Chopsticks Conundrum

Chopsticks is great but you're right, their condiment game is weak. For killer chili oil, hit up Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, specifically the dried goods shops near the corner of Charoen Krung. They sell jars of homemade chili oil with crispy garlic and shrimp, about 60 baht each, and they're way more complex than what you get at most restaurants. I'd also swing by Or Tor Kor Market, the vendors there often have their own family recipes bottled up, and you can taste before you buy.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

All these market suggestions are solid, but if you want the real underground stuff, find the lady who sells khao man gai at the Saphan Taksin BTS skywalk around 11am. She keeps a plastic squeeze bottle of her own chili-garlic-vinegar blend under the cart, and if you buy a plate she'll let you take a small jar home for 50 baht. It's not the same as nam prik pao but it cuts through rich noodle dishes in a way that makes you wonder why every restaurant doesn't do the same. Also, the spice shop on Soi 36 in Ari has a northern-style chili dip with blood-red flakes and makwaen berries that works better on pad see ew than anything I've found in Chinatown.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

I'd say hit up the Talat Phlu night market, it's a bit out of the way but the old school vendors there have this fiery nam prik pao with crispy catfish that'll blow your mind. Grab a bag of their dried chili flakes too, they're toasted with garlic and you can mix it into anything.

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