Thuyen's Secret?

honestly it's probably just prik nam pla, that's the standard table condiment here. they just put it in a nicer bottle to match the vibe of the place. it's just sliced chilies in fish sauce with a little lime, you add it to things like fried rice or grilled meats for extra kick.

thuyen's known for doing that upscale twist on street food classics so it makes sense they'd dress it up. next time you're there ask for it by name, the staff will prob smile and confirm

arrow_drop_up 21 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

i asked about this once and the owner actually laughed and said it's just their take on nahm prik kapi, shrimp paste chili dip with a twist. they blend it with roasted coconut and it's way milder than the traditional version so tourists don't freak out. it goes crazy on the khao soi if they still have it on the menu

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

ngl i've wondered the same thing and finally asked the waiter last time. turns out it's their house-made nam jim jaew, a spicy dipping sauce with toasted rice powder and tamarind. they serve it with the grilled dishes but some tables just keep it for everything

it's pretty good on the som tam too if you want extra heat. the bottle is unlabeled on purpose, part of the whole mysterious vibe they've got going on

arrow_drop_up 4 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