Ask any Singaporean living overseas what Singapore food they miss and we can bet with you that the majority of them would say chicken rice. Chicken rice holds a special place in many of our hearts and it is no mystery why this simple yet flavourful dish has always been a crowd favourite.

We aren’t the only place in the world that has chicken rice though; Bangkok has its own rendition of the dish and while they both may look pretty similar, they do have their differences too.

We tried out Bangkok’s famous Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice on our recent trip to Bangkok and here is how we feel it compared to Singapore’s Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice is a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee and it started out in 1960 as a simple pushcart stall by a Hainanese immigrant in Bangkok. Today, it is bustling eatery in the middle of Pratunam and it never fails to attract swarms of both tourists and locals alike. 

We ordered one large plate of chicken (120baht) to share amongst ourselves as well as some rice (10baht). The serving size is pretty generous and definitely very value-for-money, especially if you come with a big group of people. Aside from the fresh slices of chicken, the dish also came with a cube of blood pudding.

The meat served to us was very lean and some of the slices were covered in slithers of chicken skin which added more flavour and texture to the chicken. While the chicken was fragrant and flavourful, its flesh was not quite as tender and as succulent as the ones you can find in Singapore, which we found a tad bit disappointing.

To enhance the flavour of the chicken, we recommend smothering it in some of their signature chilli sauce which consists of fermented bean paste, ginger and fermented chilli. The chilli added a lovely spicy kick to the chicken and definitely enhanced the flavours of the overall dish. We have to admit that if we had to choose between Singapore’s Chilli and Bangkok’s we would have a pretty hard time!

All in all, we still prefer Singapore’s Hainanese chicken rice over Bangkok’s chicken rice as we prefer our meat to be more on the tender side. However, Bangkok undoubtedly serves up some pretty solid plates of chicken rice as well and we highly recommend that you give it a try if you’re ever in Bangkok!

Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
960 962 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 252 6325
Daily: 6am – 2pm, 5pm – 2am

We will never run out of things to eat in Bangkok. Period.

This gluttons paradise is home to a smorgasbord of scrumptious grub that we wouldn’t mind getting fat for. From cooling husks of coconut ice cream to fiery bowls of Thai green curry, Bangkok hands down has some of the best food that we have ever tasted.

Whether it’s your first time stepping foot into this food heaven or if you’re a frequent traveller to Bangkok, we have here a guide of local food and snacks to give you some ideas on what you need to try on your next trip to the land of smiles.

BOAT NOODLES 

There are few things as addictive as boat noodles and we love the satisfying feeling of stacking all those finished bowls up high. The great thing about boat noodles is that because the portions are all so small and cheap, you get to try a variety of different broths and noodles till your heart’s content without feeling a pinch in your wallet.

Where to get it: Lung Prathunam Boat Noodles, Kin Tiew Kan, Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong, Doy Kuay Teow Reua Boat Noodles

COCONUT ICE CREAM 

The Bangkok heat can get pretty unbearable at times and that’s why we love indulging ourselves in some Thai coconut ice-cream to cool ourselves down. We absolutely love the rich coconut cream base and we like to garnish our ice creams a sprinkling of peanuts, fruits, and candies.

 Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Hua Mum Night Market, Natthaphon Coconut Ice Cream

CHARCOAL CREPES 

Choose to have your crepes savoury or sweet—we had our charcoal crepe with sliced bananas. You are likely to find crepes in most night markets of Bangkok as it is a common snack you can find even on the streets itself.

Where to get it: Rot Fai Market Ratchada

Photo Credit: erikhasoewito

CRISPY PANCAKES (KHANOM BUANG) 

Khanom buang is a must-eat snack when you are in Thailand. It’s a Thai-style crepe that looks like a crunchy taco. It’s made with rice flour and stuffed with sweet meringue or savoury cream. Toppings vary from egg yolk threads to shredded coconut or chopped shrimp.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Rot Fai Market Ratchada 

DUCK RICE/NOODLES 

If you love duck, we insist that you try the Thai’s rendition of duck noodles and rice. We prefer it over Singapore’s any day and we love how their version features more tender and succulent cuts of duck.

Where to get it: Buay Pochana, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Pondtip Pratunam, Tung Sui Heng Pochana

Photo Credit: feebz9210

FRIED BUGS

This one isn’t for the faint-hearted (and that includes us). If you’re a brave soul who loves trying out new things, we recommend that you have a go at some fried bugs. Bangkok is one of the few places in the world that dishes out these critters like delicacies and you can often get your hands on some at most of the night markets there.

Where to get it: Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin, Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy, Klong Toey Market

FRIED QUAIL EGGS 

Fried quail eggs are one of our favourite street snacks in Bangkok. They taste great, albeit extremely simple. The special seasoning used is a sauce that elevates the savoury taste. The egg is also usually not fully cooked, so the yolk bursts once you bite into it.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chinatown, Ramkhamhaeng University Night Market, Hua Mak

LENG SAAP 

Leng Saap essentially translates to ‘Spicy Pork Bone Soup’ and it basically consists of giant portions of pork ribs and spine that are generously doused in a rich and addictively spicy broth as well as plenty of lime, coriander and chilli. We’ve tried the one at Golden Mile Tower back in Singapore and were instantly hooked, and we pleased to say that the ones here in Bangkok taste even better.

Where to get it: Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin, Rot Fai Market Ratchada

MANGO STICKY RICE

The vast abundance of street food might be a tad too overwhelming for first-timers to Thailand, but one will never go wrong with this classic Thai dessert. Made with coconut milk, fresh mangoes and sticky glutinous rice, this dessert is a delightful contrast of sweet and saltiness.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Talad Neon Night Market, Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Mae Varee Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango, Boonsap Thai Desserts, Muhammad Roddee, Je Meaw Sukhumvit 38

OLIVE RICE 

If you’re tired of plain white rice, why not try some of Thailands olive rice? We love how the rice has an aromatic olive flavour that pairs well with whatever dish it is served with it. It also tastes great eaten on its own!

Where to get it: Street outside Union Mall, Sanguan Sri Restaurant

PAD THAI

It would be a crime to come to Bangkok and not have tried the pad Thai here. This classic stir-fried noodle dish is chock full of different flavours from all its various components such as the nuttiness from the peanuts to the sweetness of the prawns and chilli. It isn’t hard to see why it’s so popular amongst both locals and tourists alike!

Where to get it: Thipsamai, Baan Phad Thai, Pad Thai Mae Am

PAN-FRIED SQUID EGGS 

Squid eggs do sound a little intimidating to people who have never tried them before but we promise you that they taste way better than they sound! Most places serve them in two ways: deep-fried or pan-fried. We prefer the deep-fried version which is first coated with batter for a crispy outer layer, before being deep-fried in hot oil and then drizzled with a tangy green chilli sauce for extra oomph.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Rot Fai Market Ratchada 

PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE (KHAO OP SAPPAROT) 

Nothing beats an iconic plate of pineapple fried rice and this well-loved Thai dish features fluffy Jasmine rice cooked with juicy pineapple chunks. Some places even serve up the dish in a hollowed-out pineapple which makes for a great photo opportunity for the gram.

Where to get it: Ko Eay Ko Kafaa, Tealicious Cafe

PORK TROTTERS RICE (KHAO KAA MOO) 

Whenever we are in Bangkok, we love to indulge ourselves in a sinful plate of pork trotters rice. Here, outrageously tender chunks of braised pork trotters lie atop a bed of white rice and then doused in a generous amount of braising gravy. We honestly wouldn’t mind getting a heart attack for this dish.

Where to get it: Bamee Sawang, Khao Kha Moo Truk Sung

Photo Credit: linhlengkeng

SALTED GRILLED FISH 

The Thai’s prepare their salted fish very differently from the Chinese. Here, they coat the entire fish in a layer of salt while discarding the skin. This interesting technique helps to preserve the moisture of the fishes flesh during the grilling process, keeping it nice, moist and chock full of flavour.

