Best Thai Meals

[p1p]

Thanks Wai-Wai for the suggestion.

Let's see if we can get some mouthwatering places listed here in the budget end of the spectrum.

My favourite Thai food is in Warorot Market, as I have said in several other threads.

From Thapae Road, turn into Kuang Mane, one way towards towards Warorot market. Look out for the gold shop on the corner of the market, almost opposite Chiang Mai Plastic. Just past the gold shop, there is an entrance where motorcycles can park.

If you enter the market through that entrance and walk past the parked motorcycles, you will find a little point-and-choose buffet-style restaurant with tin tables and plastic stools. This is one of our favourite places to eat in all Thailand and serves some of the best flavoured Thai food anywhere.

Failing the entrance above. Continue down to Wichayanon and go into the first entrance on the left. The restaurant is just at the beginning of the corridor inside.

[WaiWai]

Thanks for the recommendation, p1p.

Please don't snicker, all, about the fact that I found a great, centrally located place though a listing in Lonely Planet . It's roughly opposite the Thai Massage School in a soi off Hadsadhi Sawee Road, near the YMCA. I understand it's Muslim style.

Ask for Khao Mok Gai (chicken biryani) and Mataba (roti stuffed with meat & spices).

[mcgriffith]

Thanks for the recommendation, p1p.

Please don't snicker, all, about the fact that I found a great, centrally located place though a listing in Lonely Planet . It's roughly opposite the Thai Massage School in a soi off Hadsadhi Sawee Road, near the YMCA. I understand it's Muslim style.

Ask for Khao Mok Gai (chicken biryani) and Mataba (roti stuffed with meat & spices).

Believe me, no one will snicker. Lonely Planet has great info, and is updated quite well for a world-wide published book. And it is not just for backpackers anymore. I'll try the place soon! But what is the name?

[WaiWai]

Lonely Planet transliterates the restaurant name as "Sa-Nga Chaeng (Choeng?) Doi".

[chanchao]

Lovely topic!!! I shall unleash an avalanche of contributions tomorrow.

[Pantip]

I agree with Pip - I eat at the Warorot Market at least once a week for lunch.

[Rasseru]

Khao Soi Lamduan, on Th Faham, which is the street that Charoenrat Road turns into has you head north on it toward the Superhighway, just north of the intersection next to the Rama Bridge. The Khao Soi is great and the people are a lot of fun. I eat there, usually take out, once or twice a week.

[Bananaman]

If you like veggie food you can eat well for 20 baht at a host of places. My personal favourite would be a Tiawanese-Thai joint called Tien Sieng on Phrappoklao Road (left-side of the road if you are heading towards CM Gate, just next door to the V-Shop), they do an awesome noodle soup filled with all manner of tasty meat substitutes. The Vegetarian Society (Thai name escapes me sorry) at 42 Mahidol Road is also a real treat with its huge selection of serve-yourself fare. Most places of this nature close early to mid-afternoon but the occasional joint stays open till the evening.

[chanchao]

From Thapae Road, turn into Kuang Mane, one way towards towards Warorot market.

Which one is that? Is that the road where you drive on the wrong side of the road?

> Failing the entrance above. Continue down to Wichayanon and go into the

> first entrance on the left. The restaurant is just at the beginning of the corridor inside.

Wichayanon is quite a bit further North isn't it? That's the President Hotel road innit? Towards the Birthday Cake roundabout?

I'm lost!

[chanchao]

For:

Khao Soi, Tom Yam Noodle, others: Mae Jam Pa in Soi Techno Asia. When driving on Aom Muang Road (Southern bit of the ring road) towards Airport Plaza, turn into the soi immediately after crossing the railroad track (flyover). When coming from the Airport Plaza direction, do a U turn under that railroad flyover. Get there in time, it's very popular during lunch and food runs out after that.

(Khao Soi = Burmese style yellow noodles in curry)

Khao Mok Kai: Into the soi JUST before the Caltex gas station on the road towards Nong Hoi market. So when crossing the bridge at the Sheraton hotel you turn right at the traffic lights, then immediately left. Then keep going in that soi until you see the restaurant on your right. (Parking space on the left)

(Khao Mok Kai = Yellow rice with chicken, Muslim style.)

Southern Thai Spicy Food: Corner of Charoeng Muang Road and Soi Dr Wong Hospital. This is the next interesection out from the Sayuri Intersection. (Ok, ok, one intersection further out from the Bamrungrat Intersection where Krung Thai bank is) Can park inside the bank building at that corner. (Some weird defunct bank that doesn't do any business but still has a nice parking at the bottom level)

More Southern Thai Spicy food as well as Central Thai food: Had Yai Choke Dee on Chang Klan road. When driving out of town it's BEFORE the Chiang Mai Land intersection on the left.

AWESOME 'kind-of' Vietnamese springrolls, but wrapped in a dough-like roti rather than noodly bits. Small roadside stall, Charoen Prathet road just before the Porn Ping Tower hotel on the left. (That's where Hot Shot & Bubbles etc. are) Daytime only I think.

