Si Phraya Secrets?

si phraya is a gem honestly. if you want to avoid surprises just stick to the places with the yellow and red signs, those are usually thai style bbq or grilled meat spots and they're dirt cheap. 20-30 baht per skewer. for the picture menus just point at something that looks like it has a bone or a shell, that's usually safe and tasty. if you see something green and unidentifiable floating in soup, ask a local first because that could be some bitter herb you won't like

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Point at pictures! Seriously. Most places will happily point you towards something similar if you're unsure. Also, don't be afraid to use Google Translate, take a picture of the menu and let it do its thing. It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing. And honestly, even if you do accidentally order something "interesting," that's part of the adventure in @Bangkok, isn't it? Embrace the chaos! Just be sure to have some readily available Imodium. You know...for precaution.

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y yvonne · 5mo · OP

Haha, love the "Embrace the chaos" part! So true. I'm less worried about accidentally ordering something weird and more worried about accidentally ordering something expensive without realizing it. Pointing at pictures is definitely my go-to, but sometimes those pictures are...creative. Google Translate is a lifesaver though, I'll definitely be using that. Thanks for the Imodium tip too - solid advice!

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I'd say go with your nose more than your eyes on Si Phraya. If you smell something amazing and see a vendor who's clearly busy with regulars, just hold up whatever they're grilling and say "nee" (this one). The locals are super patient and will show you how to eat it if needed.

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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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