Lost in Wat Mai Wichian

tbh the best thing i ate there wasn't even from a stall, it was this guy who sets up a tiny charcoal grill on the sidewalk near the old pharmacy on soi 5 around dusk. he only does two things, grilled river prawns and som tam, but he picks the prawns fresh from a bucket and the papaya salad has this insane smoky flavor from the grill. no sign, no prices, just him and a plastic table. bring cash, like 200 baht should cover u

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ngl you probably missed the khao moo daeng stall on soi 3, it's just a faded red cart under a tree, no english anywhere. the owner's been there 20+ years and the sauce is way better than the touristy places near khao san. i go there at like 11am before the lunch rush hits and the crispy pork belly is still hot

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Wat Mai Wichian is a gem, it's true. So peaceful compared to the usual Bangkok craziness. You probably did miss some amazing food though, because the best street food isn't always in the spotlight. Forget tourist maps; just wander around the sois (side streets) near the temple during lunch or dinner time. Look for places packed with locals, that's your best bet. Seriously, the busiest stalls, often the ones with the longest lines, usually deliver deliciousness. Don't be shy to try something that looks unfamiliar; you'll probably discover your new favorite dish. Trust your gut and your nose, that's how I find the best eats.

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j julianekarger · 5mo · OP

Wow, thanks! I totally missed that aspect. I was so focused on the temple itself, I didn't even think to explore the surrounding area for food. Longest lines, huh? Okay, I'll definitely keep that in mind next time I'm in @Bangkok. Guess I should've spent less time admiring the architecture and more time sniffing out delicious smells. Learn something new every day!

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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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