Special mention to the Three Kings Monument area (Call it "Anusawaree O-wa-pae " like the Yupparat kids do, as the monument resembles them doing a rock-paper-scissors variation) for all the mainstay Thai lunch dishes like noodles and specifically the Chicken-rice as served by the Kirart-Ocha shop. Just ordering there is fun as the food lands on your table pretty much instantly. Noisy, very Chinese place; love it. Also a lot of road-side vendors there with snacks during lunch time.

Anyway I could probably go on and on. A large listing is here: http://chanchao.fotopages.com (not only cheapo Thai food, but the focus is mostly on the cheapo type restaurants and food stalls)

[chanchao]

Question: Where do they have the 'really big' chromosome-donuts & soy milk ? (Pha tong ko, but then really big, and fresh) ?

[Crow Boy]

Khao Soi Lamduan, on Th Faham, which is the street that Charoenrat Road turns into has you head north on it toward the Superhighway, just north of the intersection next to the Rama Bridge. The Khao Soi is great and the people are a lot of fun. I eat there, usually take out, once or twice a week.

succinct reply

I agree - food good

CB

Edited April 4, 2007 by Crow Boy

[Bananaman]

Question: Where do they have the 'really big' chromosome-donuts & soy milk ? (Pha tong ko, but then really big, and fresh) ?

Chanchao, there's a vendor on Nimmenheimen who's there mornings only (possibly cool season only too), located near the older 7-Eleven of the two on that road. There's also a vendor on the Kaewnawarat road; if heading down from the bridge in the direction of Arcade, she's located on the right-side of the road (before you get to the junction where Bud's Ice Cream bar is) in front of a gas station if i remember rightly. The latter of the two is best in my opinion. It's been a while since I went to either so don't rely solidly on this info being up to date.

If size is not an issue (ladies will tell you otherwise ) then IMO, the best Pha tong ko is made my Khun Lek at Chiang Mai gate evening market; she's on the central divide about half way along (right of a dodgy fried chicken vendor called KFG) and makes the lightest, least oily and most tasty I've ever tasted. She also has her signs in English too, so gets all of the tourist trade in that area.

[SoloFlyer]

(Pha tong ko, but then really big, and fresh) - in the mornings next to 7-11 on Niman, Hillside 3. Take a newspaper to absorb the oil of ya hands and face.

Used to be really good SFC (gai tord hat yai, southern fried chicken) opposite, but seems to have disappeared in the last 3 weeks.

[cmsally]

One of the best chromosome doughnuts and soya milk I have had is between Chiang Mai Land and Central Hospital. The only problem is there are now more than one of these carts (eve only) and I can never remember how to distinguish which one is the good one. Last trip I picked the wrong one.

[Donnyboy]

I love a good khao soi nua/gai (beef/chicken noodle in curry broth)

best one so far is around the north end of the nightmarket down a little one way soi 30m past the muslim mosque.

try to get there once a week. 20-30 baht per bowl. They have goat as well- very nice with less fat- 80 baht (?)

[Donnyboy]

I love a good khao soi nua/gai (beef/chicken noodle in curry broth)

best one so far is around the north end of the nightmarket opposite where The Pizza company used to be down a little one way soi 30m past the muslim mosque.

try to get there once a week. 20-30 baht per bowl. They have goat as well- very nice with less fat- 80 baht (?)

[p1p]

From Thapae Road, turn into Kuang Mane, one way towards towards Warorot market.

Which one is that? Is that the road where you drive on the wrong side of the road?

> Failing the entrance above. Continue down to Wichayanon and go into the

> first entrance on the left. The restaurant is just at the beginning of the corridor inside.

Wichayanon is quite a bit further North isn't it? That's the President Hotel road innit? Towards the Birthday Cake roundabout?

I'm lost!

Kuang Mane is the road that leads, one way, from Thapae directly into the market. It is a continuation of the one way soi that runs behind the Night Bizarre and D2 Hotel. Kuang Mane runs from Thapae, one way past the south wall of Warorot Market, ending on Wichayanon.

Wichayanon is the street running along the eastern face of Warorot Market, after you turn right off Chang Moi. In typical Thai manner and to ensure non locals find it easy to get around, it has the same name as the street in front of the Preznid Hotel.

The two way, contraflow street is Chiang Mai Dat Mai.

[chanchao]

Ah ok, Thanks!!! So it's actually inside one of the indoor market buildings? Doesn't that make the environment a bit zoo-like in sights, sounds and smells?

[p1p]

Ah ok, Thanks!!! So it's actually inside one of the indoor market buildings? Doesn't that make the environment a bit zoo-like in sights, sounds and smells?

Isn't that the whole point of it? Sit eating good food under the gawping gaze of tourists, who suffer the sh#ts in pure terror at eating street food.

[chanchao]

Well, ehh, no. In addition to good food, I WOULD let the environment or general convenience/ambience count for something. That's why I indicated in some of the places I listed where to park, etc.

[Rinrada]

Tried the "new"Kalere food centre on last vist and selection and prices not 2 bad.

They however only flog "loopy juice"Change so I heaven help me I had to deink the water stuff...makes a change....

K.W fell out with Lena at the Anusan ....recons she ripped her off so it a case of "lee hai".....and mai bhai.....MPR

[Donnyboy]

Tried the "new"Kalere food centre on last vist and selection and prices not 2 bad.

