Top dining hints for authentic Thai food in Bangkok
Friday, 14 October 2011 1:57 PM
Eating out in Bangkok offers holidaymakers an unforgettable experience, with the city serving up a wide range of dining options.
Whether you want a luxurious sit-down meal at one of Bangkok's top restaurants or simply wish to try out its renowned street food from local vendors, you should find something to suit your tastes.
If you are looking to explore the city's network of street stalls while in Thailand, you will not have to go far, as there are plenty to choose from, with high concentrations in particularly busy areas.
Some stall owners keep plying their trade all around the clock, with the main dishes on offer being curries, rice and noodles.
Those who fancy the latter following Bangkok flights will be pleased to know there is a wide selection of options in both noodles and accompaniments.
Noodle varieties include sen yai, sen mii, sen lak, bah mii and woon sen, which are all made from different flours and have their own distinct shapes, sizes and flavours.
You can pick from either dry noodles, known as haeng, or have soup added – called naam.
There should be a display allowing you to choose what meat you wish to have, with prices varying from around 20 baht to 50 baht for the entire dish.
Feeling greedy? An extra 5 baht gets you your food 'pi sed', otherwise known as with extra portions.
Most stalls will also give you a choice in condiments entitled the 'four flavours', which comprises sugar, dried ground chilli, fish sauce or peanuts, and vinegar with chilli.
However, if this all sounds complicated or you are in a bit of a rush on your way back to Bangkok airport, try one of the curry-on-rice stalls.
A cost-effective choice, this may be good for you if you don't speak the lingo, as you can simply point at the display for the items you fancy.
Last but not least are the 'made to order' stalls, where you can ask for whatever you want, within reason, and they will cook it for you while you wait.
Favourites include Thai-style omelettes, stir-fried pork in garlic and pepper, and fried rice.
However, those who fancy sitting down to a meal may instead wish to visit Bangkok's Chinatown, which is filled with fabulous restaurants in atmospheric surroundings.
Adventurous diners should try out Scala Shark's Fin Restaurant, where you can test out the local delicacy that gives this eatery its name.
Other popular items on the menu include barbecued suckling pig and fried whole crab with black pepper.
Himali Cha Cha offers top-quality Indian cuisine, making it the perfect place to dine if you want to expand your culinary horizons past Thai food.
Those that like it spicy may want to try the vindaloos, although patrons claim the mutton chutniwalla is the best dish available.
Prefer something a bit milder? Try the chicken Kashmiri, which is made from a blend of dried fruits, yoghurt and nuts.
If you are looking to treat yourself to a luxury dinner out, there are several options to choose from, depending on whether you want traditional Thai dishes or international fare.
Naj, which is situated in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok, is excellent for those who want to experience local flavours, with a variety of mouthwatering Thai specialties.
Popular items on the menu include stir-fried prawns in tamarind sauce, wing bean salad with minced pork and prawn, and hot and sour soup – made from a lemongrass broth, prawns, kaffir leaves and shallots.
For a more western approach to culinary delights, the Rib Room & Bar based at the Landmark Bangkok hotel is well known for its fantastic steak and oysters.
There are a number of signature dishes available at the restaurant, such as sirloin Australian beef, foie gras terrine and sauteed sea scallops.
Looking to enjoy a few drinks with your meal? Martini cocktails are just one of the many high-end tipples on offer.
Tourists who fancy Italian food should visit Mezzaluna, which has a stunning array of luxury cuisine options.
Parmesan-laced eggshells filled with risotto, marbled matsuzaka beef and perfectly cooked veal are just some of the amazing dishes diners can select at the establishment.
An intimate and romantic setting is provided through stylish table settings, elegant glassware and soft lighting, complete with fantastic views of the city.