Where to get it: Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Pa Porn Pla Phao, Talad Neon

SOM TUM

For the uninitiated, som tum is essentially Thai-style green papaya salad. There are many roadside stalls selling fresh som tum that is prepared to order. Unripened green papaya is shredded and mixed with chilli, sugar, garlic, lime, fish sauce, tomatoes and several other ingredients to produce a spicy-sour taste that will have you lingering for more.

Where to get it: B-Story Cafe, MBK Mall, Chatuchak Weekend Market

THAI CHICKEN RICE 

While Thai-style chicken rice is somewhat similar to Singapore’s, the chicken is much drier and the rice is a little less oily. Many stalls specialise in both fried and steamed chicken rice and we sometimes have a hard time choosing between the two. We love the chilli sauce that accompanies the dish and it provides anything that is dunked into it with a savoury and fiery touch that packs a punch.

Where to get it: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice, Kuang Heng, Kaiton Pratunam Chicken Rice

THAI ICED MILK TEA

To combat the sweltering heat, we love to get ourselves a cup of satisfyingly cooling Thai iced milk tea. Renditions of this popular drink can be found in many places around the world but nothing beats going back to the original. While the drink may get too cloyingly sweet at times, we still can’t help but slurp it down because it’s just so addictive.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Khao San Road, Rot Fai Market Ratchada, Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin 

THAI GREEN CURRY 

We love how creamy yet fiery a good bowl of Thai green curry is. The green chillies used give the dish its murky green colour and this is further enhanced with basil leaves and lemongrass. If you can’t take spicy food, be warned that this dish might be a bit too much for you.

Where to get it: Krua Apsorn, Methavalai Sorndaeng, The Sixth

THAI FISH CAKE 

Thai fish cakes are one of our favourite snacks in Bangkok and we love how they are easily available.  If you are lucky, these fish cakes will be freshly deep-fried in front of you, so you can have it piping hot with a generous drizzle of Thai sweet chilli sauce.

Where to get it: Pratunam Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market

THAI-STYLE OMELETTE 

There is something very addictive about Thai-style omelettes that make us prefer it to any other omelette out there. For some unbeknownst reason, the omelettes in Bangkok are the fluffiest and sweetest. Pair it with some rice and Thai green chilli sauce and you’ve got yourself a simple yet satisfying meal that’ll substantially fill you up.

Where to get it: Chatuchak Weekend Market, The Sixth, Raan Jay Fai, Nhong Rim Klong

TOM YUM KOONG 

Common but oh-so-addictive, a hearty bowl of tom yum koong is an ideal centrepiece for meals with large groups of people. The dish is creamy, spicy and tangy all at once and we could easily just eat it doused over a plate of rice without anything else.

Where to get it: The Sixth, The Place 168, Pee Aor

WANTON NOODLES 

If you love Singapore’s wanton noodles, you may wanna give the Thai version a try. Here, springy egg noodles are tossed in oil, soya sauce and chilli, accompanied with greens, small dumplings and slices of honeyed pork. We admittedly can’t decide if we prefer the Thai or Singapore rendition!

Where to get it: Sukhumvit Soi 38, Bamee Sawang, Nai Meng Ba Mee Poo, Odean Noodle

There are few things as addictive as boat noodles and we love the satisfying feeling of stacking all those finished bowls up high. The great thing about boat noodles is that because the portions are all so small and cheap, you get to try a variety of different broths and noodles till your heart’s content without feeling a pinch in your wallet.

Bangkok is no short of places that dish out scrumptious bowls of boat noodles and one of our favourite haunts whenever we are there is Kin Tiew Kan Noodle.

Located conveniently at the bustling Union Mall, Kin Tiew Kan Noodle is a great place to check out after a hectic day of shopping and getting your nails done.

The cosy eatery is always packed with people which is a testament to how good their boat noodles are!

Each bowl here costs an affordable 15 baht each which gives you even more reason to build yourselves a tower of boat noodle bowls after you’ve polished everything off.

There are 5 broths available for you to choose from, namely Thicken Soup Noodle With Beef, Dried Noodle with Pork or Beef, Brewed Bean Curd Noodle, Hot and Sour Noodle ‘Tom Yum’ and their signature broth, Thicken Soup Noodle with Pork. 

We can see why the Thicken Soup Noodle with Pork is their bestseller as it was our favourite too. Chock full of umami with a strong, porky flavour, we feel that this full-bodied concoction goes best with rice noodles.

We also really enjoyed the Brewed Bean Curd Noodle which features a tangy and slightly sour fermented tasting soup that comes with some fishcake, crackers and minced meat.

To spice up your boat noodles, you can always opt to add some ingredients such as Boiled Morning Glory (15 baht), Boiled Pork Balls (15 baht), Stewed Beef (20 baht) and Bounced-Boiled Pork (20 baht).

Kin Tiew Kan
Lat Phrao, Khwaeng Chom Phon
Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 849 9292
Daily: 11am – 9pm

It is no secret that Bangkok’s Chinatown is a gluttons paradise that is home to rows of stalls that sell scrumptious local eats. It can be easy to be spoilt for choice here and if you just can’t decide on what to eat, we recommend that you give Nai Ek Roll Noodle a try.

Situated at the heart of Chinatown, Nai Ek Roll Noodle is a humble stall that specialises in —you guessed it — roll noodles, as well as some of the crispiest deep-fried pork we’ve ever tried.

The food here is so good that they’ve even earned themselves a place in the Michelin Guide.

Started in the 1960s by a man from China called Nai Ek, Nai Ek Roll Noodle began as a simple pushcart stall. As his reputation grew, Nai Ek eventually set up a shop along Chinatown in 1989 and the rest is history. 

A peppery bowl of Roll Noodles Soup comes in small (50 baht), medium (80 baht) and large (100 baht). Each bowl comes brimming with meticulously made roll noodles, minced pork, crispy pork, sliced pork and pig innards.

The spiral-shaped noodles are cooked to a nice al dente and its shape gives it an interesting texture that complements the rest of the ingredients. We also love how the variety of innards and meats gave the dish a lovely meaty bite as well as provided the soup with plenty of umami.

There are few things as satisfying as a plate of outrageously crispy deep-fried pork and the ones here at Nai Ek Roll Noodle slams every other pork dish we’ve ever had out of the ballpark.

The Deep Fried Crispy Pork (100 baht) features a plate laden with generous chunks of pork that have been fried to a lovely, golden brown crisp. Each and every bite of pork you take unleashes a myriad of flavours as well as a satisfyingly loud ‘crunch’ that can be heard from a few tables away.

The true mark of a good plate of pork is how long it can remain crispy and the pork still remained as crispy as ever even after we had taken our time to snap some shots of our food before tucking in.

We can definitely see why Nai Ek Roll Noodle is part of the Michelin Guide and we really hope that you’ll give it a try the next time you’re in Bangkok.

Nai Ek Roll Noodle
442 Khwaeng Samphanthawong
Khet Samphanthawong
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
+66 2 226 4651
Daily: 7.30am – 1.30am

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/09/nai-ek-roll-noodle/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/09/pondtip-pratunam/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/09/pondtip-pratunam/#comments Tue, 17 Sep 2019 23:09:14 +0000 Melissa Teo https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=187425 Continue reading →]]>

While we love Singapore’s duck rice, we admittedly prefer Bangkok’s duck rice a tad bit more. We don’t know how they do it but most of the ducks that we have tried here have turned out more succulent and tender as compared to the ones that we have had in Singapore.

While there aren’t as many stalls in Bangkok that sell duck rice as there are that sell chicken rice, we know a handful of good ones to recommend to you. One of them would be Pondtip Pratunam, a humble stall that sells an array of scrumptious Thai food which includes duck noodles and rice.

