3 words you need to learn: Somsak Pu Ob

Glass noodles and prawns. Doesn’t sound exciting. And at 250 baht a bowl, it’s kinda expensive for Bangkok street food. But believe me, you just have to come and eat here.

One downside is the slightly long wait – around 40 minutes (at least when I went). So, if you’re wondering why it takes so long, check out the streetside kitchen and you’ll see why. One chef, four burners. Every move by this man is so precise and deliberate – and it shows in the food.

Result: Huge, ridiculously fresh prawns oozing with sea-sweetness, cooked to perfection. Glass noodles cooked al-dente complemented by the richness of pork fat, the heat of baby garlic, the tingle of Szechuan peppercorns and the freshness of spring onions. 

My tip: let the sizzling pan in which you’re served this seafood delight cool, so that you can really enjoy the flavours. Then mix up and dig in.

You can also get the crab version: I will be back for this.

Address: Thanon Charoen Rat Soi 1, Khlong San, Bangkok

Opening hours: Mon – Sat 5pm – 10pm, Sun 4pm – 10pm (be warned: they sell out early!)

Price: 250 Baht – 400 Baht per person

This place isn’t too hard to find. Go to Wongwian Yai BTS station, and exit towards Saraphi 3. Walk straight up Saraphi 3 for 5 minutes and you’ll hit Charoen Rat Soi 1.

http://www.eatingthaifood.com/2013/07/thai-seafood-somsak-pu-ob-bangkok/

Glorious Pork Ribs

Amongst the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, a little roadside stall by the name of Khao Gaeng Jake Puey sets up around 4pm. Loyal customers and those keen to discover something new grab a small red plastic stool and wait patiently in anticipation of sheer deliciousness.

Whilst this place might be known for its curries, in my opinion, the curries are not what you come here for. You come here for their sweet, tangy and spicy pork ribs. Juicy and moreish, pile these up on your plate, then get stuck in. You will probably order seconds.

Also worthy of space on your little pink plastic plate is the stir fried crab meat with chilli, peas and black fungus (pictured to the right of the ribs). Addictive stuff.

Address: Chinatown, at the corner of Charoen Krung and Mangkon

Opening hours: 4pm – 9pm daily except Mondays. Better to go early in case the sell out

Price: 60 baht per plate

http://www.eatingthaifood.com/2013/10/thai-curry-kaeng-kari/

Duck to challenge to crown of Four Seasons

Many people around the world know about London’s infamous Four Seasons and its Cantonese roast duck. Even Bangkok has a branch. But let me tell you about a 150 year old shop in Bangrak whose duck, in my opinion, is a more than worthy contender for the supreme roast duck crown.

Prachak Pet Yang is where you’ll find this top quality duck – and whilst it is quintessentially Cantonese, there is a distinctly Thai twist to their roasted delights. Stuffed with ginger, coriander and a touch of kaffir lime, the sauce is more fragrant than the Cantonese version, and less salty. The duck is juicy, but don’t expect European sized ducks found in London’s Four Seasons, the duck is slightly on the small side.

But at 120 Baht for a boneless portion of half duck, this is a steal, and a must for any meat lover. Do bear in mind that the duck may sell out by 5 -6pm!

Address: 1415 Thanon Charoen Krung, Silom, Bangrak

Opening hours: 7am – 10:30pm daily (Closed during Chinese New Year and Songkran)

Price: About 100 THB per person