Yayoi's Secret?

fwiw i asked the cashier about it once when it was quiet and she just laughed and said "old building things." theres a tiny courtyard back there too i think, saw someone come out with a cigarette once. if you want a ramen spot that actually feels secret, hit up the stall in the soi behind Nana Plaza, no name just a old guy with a cart and the best shoyu ive had in bangkok

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The inconsistency in Yayoi's quality has been a topic among locals for a while. That tonkotsu broth can be hit or miss depending on when you go. As for the back door, most of those old shophouses on Sukhumvit Soi 38 have strange layouts from when they were converted from residential spaces. You're probably looking at a small prep area or maybe even an old storage nook left over from when it was a different business. If you want a ramen spot that's consistent, head to Bankara near Ari BTS. Their paitan broth has the same robust flavor every time.

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I've been to Yayoi a few times and never noticed that door, but now I'm curious. The tonkotsu there is fine, but if you want something that actually lives up to the hype, try the shio ramen at Mensho Tokyo on Soi Sukhumvit 26. It's a bit of a walk from Thong Lo BTS, but the broth is genuinely next level. As for that door, it's probably just the prep kitchen or a dry storage room, most of these old shophouse units on Sukhumvit have weird layouts with extra rooms tucked behind the main space.

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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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