Conveniently located right smack in the middle of busy Pratunam, Pondtip Pratunam is the perfect pitstop for ravenous shopaholics who need a mid-shopping perk-me-up.

We recommend getting the Soya Duck Rice (60 baht) which comes with succulent duck slices atop a mound of white rice and a side of blood pudding and chilli sauce.

What we love about the duck here is how it is so outrageously moist and tender despite being cooked for such a long period of time. In similar cases, the duck usually ends up dry and tough, so having such well-cooked duck is certainly refreshing.

We also recommend dunking the duck into the provided chilli for an extra spicy kick. To be honest, we don’t feel that the duck needs any more enhancement as it already is good on its own but if you love to have your food with a little spice, you definitely need to try the duck with their chilli.

Our absolute favourite dish here would hands down be the Stewed Duck Rice (80 baht) which features a massive stewed duck leg accompanied with white rice, pudding blood and their signature chilli.

The duck meat here is the definition of fall-off-the-bone as it was so easy for us to tear off strips of meat due to the duck flesh being so tender. We find the duck in this dish significantly more succulent and flavourful than the one we had for soya duck rice and each bite was packed full of umami.

If you’re a duck lover who happens to be popping by Pratunam area, please try the duck here! If you aren’t a fan of rice, they also have a few noodle dishes on their menu for you to choose from.

Pondtip Pratunam 
922, 924 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 650 4023
Daily: 6am – 8pm

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/09/pondtip-pratunam/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/09/pratunam-food-guide/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/09/pratunam-food-guide/#comments Sat, 14 Sep 2019 16:01:26 +0000 Melissa Teo https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=187866 Continue reading →]]>

While Pratunam is known to be a shoppers paradise filled with an endless array of stalls, it is also a gluttons idea of heaven.

The streets and malls of Pratunam are packed with a smorgasbord of stalls that serve up a tantalising selection of food that ranges from hearty local bites to delectable cafe nosh. Each and every nook and cranny of this area is crammed with surprises and we can promise you that you will never run out of new things to try here.

If you are overwhelmed by the wide selection of goodies to tuck into, here is a quick guide to 9 of our favourite places to get some great grub after a tiring day of shopping in Pratunam.

BAMEE SAWANG

While people hear more of the famous Sabx2 Wanton Mee, there are better places in Bangkok to get a scrumptious bowl of roast pork noodles and one of them is Bamee Sawang. We love the wanton mee here and we also recommend that you give their Stewed Pork Leg Over Rice a try too.

982 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 056 0663
Daily: 9.30am – 11pm

BOYY & SON

Located conveniently at the recently renovated Gaysorn Village, BOYY & Son is a chic, stylish and incredibly Instagram-worthy cafe that sells coffee, tea and an interesting array of pastries. We absolutely love their croissants which are flaky, buttery and fragrant all at once!

BOYY 127 Unit L00-01 GAYSORN Tower2 Lumphini
Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 253 8300
Daily: 8am – 8pm

GO-ANG PRATUNAM CHICKEN RICE

If you want to try a different variation of chicken rice aside from Singapore’s Hainanese chicken rice, we recommend that you pop by Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice. These plates of Michelin Bib Gourmand chicken rice certainly live up to its name and we can see why it’s so popular with both the locals and tourists. Brace yourself for some really long queues!

960 962 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 252 6325
Daily: 6am – 2pm, 5pm – 2am

GONG TONG CAFE

Gong Tong is a charming and quirky cafe that dishes out themed homemade dishes that revolve around different historical periods of Thailand. They serve up both sets and à la carte options and each and every dish here will take you to a completely different era. While the prices here are on the steeper end, we can assure you that it is well worth every cent.

Thanon Phaya Thai
Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 64 879 0149
Daily: 10am – 8.30pm

Photo Credit: seeintear

KHAO KHA MOO TRUK SUNG (PORK KNUCKLES)

For those of you who love anything and everything pork-related, you’ll absolutely love Khao Kha Moo Truk Sung. This humble stall specialises in outrageously tender pork leg over rice that simply melts in your mouth. Aside from that, they also serve up other dishes such as rice with crispy pork and bowls of hearty soups.

LUNG PRATHUNAM BOAT NOODLES 

There are multiple places in Bangkok that serve up decent bowls of boat noodles but one of our absolute favourites is Lung Prathunam Boat Noodle. Here, they have 6 different broths and 8 different types of noodles to choose from. Each bowl costs a mere 30 baht and an upsized version would be 40 baht. For those of you who are in a rush, you can also do a take away for 50 baht.

960/14 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 85 919 1994
Daily: 8am – 5pm

Photo Credit: midnightkaiton_pratunam

MIDNIGHT KAITON CHICKEN RICE

If the queues at Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice are way too long, you can check Midnight Kaiton Chicken Rice out instead. Here, they serve up hearty plates of chicken rice as well as crispy fried chicken which is perfect for supper. The only gripe we have is that they only open after 7pm.

986 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Mon to Sat: 7pm – 4am
Sun: 7pm – 12pm

PONDTIP PRATUNAM 

There aren’t as many stalls in Bangkok that sell duck rice as there are that sell chicken rice but if we had to recommend one, it would be Pondtip Pratunam. This humble stall sells an array of scrumptious Thai food but they’re famous for their duck dishes. We recommend the Soya Duck Rice and the Stewed Duck Rice!

922, 924 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 650 4023
Daily: 6am – 8pm

THE PLACE 168

The Place 168 is a little Thai restaurant tucked away at a rundown building near Pratunam Market. The small shop has a pretty extensive menu filled with authentic Thai dishes but they are most famous for their gargantuan bowls of Tom Yum Koong Soup which are great for sharing.

1/49 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 657 0880
Daily: 10.30am – 9.30pm

Bangkok may be known for its street food, but the vibrant city is in the midst of developing itself into one of the best places in Asia for cafe hopping. Some of the cafes are inspired by local traditions while others are infused with foreign cultures and ideas brought back from overseas trips.

It is truly amazing to see how concept cafes and restaurants pop up one after another these few years and most of them boast incredibly beautiful interiors. These dining spots are great for a coffee break, to munch on some pastries or to indulge in full meals.

We came up with a list of 12 Most Beautiful Restaurants And Cafes In Bangkok for you to include into your itinerary. Remember to take lots of photos!

#1 AUDREY CAFE & BISTRO

Are you a fan of everything monochrome? Then you should head to Audrey Cafe & Bistro which is a predominantly monochrome cafe with cascading vines and fairy lights.

Audrey has a menu that serves both Western and Thai, and they have pretty decent desserts too. The one at Thonglor is our favourite, but other outlets can be found at major shopping malls in Bangkok such as Central Embassy, Siam Centre and EmQuartier.

136/3 Thonglor Soi 11 Vaddhana,
Sukhumvit 55
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 712 6667
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#2 BLUE DYE CAFE

Blue Dye Cafe is a captivating coffee spot in Thonglor district with photogenic spots at every corner of the cafe. Situated in an old two-storey house, the first floor of the cafe is dedicated to serving wholesome brunches and excellent coffee while the second level is where you can do some retail shopping.

The cafe also has a mini gallery featuring porcelain tableware, coffee making machines and pottery. If you are undecided about the food, we recommend trying their Moo Nam Tok (THB220/S$9.05).

40/1 Soi Sukhumvit 36
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 94 156 6166
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#3 DEXTER CAFE & BAR

A cafe by day and bar by night, Dexter Cafe & Bar along Sathon road is an aesthetically pleasing dining establishment in Bangkok. Their innovative coffee menu, calm ambience and availability of free WIFI make it great for those who are looking for a place to do some work.

When you are at the cafe, you cannot skip their coffee beverages inspired by international flavours around the world.

