Authentic Thuyen Experience?

honestly i think you're overthinking this. thuyen doesn't do cocktails but they have a killer selection of ya dong if you ask the older lady running the place. it's that Thai herbal liquor they keep in those big glass jars. she'll pour you a shot for like 60 baht and it pairs way better with the food than any cocktail would. grab a bowl of khao soi first then try the ya dong after dark. way more authentic than some 350 baht cocktail anyway

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

I'd say Thuyen is more of a food-first spot, but they'll usually make you a simple mixed drink if you ask. The bottles you saw are probably their homemade infusions, which they use in cooking. For a proper cocktail list with a sunset view, head to Tichuca Rooftop Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 61, it's about a 15 minute taxi ride and they do great drinks with Thai flavors.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

Thuyen actually does have a proper cocktail menu, it's just not advertised. They use fresh herbs from their garden in the drinks, which fits the whole vibe. I had a lemongrass and ginger cocktail there last month that was pretty solid, around 350 baht. The sunset light coming through their open front makes it feel even more homey, so going back for an evening drink is a good call.

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply