Yayoi's Mystery Menu

my go-to move at Yayoi is actually asking for the "teishoku special" at the counter, not the table. at the branch on Sukhumvit Soi 33 they'll sometimes bring out a tray with like 5 little bowls of random stuff, pickled veg and a tiny piece of fish, that's def not on any menu. it's like 180 baht and feels way more authentic than the regular sets. just don't try it at the food court ones, those are too chaotic for any off-menu stuff

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honestly the "secret" thing at Yayoi is just staff being nice if you can speak a bit of Thai. my friend always orders "khao kai" (chicken rice) at the one near Chit Lom and they bring out a fried chicken cutlet set that's not on the card. it's like 150 baht and way more filling than the regular menu stuff. just don't expect anything fancy, it's still just Yayoi food

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The secret menu thing is mostly internet lore, but there is one actual off-menu item worth knowing about. At the Yayoi near Siam Paragon, if you ask for the "hambagu" in Thai (say "hambagu set"), some staff will bring out a mini cast iron plate with a sizzling hamburger steak and a side of rice. It's not on any English menu and it's pretty good. Just don't try it at the smaller branches, they'll look at you confused.

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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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