56 Sathorn Soi 8
North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 636 6222
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

#4 EKKAMAI MACCHIATO

Ekkamai Macchiato is a homey cafe located along Ekkamai Soi 12. While there is no lack of good coffee shops in Ekkamai district, this cosy cafe ranks high up our list for making us feel completely at home.

Those who are looking for a simple place to have great coffee will not leave disappointed. You can also spend some time browsing through magazines that are provided on a rack near to the coffee counter.

6/2 Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 83 785 9090
Mon to Fri: 8am -10pm
Sat to Sun 9am – 10pm
PH: 09am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Nana

#5 FACTORY COFFEE

As one of Bangkok’s pre-eminent coffee venues, Factory Coffee is centrally located near to Phaya Thai BTS station and offers a straightforward menu featuring their signature coffee drinks and a selection of baked goods.

35/18 Phayathai Rd
Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10440
Tel: +66 085 145 4184
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Phaya Thai

#6 FEATHERSTONE BISTRO CAFE

Both a cafe and a lifestyle shop, this cafe is one of the prettiest finds in Thonglor. It is like an enchanted forest—think butterflies, stained glass and the dreamiest flowers hanging from the ceiling.

Its food menu is not the most interesting, though. The pasta was pretty mediocre, but pizzas were not too bad and we enjoyed ours. What you must order are the signature drinks. We had the Purple Lullaby, and it really is a work of art; just look at the ice cubes!

60 Pridi Banomyong 31
Khlong Tan Nuea
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 97 058 6846
Wed to Mon: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#7 KARMAKAMET DINER

Given its popularity, Karmakamet Diner needs no introduction. The space is well-furnished with a rustic touch, with so much thought put into every detail.

Brunch items include Egg White Frittata and Full Breakfast. The must-try dessert there is their super photogenic Strawberry In The Clouds—strawberry shortcake with rainbow cotton candy.

30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24
Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 262 0700
Daily: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong

#8 ONE OUNCE AT CHANGCHUI

One Ounce For Onion at Ekkamai district in Bangkok is a popular hipster cafe that opened their second branch at the popular ChangChui night market.

You can expect nothing less from the creative minds behind this concept cafe who converted an old warehouse container into a rustic-looking cafe adorned with glittering chandeliers, dark wooden furniture and a bookshelf filled with books of many genres.

460/8 Sirindhorn Road
Bangpld, Bangkok
10700 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 050 5533
Nearest BTS: Victory Monument

#9 THE BLOOMING GALLERY

The Blooming Gallery Tea Cafe & Bar is a rustic cafe hidden in The Ei8ht Thonglor shopping mall. Walking into the cafe is like wandering into a mini secret garden where you will be surrounded by colourful flowers and lush greenery.

A Path In The Forest (THB380/S$15.63) and The Blooming Garden (THB350/S$14.40) are two gorgeous desserts to order when you are there. While the taste is nothing amazing, they are a visual feast for the eyes.

LG/F, Eight Thonglor
Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 063 5508
Sun to Tue: 10am – 10pm
Wed to Sat: 10am – 12 Midnight
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#10 THE COMMONS

The Commons at Thonglor is Bangkok’s Hottest Destination. With 28 restaurants, cafes and shops to boast, it is an enchanting space in Thonglor that opened its doors to the public in January 2016. It is not “just another mall”; it is a community and a way of life to the guys who envisioned and built The Commons.

Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#11 THE GARDEN OF DINSOR SUMMER

This place has swans! ‘Nuff said, right?

The Garden of Dinsor Palace does not have an exceptional menu, neither does the food taste out of the world. But where else can you dine with swans? Well, sort of. And there are peacocks roaming around the compound too!

1217/2 between Sukhumvit soi 59 and 61
Klongtan-nue, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 714 2112
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor/Ekkamai

#12 THE NEVER ENDING SUMMER

What used to be a rundown riverside warehouse has since transformed into a rustic industrial-themed Thai restaurant called “The Never Ending Summer” under the hands of local architect Duangrit Bunnag and partner Naree Boonyakiat.

We recommend trying their local Thai dishes as every dish we ordered was mouth-watering and deserving of high praises.

41/5 Charoen Nakorn
Khlong San
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 861 0953
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin

Read: 28 Best Cafes You Must Visit In Bangkok

There are few places in the world that can match up to Bangkok when it comes to cheap and delicious street food.

As Thailand’s tourism industry flourishes, we are definitely not surprised to find out about emerging food fads and trends that have gone viral on social media.

While it is easy to brush them off as something gimmicky, we applaud the creativity and effort that went behind creating these ‘Instagrammable’ food. If you are curious about where you can find them, here is our list of 7 Street Food In Bangkok That Will Spice Up Your Instagram Feed.

#1 CHEESE TOASTIE

One of the best finds in Bangkok when it comes to Instagram-worthy food is probably cheese toasties. That cheese pull is enough to garner all those likes on social media for you. Besides, who can say no to cheese right?

Where To Get It: ChangChui, JJ Green Night Market

#2 CHEESE FRIES

Anything with cheese and we are game for it. While cheese fries are nothing new, it sure makes a delicious snack when you are looking for something to keep your tummy satisfied at the night market.

Where To Get It: Talad Neon

#3 TAIYAKI

You get to choose which flavours you fancy (there is also durian) and the fillings are usually extremely generous. Pull your taiyaki apart for that photogenic cheese pull which does not lose out to the cheese toastie.

Where To Get It: Talad Neon

#4 WATERMELON ICE

Even if you have not been to Bangkok before, we are sure you have seen this dessert at pasar malams in Singapore. Nothing feels better than an icy watermelon dessert to cool off from Bangkok’s humid weather.

Where To Get It: The New Rot Fai Ratchada

#5 CHARCOAL CREPES

Choose to have your crepes savoury or sweet—we had our charcoal crepe with sliced bananas. You are likely to find crepes in most night markets of Bangkok as it is a common snack you can find even on the streets itself.

Where To Get It: JJ Green Night Market, The New Rot Fai Ratchada

#6 BLOOD BAG DRINK

This blood bag drink got us feeling like vampires sucking on real blood (it is actually just fruit punch)—eat your heart out Edward Cullen!

The taste is nothing amazing as it is just your regular syrup water but the beverage definitely helps to quench your thirst.

Where To Get It: Talad Neon, Artbox

#7 THAI MILK TEA

You have to film down the process of locals making traditional Thai milk tea. We were staring in awe as we watched the tea being pulled from one jug to the other. The end result is a delicious, frothy drink that is served at the right temperature for consumption.

Where To Get It: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Talad Neon

For more recommendations, read our guide on 18 Must-Try Street Food in Bangkok.

We know for a fact that we absolutely do not have to sell Bangkok, because it already is a top tourist destination for Singaporeans, especially. The airfares are affordable, food and shopping are similarly low-priced and everything about Bangkok just boasts an aura of awesomeness.

However, we also know that some people have their qualms about Bangkok and we are here to change that. Bangkok is so beautiful, we want you to see it too. Besides the shopping, food and all the well-known night markets, Bangkok has ancient temples, rich culture & heritage, and more!

Here are 16 Reasons to Love Bangkok, Thailand. You will definitely be booking your next trip by the end of this!

#1 AFFORDABLE MASSAGE & SPA

This is our favourite past-time in Bangkok and we do it almost everyday! Foot or full body massages are so affordable there (approx. S$10 or 250 baht) that we will never skip it when we visit this beautiful city. The masseuses are also very well-trained to really give you the best massages to relax your muscles and make you rid of any tension in your body.

#2 AFFORDABLE SEAFOOD MEALS

Seafood is generally pricey in Singapore. However in Bangkok, we can have a very big and satisfying full seafood dinner for about S$10 or so each. You can never find seafood prices like these in Singapore.

