This Asian hub has long been a landmark for street food, but Bangkok is now raising its foodie status with Michelin star kerbside and enthusiastic chefs changing the game
By Chris Schalkx
THE DISH MUST TRY
Leaving Bangkok without eating at least one pad thai would be a crime, so make a pit stop at Thip Samai, considered by many to be one of the best street food vendors in the city. Its smoky and slightly sweet noodles topped with prawns, soy shoots, crushed peanuts and chilli flakes are what has made the place a Bib Gourmand. Expect long queues well before it opens at 5pm.
Thip Samai, 313-315 Maha Chai Road, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand.
(No website )
THE COOK WHO FEEDS THINGS
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THE LATEST NEIGHBOURHOOD
JUA in Bangkok, Thailand
In Old Town, the thriving Talat Noi arts district is turning into a foodie destination, with a slew of new-wave chefs shopping its tight corners. Trailblazer 80/20 led the pack in 2015, but the past few months have seen an explosion of exciting openings such as the refined Japanese-style JUA and 100 Mahaseth for Isaan's recipes.
THE BIG SPLURGE
Charging 20 for a crab omelette may seem astronomical in Bangkok, but take a bite of this masterfully crafted khai jeaw at Raan Jay Fai and you'll see it's worth it. Each dish is loaded with chunks of fresh, juicy crab meat and is made by Auntie Fai (the queen of Thai street food), who works the woks in a mask to protect herself from splashes of hot oil. Since Raan Jay Fai is the first and only Thai street food restaurant to receive a star, prices should go even higher.
Raan Jay Fai, 327 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
(No website)
THE HARDEST TABLE TO SCORE
Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand
Even before Gaggan was crowned with two stars in December - not to mention being ranked among Asia's 50 best restaurants for three years running - getting a table at this progressive Indian spot (pork-vindaloo bites, sea urchin ice cream) has already involved at least a month-long waiting list and a lot of phone calls. With the news that it will close in 2020, this is not likely to improve anytime soon.
Gaggan, 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road Lumpini Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand (Eatatgaggan.com)
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