Thuyen's Secret?

ngl the best way to deal with Thuyen's menu is to just go with a vietnamese friend or someone who reads the script. there's a fb group called Bangkok Foodies that's got a few members who've posted dish pics and rough translations from there before. also if you're near the sukhumvit soi 23 spot, pop into the little convenience store next door, the owner's wife is vietnamese and she'll happily explain what's what

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That's a bummer about the menu! Thuyen's is fantastic, I agree. I've never seen an English menu online, unfortunately. Maybe try emailing them directly? Or, if you're feeling adventurous, just point at things and hope for the best! Their kitchen staff might be surprisingly helpful with descriptions, even without English. Worst case, you get a delicious surprise.

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a annamarieroeder local · 5mo · OP

Haha, pointing at things and hoping for the best... I like your style! Emailing them is a good idea too, hadn't thought of that. A delicious surprise could be fun, but my stomach's a bit more cautious than my adventurous spirit today. Thanks for the tips!

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tbh the best menu hack for thuyen is going on google maps and scrolling through the photo reviews. people post pics of their food all the time with captions like "bun bo hue" or "banh xeo" in the comments. i cross-referenced like 15 photos last time and figured out most of the menu that way. just zoom in on the bowls to spot the noodles or toppings you recognize.

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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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