#3 AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION

We all love Bangkok for this reason. Whether you’re grabbing a taxi or tuk tuk, they’re all extremely inexpensive. However, remember to insist on them turning on the meter to not get conned!

#4 AMAZING STREET FOOD

We don’t know about you, but the street food in Bangkok is to-die-for to us! Everything is so tasty and flavoured so well that we sometimes skip meals just to eat a variety of street food (so much so that it fills our tummy up!). Quail eggs, deep-fried squid, roadside Phad Thai – we are hungry just thinking about it.

#5 BEST NIGHTLIFE VIBES

Bangkok boasts one of the richest nightlife in South East Asia. Besides pubs and clubs, the overall feel strolling down places like Khao San, taking in the vibes, is the perfect feeling to end your long night of shopping and activities. Grab a drink or beer here and just party the night away!

#6 BREATHTAKING ROOFTOP BARS IN BANGKOK

We love the fact that Bangkok has many breathtaking rooftop bars and they are all extremely beautiful. Some of our favourites include – Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree (always packed, but you should still go anyway), Red Sky Rooftop at Centara Grand and Baiyoke Sky Rooftop Bar (highest point in the city).

#7 CONVENIENCE STORES

Strangely enough, we visit the 7/11 in Bangkok, more often than we would admit. Do you know a delicious pre-made and packed Thai Basil Chicken Rice is only barely S$1 there? And it’s really good too, trust us on that! Everything else from bottled drinks to snack are all generally much cheaper than in Singapore.

#8 COOL CAFES & COFFEE HOUSES IN BANGKOK

Bangkok is also no stranger to the cafe scene with popular destinations such as Karmakamet and its iconic candy floss desserts, and others such as After You and Mr. Jones’ Orphanage, offering affordable and delicious cafe fare.

#9 EVERYWHERE IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE

We like that it is easy to get to anywhere in Bangkok. Not once, were we ever lost. The roads might look messy but all the cab and tuk tuk drivers we’ve had, never had a problem.

#10 FRIENDLY LOCALS

Of course we will bump into rude and uncouth people any where in the world, but we are sure that Bangkok has some of the nicest and most polite locals around who will take the time to chat with you, even if they are not proficient in English – something that really warms our heart.

#11 INCREDIBLY GOOD SHOPPING DEALS

We know of friends who do their entire year’s worth of shopping on one trip to Bangkok—that’s how good the shopping deals are. With so many great night markets, weekend markets and shopping centres in the city, it is every shopaholic’s heaven.

#12 MELTING POT OF INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Other than amazing Thai food, Bangkok offers great food from around the world. We’ve had authentic American diner fare in Khao San Road and Japanese food in the shopping centres that were more than up to standard.

#13 SKIN CARE & MAKEUP

This is for the ladies out there. Brand such as Snail White and Cathy Doll, are so much cheaper in their home country, of course! Grab all these amazing skin care and make up while you’re there and you’ll save a ton!

#14 WAT PHO & OTHER GORGEOUS TEMPLES

After the hustle and bustle of city life, take a break by visiting Wat Pho, home of the famous reclining Buddha. This temple is gorgeous and so tranquil inside, it is the perfect vacation ending you need to have.

#15 WELL-CONNECTED TRAINS

Whenever we spot a traffic jam, we would definitely head on down to their train. It is both affordable and very well-connected to all the major places in Bangkok. It served us really well when we want to get to somewhere fast when there is horrible traffic during peak hours!

#16 THE BEST NIGHT MARKETS IN BANGKOK

Ask any Singaporean which Asian city is their favourite for shopping and most would tell you Bangkok.

For the Thais, night markets are a way of life. The congregation of local vendors is a common sight and for many natives, their livelihoods depend on these bustling night bazaars.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is no doubt the most well-known day market in Bangkok and for many good reasons too—the sheer size of this outdoor market makes it impossible for you to cover the entire place in a day.

Covering 27 acres of land in total, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Bangkok and is home to over 8,000 stalls featuring Thai street food, fashion, homeware, flowers and so much more.

For first-timers to Chatuchak Weekend Market, it can be quite intimidating to try and navigate your way around. However, you have nothing to fear! Our guide to all the amazing street food you have to try there will help you narrow down your choices so you know what to look out for.

Here is a guide on 12 Street Food At Chatuchak Weekend Market You Have To Try.

#1 FISH CAKES

Thai fish cake or known as “tod mun pla krai” in Thai is a snack that is extremely popular among the locals. You will find a few stalls offering this delicious finger food when you walk down Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Apart from deep frying the fish cakes, there are also pan-fried versions which may be slightly healthier as there is significantly less oil used. Of course, we think that every diet plan should be thrown out of the window when you visit this weekend market!

#2 FRIED QUAIL EGGS

For those who have been to Bangkok, you would know that fried quail eggs or “khai nok kra-ta” is a common street food found in most night markets. Try it for yourself to see why this simple recipe is a local favourite!

#3 GRILLED SKEWERS

You can tell that a stall is selling grilled skewers on charcoal from afar—the heavenly aroma will hit you first before you even set eyes on it. From meat to seafood and fish cakes, there is really no stopping once you start indulging in them!

#4 GRILLED SAUSAGES

Many of you will agree with us that sausages are one of the best light bites to munch on. If you are not feeling adventurous that day, you can always fall back on grilled sausages because the taste will never go wrong.

#5 KEBAB

There is no such thing as too much meat and a kebab is probably the best way to get all the energy you need for shopping around the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Market.

#6 THAI CRISPY PANCAKES

Also known as “Khanom Bueang”, these crispy pancakes make wonderful snacks if you are not looking for anything too heavy. The pancakes are made from rice flour and filled with coconut cream.

Decide on which toppings you prefer; there are sweet and savoury ones such as shredded coconut and fried egg yolk.

#7 TOASTED BREAD

Don’t be surprised to see stalls selling warm toasted bread when you are at Chatuchak Weekend Market. While it looks unassuming as compared to other street food, it is a comforting snack to munch in between full-flavoured food.

#8 RED RUBY

It is easy to be tempted by a bowl of Red Ruby dessert when you are walking in the sweltering heat.  For those who have no idea what a Red Ruby is, you will find some water chestnuts and glutinous rice flour balls in sweet coconut milk.

#9 TRADITIONAL THAI MILK TEA

Thai milk tea is possibly one of the best beverages you can find at Chatuchak Weekend Market. We were so amazed by their ‘tea pulling’ technique which involves pouring the milk tea from one tin jug to the other. Sometimes, those who are really skilled can even make a full turn while pouring the tea!

Of course, there is also the ready-made version of Thai milk tea sold in many stalls along the way as well.

#10 COCONUT ICE CREAM

Coconut ice cream is iconic in Thailand and you have to try it at least once during your trip. Scoops of coconut ice cream are served on coconut husks and some come with extra toppings including peanut, aloe vera and atap seed.

#11 ICE POPSICLES

The street vendors pour in juice and soft drinks to make ice popsicles and they can be found along the streets of Chatuchak Weekend Market. Not only do they make great desserts, these colourful ice popsicles also brighten up your Instagram feed!

#12 ICE CREAM CUBES

We found this small stall selling creamy ice cream in cubes. Nothing really outstanding in particular but you can choose a number of flavours and prices are very affordable.

OTHER INTERESTING STALLS TO SEE

Fresh fruit juice for you? There are plenty of street stalls offering fruit juice and whole coconuts for you to quench your thirst.

Those who want to escape the heat can choose among many established eateries or restaurants in Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can also find classic Thai dishes there but bear in mind that prices are generally higher and the places are more commercialised.

Once you are feeling full from all the food you have been enjoying, go ahead with some retail therapy! You can find many decent deals and bargains at the day market, no matter what you are looking for.

