Chopsticks Conundrum?

oh its definitely a thing, they do that to keep you from ordering more drinks and just focus on the food. next time just ask for the tea without ice and they'll leave you alone after one glass, plus their moo ping is way better than the noodles anyway

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honestly i think it's less a custom and more that they buy their tea in bulk from the wholesale market down soi 38, so it costs them basically nothing to keep pouring. the owner told me once they go through like 30 liters a day in summer. if you want to avoid the refill guilt just order a cha yen with boba next time, that way they switch to your paid drink and leave the free one alone. also their som tam is legit, get it with the crispy pork belly on top

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i think the iced tea thing is their version of the free water you get at thai street stalls, just fancier. honestly the refill game is strong at chopsticks because they brew it in those big thermoses and it's super cheap for them. if you want to avoid the tea tsunami, ask for no ice next time, they'll bring one small glass and that's it. also their khao man gai is solid if you want something lighter than the noodles

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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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