order sticky rice for ฿10 or mantou (bun) for ฿5.
It has no Michelin Information nod, however we consider it’s the perfect place to seize a chew when procuring at Chatuchak.
MOO YANG MAE SUMONTHA
Specialty: Roasted Honey Glazed Pork
Worth: ฿60/100g
Working 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 rooster
Deal with: 419 Luang Rd, Wat Thepsirin, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Most of the fashionable native dishes in Thailand have influences from different nations. And one of many extra well-known road meals right here that has deep Chinese language imprints is the guay tiew kua gai (kuay teow kua gai), flat rice noodles fried with rooster. How you can put together it was fairly easy. First, the noodles are fried in a wok at excessive warmth, giving it some smokiness. Then, the rooster and the egg are added. Most kitchens take the freedom in terms of 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 energy” mantra. It makes use of only a few elements. When our bowl arrived, at first look, I may mistake it for a bowl of fried rooster chop topped with a freshly cracked egg. As a result of it was fried at excessive temperatures with out a lot sauces, it may have been extra on the dry aspect, however the recent egg made it creamy and easy.
However what I appreciated greatest about this place was that it was so budget-friendly. The straightforward fried noodles with rooster and runny egg prices ฿50, however one other bestselling model is the one with rooster, ham, squid, and shrimps, at ฿100 baht per serving.
To be trustworthy, we loved the latter recipe higher as a result of the seafood flavors complemented the rooster and egg effectively. And every bit from the ocean was so recent, we may inform.
We additionally had the rooster noodle soup, which was a steal at solely ฿50. The style was very clear, homey, and comforting.
All of the dishes we tried very mild. Despite the fact that any of them may actually cross as a full meal — every has carbs and protein — they didn’t really feel heavy within the stomach.
ANN GUAY TIEW KUA GAI
Costs
Fried noodles with rooster and egg: ฿50
Fried noodles with rooster, egg, ham, and seafood: ฿100Working hours: Day by day, 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
Deal with: 562 566 Luang Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Simply throughout Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai stands one other legendary meals spot that has been serving the identical dish for over 100 years! That is Poon Lert Room, well-known for its khao na gai (rooster gravy rice), created by poaching rooster 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, after all, it has a everlasting house close to the Phlapphla Chai intersection in Yaowarat space. As with many different institutions on this record, anticipate to see a queue in entrance of the shop. Not stunning, on condition that it was additionally bestowed up to now with a Bib Gourmand honor by the Michelin Information for a few years.
It was raining once we visited, which might be why there weren’t that many purchasers. We ordered the signature rooster gravy rice (฿80). It seemed unreal! One look and I used to be salivating. The gravy glistened and lined the rice throughout. It appeared quite simple, too. Save for the chili slices on the aspect, there weren’t every other stable ingredient aside from the rooster. However it tasted very profound. After my first spoonful, my tastebuds had been greeted with one thing that appeared each acquainted and unusual. Acquainted 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 rooster. However 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 much like the standard char siu meals at Chinese language eateries however drizzled with a wealthy and intensely candy soy-based sauce. There have been additionally sausage slices within the combine, which was a pleasant shock!
Oh, each dishes are additionally accessible in springy noodle model!
POON LERT ROOM
Specialty: khao na gai
Costs
Rooster gravy rice: ฿80
BBQ pork with sticky rice: ฿80Working hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Closed: MondaysDeal with: 562 566 Luang Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
On Google Maps, search: Poon Lert Room
In fact, this record received’t be full with out mentioning the great previous curbside delicacies. One factor I actually love about Bangkok is its countless arrays of stalls and carts, promoting all types of native dishes, snacks, and desserts. A lot 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 so they’re fairly reasonably priced, too!
Typically, you don’t want to look far and vast. Simply 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 big bowl of pork ribs soup (฿70) was immaculate. Hellishly spicy, however nonetheless immaculate.