Chatuchak Weekend Market
587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd
Bangkok, Thailand
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Mo Chit

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Read our Bangkok food and travel guides to find the best places to visit in Bangkok.

A cafe by day and bar by night, Dexter Cafe & Bar along Sathon road is an aesthetically pleasing dining establishment in Bangkok. Their innovative coffee menu, calm ambiance and availability of free WIFI are great for those who are looking for a place to do some work.

We were pleasantly surprised at the wide range of drinks, brunch items and other Western mains which come in beautiful presentations that make perfect #foodporn pictures on social media platforms.

Swing by the place with your friends for a casual meet up, a birthday celebration or a chill drinking session at night. 

Running a rustic theme with Scandinavian touches, Dexter Cafe & Bar boasts only three primary colours—black, white and brown. Every spot at the cafe is perfect for photo taking  but keep a lookout for the vintage marquee sign which makes the best OOTD backdrop.

Although we dropped by in the day, we could imagine how chill it is to relax by the bar at night with a couple of drought beers, cocktails and wines. Of course, they also have a curated list of spirits and whiskeys for the serious drinkers as well.

When you are at Dexter Cafe & Bar, you cannot skip their coffee beverages inspired by international flavours around the world.

If you are up for something more adventurous, try their Brazilian Iced Coffee (THB130) which is an interesting blend of espresso double shots, cacao powder and Coca-Cola. Yes, this is a fizzy caffeine drink!

For a safer choice, we recommend the Iced Australian which is more like your usual iced coffee with espresso double shots, cold milk, vanilla syrup and vanilla ice cream on top.

The Æggekage (THB400) came with Danish-style omelette and it is a wholesome dish with plenty of cucumber, tomato, savoury bacon and crispy pork belly. While we were very impressed with the presentation of this dish, the same could not be said for its taste.

We found the pork belly to be slightly overdone and too tough for our liking. That being said, we still enjoyed the light and fluffy egg omelette which was well seasoned.

For the ultimate breakfast platter, get their Brunch Plate (THB500) which has all the breakfast items you can ever dream of.

This enormous plate features bacon, sausage, ham, parma ham, salami, cheese, fruits, bread, homemade pancakes, yogurt with muesli and eggs of your choice (scrambled/fried/omelette).

Dexter Bar & Cafe
56 Sathorn Soi 8
North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 636 6222
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

Soei Restaurant is a popular casual dining establishment in Bangkok which has received many good reviews from their loyal customers. Since the place is frequented by both locals and tourists, we decided that we have to give this place a try during our recent trip to Bangkok.

The main appeal of Soei Restaurant lies in its effort in ensuring that all the dishes are up to the restaurant founder, chef P’Soei Kurtcharoen’s high standards. Every dish has to go through him and gain his approval before it is served to guests.

You can expect prices to be affordable at this restaurant, ranging from THB100 to THB150/ for most dishes. Drop by this restaurant for decent Thai food if you happen to be around the area.

It is not advisable to visit Soei if you are in a rush as the food takes some time to be prepared.

Our favourite dish of that night was the Stir-Fried Glass Noodle (THB120). Only simple ingredients such as egg, sausage and onions can be found in this dish but the noodles were extremely fragrant and flavourful. This is definitely a must-try dish when you visit Soei Restaurant.

There were hits and misses when it came to their Stir-Fried Green Curry With Soft Ribs (THB100). While we loved the rich green curry which came with a spicy kick, the spare ribs were only mediocre and we felt that there are better ones out there.

Even so, we enjoyed having the tasty green curry with white rice—nobody can beat the Thais when it comes to green curry for sure!

Be warned that the spice level for Basil Leaves And Chilli With Frog (THB100) may be slightly intimidating for the average person. The minced frog meat was full-flavoured and had the right amount of seasoning.

If we had to nitpick on something, that would be the overwhelming amount of chilli padi seeds which makes it difficult to enjoy the dish properly.

We would recommend skipping the Deep-Fried Marinated Pork (THB100). Not only was the portion much smaller as compared to the rest, the meat was overdone which resulted in a dry and tough texture.

Soei Restaurant
Piboonwattana Village, Rama 6 Road
Samsennai, Phayathai
Bangkok, Thailand
Mon to Fri & Sun: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Sat: Closed
Nearest BTS: Ari

Traveling to Bangkok anytime soon?
Take a look at our Bangkok Food Guide.

Jatujak Green—or commonly known as JJ Green Market—is one of our favourite night markets in Bangkok. Situated near to the popular Chatuchak Market, JJ Green Market is where you will find both locals and tourists indulging in Thailand’s best street food, haggling prices with retail stall owners and chilling the night away with a beer or two.

The crowd starts coming in after 5pm and the place is most happening from Thursday to Sunday nights. If you are not planning to take a cab because of the peak hour jam, you can take a slow walk from Mo Chit BTS Station.

Not sure what to do or eat there? Take a look at our guide to JJ Green Market.

#1 HAVE YOUR DINNER AT ONE OF THE MANY EATERIES THERE

There are many Thai eateries in JJ Green Market serving a range of local and fusion food. Depending on your preference that day, choose to have a hot bowl of tom yum goong or go for some Japanese-inspired ramen noodles that day.

What we would recommend though, is this Thai boat noodles (small – THB35/S$1.45, large – THB50/S$2.05) in JJ Green Market. It was hands down one of the better ones we have tried in Bangkok and judging from the crowd that night, we are sure many locals and travelers agree with us too.

The flavourful broth and tender meat won our hearts in an instant and we found ourselves polishing off the bowl within minutes. In fact, it was so good that we would come back to JJ Green Market just to have this again!

Watch the chefs in action as they whip up your food right in front of your eyes.

#2 MUNCH ON FINGER FOOD AND LIGHT BITES

If you are not having a meal there, go for some snacks instead. It is impossible to resist the strong aroma of street food when you are walking around JJ Green Market. What we suggest for you to do is to munch on some light bites along the way as you wander around the market.

Cheese toasties are all the rage now and you can find them at JJ Green Market too! We decided to go for extra cheese which set us back at THB65/S$2.67.

The cheese toasts are first grilled on a hot pan with generous amounts of butter. Thereafter, a handful of cheese bits will be placed in between two pieces of hot toasts. While the flavour is exactly how a normal cheese toast would taste, the cheese pull is definitely Instagram-worthy!

Grilled skewers are a must-have when it comes to night markets and that is exactly what we ordered there too. Choose from a selection of savoury meat including pork, chicken and even seafood.

We popped by a random grill stall and was surprised by how intense the marinate was; it was so sinful yet so delicious.

#3 TREAT YOURSELF TO DESSERTS

When you are ready to move on to some sweet treats, JJ Green Market has plenty to offer. Share a crepe with your friends or cool off from the heat with scoops of ice cream sitting on attractive cones.

#4 CHILL AT BARS WITH LIVE MUSIC

Nothing feels more relaxed than a chill drinking session with your squad at JJ Green Market. Many of the bars there come with a live band so you can sing along to your favourite tunes or dedicate a song for your loved ones.

Party animals would be glad to know that some of the bars open till wee hours of the day, so you can party the night away!

#5 SHOP TILL YOU DROP

The endless rows of fashion retail stalls make JJ Green Market a shopaholic’s heaven. This is where you can get your hands on the latest fashion hauls and cheap accessories. If you are looking for souvenirs to bring home, you can actually find great deals there without having to purchase cliche items such as key chains and magnets for your friends.

Yes, you can find snacks that are going for only THB5/S$0.20 to THB20/S$0.80! The range is extensive too so take your time to pick what you like.

JJ Green Market
1 Kamphaeng Phet 3
Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 2am
Nearest BTS: Mo Chit

Read: 7 Reasons Why You Must Visit ChangChui In Bangkok

Ekkamai Macchiato – Home Brewer is a homely cafe located along Ekkamai Soi 12. It is a cosy spot where guests can spend some time browsing through magazines and enjoy a cup of coffee.

