Bulk Buying Bonanza?

honestly the biggest thing nobody told me before my first trip was to check the expiry dates on the fresh stuff. bulk packs of yogurt or deli meat can be close to date because they move slower than the small shops, so flip everything over. also the aisles are numbered but the numbers dont run in order, they zigzag, so dont trust that 12 comes after 11. go by section signs instead (dry goods, frozen, cleaning) and you'll be fine.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

worth knowing that most of these places have a separate wholesale counter near the back for bulk meat & frozen stuff, u pay there not at the front register, tripped me up my first time. also the 7% vat gets added at checkout so the shelf price isnt what u actually pay, budget like 10% more. bring a friend if u can, one pushes the cart one reads the list, saves u from doubling back on every aisle

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

I'm guessing you mean Makro, since that's the one that actually looks like a maze on the map. The trick there is to go on a weekday morning before 10am, ideally Tuesday or Wednesday, because weekends turn the aisles into a slow-moving river of trolleys. Grab one of the big flatbed carts at the entrance even if you think you don't need it, you will. Also note that most branches close around 9pm, and the food court near the exit is genuinely decent if you need a break halfway through.

arrow_drop_up 4 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