Anyone know where to buy a cheap shalwar kameez in Bangkok?

honestly skip the tourist spots and head to the old Siam Square area, there's a hidden tailor lane off Soi 5 near the National Stadium BTS. they do custom shalwar kameez for like 1,000 baht if you bring your own fabric, which you can grab at the nearby Bobae Market for around 150 baht a meter. the tailors there are mostly from the local Thai-Muslim community and they know the Pakistani cut well, just ask for "shalwar" not "kameez" alone or they'll default to the fitted Thai style. takes 2 days min so plan ahead, and bring a reference photo of what you want, the measurements are done by hand and they're surprisingly accurate. if you're in a rush, the night market at Patpong has a few stalls with ready-made ones but they're overpriced and the stitching is meh.

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The best spot is Little India around Phahurat and Paholyothin Soi 7, but honestly the selection there is mostly Indian-style kurta pajamas rather than the Pakistani shalwar kameez. For a proper one with the loose trousers, check the Muslim quarter near Suan Phlu in Sathon, there's a small market on Soi Suan Phlu 1 with a couple of fabric shops that tailor them, expect to pay around 800 to 1,200 baht for a decent cotton set. If you're short on time, MBK Center on the 3rd floor has a stall near the south escalator that stocks ready-made ones, but the fit is hit or miss and they run small, so try before you buy. Bring cash, the tailors in Suan Phlu don't take cards.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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