All drinks (both coffee and non-coffee) on Ekkamai Macchiato’s menu are sold at an affordable price of THB100/ S$4.12. 

There is nothing too fancy about the cafe and the lukewarm tones from the wooden floor tiles and furniture made us feel more like we were walking into someone’s house rather than a cafe when we first stepped foot into Ekkamai Macchiato.

At the front of the cafe is where you will find their dessert counter and coffee bar, which is decorated with white square tiles. Do not be shy to approach their friendly baristas for any food or drink recommendations.

After taking a look at their THB100 drinks menu, we went for a Hot Matcha Latte (THB100/ S$4.12) which was extremely rich. The strong matcha flavours were balanced out with creamy milk and it came with an inviting layer of foam—what a treat!

Alternatively, you can get an Iced or Blended Matcha Latte if you are craving for a cold drink instead.

Those who simply cannot give up on caffeine can opt for the Hot Cappuccino (THB100/ S$4.12). As with any good cup of Cappuccino, it had the perfect espresso to milk ratio and the drink was topped off with light and airy foam.

Other espresso-based drinks you can get there include Espresso, Americano, Caffe Latte, Caramel Macchiato and more. Most of them are available in Hot and Iced versions.

Ekkamai Macchiato – Home Brewer
6/2 Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 83 785 9090
Mon to Fri: 8am -10pm
Sat to Sun 9am – 10pm
PH: 09am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

Talad Neon is a new night market in Bangkok that has been making rounds on social media this year. It is just like any other night market in Bangkok but here’s what sets them apart from the rest—they offer extremely photogenic or ‘Instagram-worthy’ food which will gain the envy of all your friends.

Located near to the popular Platinum Fashion Mall, many young locals and tourists make their way to Talad Neon after 5pm to indulge in street food and shopping for the latest fashion apparels.

Is this popular hipster night market in Bangkok worth going?

This downtown night market in Pratunam is home to over 900 stalls ranging from food to fashion and even a hipster barber shop housed in a shipping container! Talad Neon is best visited during the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday.

We are always up for anything with cheese and could not tear our eyes away from this stall. Imagine hot crispy fries drenched in rich nacho cheese—we died and went to cheese heaven.

As we were queuing up for the cheese fries, we got distracted by the neighbouring taiyaki stall which offers this delicious snack in a range of flavours such as cheese and even durian.

Being cheese fanatics, we got our taiyaki with cheese fillings and boy, were we impressed with the generous portions of cheese found inside which spilled over when we tore the taiyaki apart. Don’t forget to capture a Boomerang video of that cheese pull!

Is there a better combination than meat and cheese? We highly doubt so. You can watch your meat being grilled right in front of your eyes at this stall called Meat & Cheese in Talad Neon.

There are four options for you to choose from—meat, meat and cheese, premium sausage and meat & sausage. Top up slightly more for the addition of bacon or cheese.

Those who are looking for a snack will find plenty there as well. All these small bites that you get along the way is enough to fill your tummy and keep you full for an entire night of shopping.

‘Bloody’ Drink may be gimmicky but we had lots of fun taking pictures with the blood bag. The blood bags are filled with fruit punch and those with a sweet tooth can consider getting this drink to cool off from the humid Bangkok weather.

How it works is actually pretty simple. Take a sip from the working tube that is attached to the bag and once you are done, just close the clip to prevent the water from leaking out.

Of course, no trip to Bangkok is complete if we skipped their traditional Thai milk tea. If you have seen videos of locals spinning around as they pour Thai milk tea in a thin stream, this is exactly what it is.

We were treated to a marvelous show where our milk tea was poured from one jug to the other. Doesn’t he remind you of our Singaporean teh tarik uncles?

Another reason why Talad Neon is an up-and-coming destination is that you can find affordable fashion hauls there as well. From clothes and bags to accessories and shoes, you probably can find something that suits your preference.

Since shipping containers are now in trend for many lifestyle destinations, Talad Neon is no exception as well. Look out for this vintage barber shop as you wander along the night market. If you are feeling up to it, you can even leave the place with a new haircut!

All in all, we felt that this hipster night market is a worth a visit if you are not willing to squeeze with the large crowds you will find at the more established night markets in Bangkok. However, we would not prioritise Talad Neon in our itinerary as it is not as interesting as the more popular night markets such as JJ Green and Rot Fai Market Ratchada and you are unlikely to find plenty of traditional Thai street food at Talad Neon.

Talad Neon
1087 Khwaeng Makkasan
Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Bangkok, Thailand
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest BTS: Chitlom

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We uncovered many beautiful coffee destinations on our recent trip to Bangkok and one of them that ranks high on the list is Blue Dye Cafe. The cafe is situated in a residential area which is about 10 minutes walk away from Thonglor BTS station.

Pay attention to the wooden fencing and signboard carved with the cafe’s logo in blue paint so you would not miss them along the stretch of old houses. Blue Dye Cafe serves your typical western brunch fare with a local twist.

Everything about the cafe is perfect for phototaking—from the rustic interiors to the gorgeous food plating. 

There is an outdoor porch for those who wish to bask in the sun during good weather. The porch is great for OOTD pictures as sunlight is optimal there. Alternatively, you can also head indoors to cool off in the air conditioned room.

Take a walk around the mini shop in side the cafe; there are plenty of homeware items on sale. Browse through the entire collection which includes porcelain tableware, pottery, textiles and coffee making machines.

Those who have an inkling for eggs can go for the Crumbed Egg (THB190/S$7.82) which features two crumbed eggs and spinach on toast. Crumbed eggs are deep-fried poached eggs covered in bread crumbs.

While we enjoyed the variety of crispy and smooth textures from the egg, we felt that the egg yolk was slightly overdone and did not flow well. Add some cream cheese mustard given at the side for extra flavours.

Something heavier on the palate is the Moo Nam Tok (THB220/S$9.05) which is inspired by the traditional Thai pork salad. You get warm grilled pork atop a bed of spicy Thai-style pasta. The grilled meat was incredibly flavourful and came with the right amount of seasoning.

Blue Dye Cafe brews coffee beans sourced from Colombia and Brazil and the entire cafe is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. We tried a hot, frothy cup of Latte (THB100/S$4.11) which had a good ratio of milk to espresso.

Other caffeine drinks include Cappuccino (THB100/S$4.11), Chai Latte (THB120/S$4.94), Mocha (THB130/S$5.34) and more.

Blue Dye Cafe
40/1 Soi Sukhumvit 36
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 94 156 6166
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

No idea where you should dine at in Bangkok?
Take a look at our Bangkok Food Guide.

There is a reason why you can find many digital nomads in Bangkok. The city is home to many established cafes and brew bars where you can do some work in peace or simply to chill and rest your weary feet.

One such place to settle in and escape from the crowd is Factory Coffee. As one of Bangkok’s pre-eminent coffee venues, the cafe is centrally located near to Phaya Thai BTS station and offers a straightforward menu featuring their signature coffee drinks and a selection of baked goods.

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As the cafe’s name suggests, Factory Coffee looks just like a modern factory—complete with cement brick walls, exposed filament light bulbs and dark wooden furniture.

The large communal tables are perfect for groups of friends or colleagues and the spacious set up makes it easy for you to walk around.

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Caffeine addicts have to give their Flat White (THB120/S$4.93) a try. The rich espresso is heavy on the palate and came with a slightly bitter after taste. We liked how the barista balanced it with creamy milk and a layer of thin foam on top.

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It is not just the taste that impressed us—even coffee art is taken seriously too. Take a closer look and you will notice the fine details of the foam swan’s feathers. It would certainly be a waste not to take a picture!

