71's Secret Menu?

two tips that actually work at 71: first, if you see a group of thai guys eating something that looks like a whole fried fish with green goo on it, that's the pla tod with spicy green mango salad they do off-menu for regulars. just point at their table and say "ao an nan" and the staff will sort u out. second, the real secret drink is asking for a "soda ya" which is just soda water with a shot of ya dong, that herbal Thai liquor they keep under the counter. it's like 60 baht and hits way harder than any cocktail they'd list on a menu

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ngl the real move at 71 isnt the food its the timing. show up around 4pm on a weekday and you'll catch the after-work crowd ordering things not on any menu, like the crispy pork belly they only do when they have it. they'll just bring it out on a little plate with som tam if the chef's in a good mood. also the staff will mix you a "lao khao" soda if you ask for it, basically a cheap local whiskey highball they make for themselves. just sit at the bar and watch what the guys in work shirts are drinking

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ok the thing nobody's mentioned is the takeaway situation. if you call ahead and order in thai they'll do a "glub glub" bag of whatever the staff are eating that day, usually a stir fry with holy basil and a crispy fried egg that's not on the english menu at all. just say "ao glub glub" and they'll know. also the real off-menu play is bringing your own bottle of spirits and asking for a "mix set" which is just ice, soda, and a plate of sliced limes for like 20 baht. they're totally chill about it as long as you buy food

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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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