Is the Ramen Worth the Hype?

fwiw i think yayoi's ramen is good but not worth an hour of your life in that heat. the broth is solid but the pork chashu is what saves it imo, thick sliced and melts on your tongue. if you want a shorter wait hit up the ekamai branch instead of the thong lo one, way less crowded and same kitchen.

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The Yayoi hype is mostly about the novelty factor and that specific Thong Lo location's buzz. I've been to the one at CentralWorld and walked right in at 2pm on a Tuesday, no line at all. For my money, the real standout in Bangkok right now is Ramen Gantetsu near Phrom Phong, their shoyu with the truffle oil is something else and the chef actually trained in Hokkaido for years.

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i think the real issue is timing tbh. if you go on a weekday right when they open at 11 youll prob walk right in. i've done that twice and it was chill both times. the hype is real for the broth but not for the experience of waiting in that tiny soi with no shade. also if you're paying 350 baht for a bowl you shouldnt have to sweat through your shirt before you even sit down

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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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