Not to worry if you are not a coffee person because Factory Coffee also has a selection of non-caffeine beverages. The one that caught our attention is the Slow Chai Tea (THB120/S$4.93).

It is interesting to note that the chai tea has been frozen into ice cubes before they are served. Pour the hot milk in and you can watch how the chai tea cubes melt slowly. This way, your drink becomes richer as the time goes by. Say goodbye to diluted ice drinks!

Factory Coffee
35/18 Phayathai Rd
Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10440
Tel: +66 085 145 4184
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Phaya Thai

Nestled within Thaniya Plaza, FLAIR The Espresso Bar is a mere three-minute walk away from Sala Daeng BTS Station. Specialising in espresso based drinks, the coffee bar is more of a takeaway kiosk than a cafe for those who are craving for a cup of coffee to go.

The coffee place’s small structure makes it easy to go unnoticed unless you are keeping a look out for it but it has been building a steady reputation through positive word-of-mouth by their loyal patrons.

Those who cannot survive the day without some caffeine boost can drop by Flair The Espresso Bar for their excellent range of coffee that are mostly priced below THB65/S$2.67. 

Since they open from early morning during weekdays to cater to the working professionals, you are likely to see office workers flocking in for their morning cuppa.

Besides their splendid brews, it is also worth mentioning that the staff is friendly and accommodating to our requests.

Those who have no clue on what to get can ask the barista for her recommendations. Their hot coffee menu features Espresso in single (THB50/S$2.05) and double shots (THB60/S$2.47), Americano (THB55/S$2.26) Cappuccino (THB55/S$2.26), Caffe Latte (THB55/S$2.26) and Caffe Mocha (THB60/S$2.47).

Since it was a hot day, we decided to chill with a cup of Iced Caffee Latte (THB60/S$2.47).  The freshly pulled espresso was rich and full-bodied, balancing perfectly well with the creamy milk that was poured into it. We were able to taste the espresso in its true form as no sugar has been added into the beverage.

Those who prefer something sweeter should inform the barista beforehand. Otherwise, you may find it too bitter for your liking.

FLAIR The Espresso Bar also has non-coffee drinks including Assorted Hot Tea (THB45/S$1.85), Thai Iced Tea With Milk (THB50/S$2.05), Hot Matcha Latte (THB70/S$2.88) and Hot Cocoa (THB55/S$2.26).

FLAIR The Espresso Bar
G/F, Thaniya Plaza
Soi Thaniya, Silom Road
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 95 245 4942
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Sala Daeng

Singaporeans who love visiting Bangkok’s most well-known night market Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin should be glad to know that their sister market has opened in the Ratchada area of Bangkok.

Although the market is smaller than the Srinakarin branch, it is conveniently located just a few minutes walk away from National Cultural Center MRT Station. The night market’s central location and wide variety of food and fashion stalls make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Not sure what you can find at The New Rot Fai Market Ratchada? We share some of our best finds with you!

If there is one reason why you must visit Rot Fai Market Ratchada, it has to be the mouthwatering array of food you get there. The bazaar has rows and rows of food stalls where cooking is done on site.

#1 SEAFOOD

Fancy some seafood? We ordered this as a snack while we were walking through Rot Fai Market Ratchada—it is similar to a Japanese takoyaki where you get seafood on batter. You can choose to have individual seafood items or mix them up like we did.

#2 FRIED NOODLES

Those who are looking to get something more filling can look forward to having some fried noodles which are very fragrant and comes with the right amount of seasoning. On top of that, there is also the addition of roast meat, a sausage and vegetables for a complete meal.

#3 MEAT SKEWERS

Meat skewers are great for eating on the go so you can continue doing your shopping while snacking at the same time. You will find a variety of such stalls at Rot Fai Market Ratchada.

#4 MARINATED SQUID

This humble stall may look unassuming, but the marinated squid that they offer is one of the best we have tried. It is extremely flavourful and we polished it off within seconds.

If you are pressed for time, skip the popular stalls at the night market and give these stalls a chance. You may just find something better instead!

#5 CREPES

It is impossible to resist getting some crepes because they look so delicious! With most crepe stalls offering both savoury and sweet delights, getting a crepe at Rot Fai Market Ratchada is something you must not skip.

We got Charcoal Crepe with Banana and it tasted amazing. Fresh from the hot pan, the warm crepe came with generous portions of melted butter and warm, sticky banana slices.

#6 WATERMELON ICE

Remember to drink plenty of water after indulging in all the street food! Those who are looking for something to spice up their Instagram feeds can opt for this Watermelon Ice which you can find easily at the night market.

#7 CASUAL EATERIES

While street food is the main attraction at Rot Fai Market Ratchada, those who are looking to get a full meal can also pop by any casual dining eatery there as well. These small eateries usually serve Thai local food and you can satisfy all your cravings at one destination!

Tom Yum Goong is a local delicacy in Thailand. Unless you do not take spicy food, there is no reason why you should not be trying this before you leave the land of smiles. The spicy and sour broth comes with a hint of lemongrass and plenty of seafood inside.

#8 SHOP ALL NIGHT

Everyone knows that night markets are where you can find the best bargains in Bangkok. We prefer shopping at these lively night markets where you to glimpse at how locals lead their everyday life.

#9 BAR HOP

Besides food and retail, Rot Fai Market Ratchada is also home to many exciting bars and some of them even offer live bands. Go for a beer at one of these bars to unwind for the night and join in the fun.

Rot Fai Market Ratchada
Ratcadaphisek Road
Thu to Sun: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest MRT: National Cultural Centre

For more recommendations, read our guide on the 28 Best Bangkok Cafes To Visit

One Ounce For Onion at Ekkamai district in Bangkok needs no further introduction but did you know that this hipster cafe has opened another branch at the popular ChangChui this year?

You can expect nothing less from the creative minds behind this concept cafe who converted an old warehouse container into a rustic-looking cafe adorned with glittering chandeliers, dark wooden furniture and a bookshelf filled with books of many genres.

Head over to One Ounce For Onion for their handcrafted house brews and delightful range of light bites.

Their straightforward menu offers little besides their signature espresso based drinks, smoothies and ChangChui specials (food and drinks that are exclusive to this outlet).

It is not the place to go to if you are looking for a wide range of mains on the menu but somewhere to chill and catch up with your friends over coffee.

Their Iced Latte (THB100/S$4.12) is prepared with the right balance of espresso and creamy milk. The refreshing drink came with a slightly bitter aftertaste just the way we like it.

If you are looking for a drink to cool off from Bangkok’s sweltering heat, you cannot go wrong with an Iced Latte at One Ounce For Onion.

Not keen on having coffee? There are other non-caffeine choices too. After getting to know our preferences, the friendly barista recommended a smoothie with a whimsical name—Summer Is Getting Better (THB140/S$5.76).

The ingredients found inside include pineapple, pumpkin, ginger and green basil. It sounds like an odd combination but we were pleasantly surprised that the flavours actually went well together. The rich pineapple drink came with distinct hints of ginger that was not too overpowering for our liking.

Feeling peckish, we decided to order it’s sound jap crab (THB220/S$9.05) which is a small portion crab meat salad with green apple, avocado, miso herbs and spicy mentaiko. While we think that it is rather pricey for such a small plate, the intense flavours got us hooked onto the dish.

Have the crab meat and avocado together with toasted bread given at the side. It was so delicious that we finished it within minutes!

Alternatively, you can also get the Bollywood Baller (THB280/S$11.52), Pasta Thai Garlic Bacon (THB180/S$7.40) and Porkball Gnocchi (THB180/S$7.40).

One Ounce at ChangChui
460/8 Sirindhorn Road
Bangpld, Bangkok
10700 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 050 5533
Nearest BTS: Victory Monument

Read: 7 Reasons Why You Must Visit ChangChui Night Market In Bangkok.