Edible algae in Bangkok ?

honestly the fresh stuff is tricky to find consistently but fuji supermarket on thong lor has a solid selection of fresh seaweed in their cold section, more japanese varieties like wakame and mozuku. for sea grapes (lom lamyai) the floating market stalls near bang yai sometimes have huge bags for cheap but you gotta go early. also check out the small produce shops along charoen krung soi 22, they get weird river algae deliveries from the upcountry markets on weekends

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yeah if you're near ekamai the little vietnamese grocery store on soi 10 sometimes has fresh laverbread and other green algae stuff from the gulf, it's in a cooler by the register. also worth asking at the produce stalls in khlong toei market, some of the older vendors keep fresh river weed stashed under their tables for regulars

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You might want to check out the fresh market section at Tops or Gourmet Market in the big malls, they sometimes carry fresh seaweeds like wakame or arame near the produce or imported goods aisle. For a more local option, head to Or Tor Kor Market near Chatuchak, there's a stall or two selling fresh river algae and sea grapes that Thai cooks use in salads and soups. If you're open to dried, Yaowarat Road in Chinatown has a few shops with a solid selection of kombu and nori sheets for way less than supermarket prices.

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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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