Groceries like dried Thai chili, shrimp paste, soy sauce, curry paste, pandan leaves?

Sampheng is mostly wholesale dry goods and packaging, not great for what you're after. Try heading to Villa Market on Sukhumvit 33, it's a 10 minute walk or quick motorbike taxi from your hotel. They import a lot of Thai staples for expats and will have proper shrimp paste and fresh pandan leaves you can actually smell before buying. The curry pastes there are the Mae Ploy brand which is what most local cooks use anyway.

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honestly just hit up any big c extra or lotus's and you're sorted. the one near on nut is fine but if you want a bigger selection go to the big c on ratchadamri, it's a bit nicer. grab the dried chilies and shrimp paste from the loose bins near the dried goods section, way cheaper than the packaged stuff. fresh pandan leaves are usually in the produce aisle near the lemongrass and galangal, but they're seasonal so if you don't see them ask a worker they'll grab some from the back

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You're overthinking it. Go to any Lotus's or Big C, they'll have all of that in one aisle. The one on Sukhumvit 50 is closest to you, just take the BTS to On Nut and walk a few minutes. The dried chili and shrimp paste will be in the dry goods section, curry pastes and soy sauce near the canned goods, and fresh pandan leaves in the produce area near the herbs. Or try Or Tor Kor Market near Chatuchak if you want a bigger selection and don't mind the trip.

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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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