They however only flog "loopy juice"Change so I heaven help me I had to deink the water stuff...makes a change....

K.W fell out with Lena at the Anusan ....recons she ripped her off so it a case of "lee hai".....and mai bhai.....MPR

actually, Kalare is a great place. Open areas to park your butt and enjoy the clean open air surroundings and tall roof structure, and a variety cheap eats from 30 baht, yip, Mr Thai Bev owns the place so its only one choice of beer here. Its a voucher system, same as before.

Im thinking this would be the place to go when the rainy season comes, and when all the other food stalls have floated away

[madcatlady]

The best veggie food (IMHO) is a small restaurant on Intrawarorot Rd nr to Wat Prasing. It's just has a sign above with Thai Vegetarian Food. Fantastic curries and great guaytiow nam and yentafo. Most dishes are 15-20 baht.

BTW - I completely disagree with the poster who suggested that the Vegetarian Society place on Mahidol was any good. There are so many veggie restaurants around the city and this one ranks the lowest as far as I'm concerned. Totally tasteless noodle soup and really unhelpful staff. And you have to do your own washing-up! Still everyone to their own.

The absolute best vegetarian khao soy shop is on Sutthep Road - a small corner shop just up from Wat Suan Dok on the same side as VideoEzy. There's a big veggie place next to VideoEzy but it's not this one. The one I'm talking about is on the corner just before the turning into the soi. Very generous helpings and only 20 baht a bowl. Heavenly!

MCL

[Donnyboy]

The best veggie food (IMHO) is a small restaurant on Intrawarorot Rd nr to Wat Prasing. It's just has a sign above with Thai Vegetarian Food. Fantastic curries and great guaytiow nam and yentafo. Most dishes are 15-20 baht.

BTW - I completely disagree with the poster who suggested that the Vegetarian Society place on Mahidol was any good. There are so many veggie restaurants around the city and this one ranks the lowest as far as I'm concerned. Totally tasteless noodle soup and really unhelpful staff. And you have to do your own washing-up! Still everyone to their own.

The absolute best vegetarian khao soy shop is on Sutthep Road - a small corner shop just up from Wat Suan Dok on the same side as VideoEzy. There's a big veggie place next to VideoEzy but it's not this one. The one I'm talking about is on the corner just before the turning into the soi. Very generous helpings and only 20 baht a bowl. Heavenly!

MCL

god i love a good khao soy! the ones in the lower level at the airport plaza arent so good, there was another shop further down past the goodview heading south(not sure if thats correct) that is good too. I remember that one having photos of thaksin eating at that shop on the wall as well. Anyone can confirm where it is?

[Ulysses G.]

BTW - I completely disagree with the poster who suggested that the Vegetarian Society place on Mahidol was any good. There are so many veggie restaurants around the city and this one ranks the lowest as far as I'm concerned. Totally tasteless noodle soup and really unhelpful staff. And you have to do your own washing-up! Still everyone to their own.

My thoughts too!

[chanchao]

BTW - I completely disagree with the poster who suggested that the Vegetarian Society place on Mahidol was any good. There are so many veggie restaurants around the city and this one ranks the lowest as far as I'm concerned. Totally tasteless noodle soup and really unhelpful staff. And you have to do your own washing-up! Still everyone to their own.

Me too! It's really yuckie food. Cheap though. I think on some days they're giving it away free.

> The best veggie food (IMHO) is a small restaurant on Intrawarorot Rd nr to Wat Prasing.

I think there are a number of fairly good places, one of them already mentioned above (near Chiang Mai Gate), then also "Mata" North of Hua Rin corner. (So going straight instead of turning left on to Huay Kaew to Central), and also the place near Khuang Singh intersection on Chotana Road, JUST before getting to the construction pit of the Superhighway.

> The absolute best vegetarian khao soy shop is on Sutthep Road - a small corner shop just up

> from Wat Suan Dok on the same side as VideoEzy. There's a big veggie place next to

> VideoEzy but it's not this one. The one I'm talking about is on the corner just before

> the turning into the soi. Very generous helpings and only 20 baht a bowl. Heavenly!

Yeah, I should visit then one again too.. Thanks for the reminder!!

Cheers,

Chanchao

[Bananaman]

The best veggie food (IMHO) is a small restaurant on Intrawarorot Rd nr to Wat Prasing. It's just has a sign above with Thai Vegetarian Food. Fantastic curries and great guaytiow nam and yentafo. Most dishes are 15-20 baht.

BTW - I completely disagree with the poster who suggested that the Vegetarian Society place on Mahidol was any good. There are so many veggie restaurants around the city and this one ranks the lowest as far as I'm concerned. Totally tasteless noodle soup and really unhelpful staff. And you have to do your own washing-up! Still everyone to their own.

The absolute best vegetarian khao soy shop is on Sutthep Road - a small corner shop just up from Wat Suan Dok on the same side as VideoEzy. There's a big veggie place next to VideoEzy but it's not this one. The one I'm talking about is on the corner just before the turning into the soi. Very generous helpings and only 20 baht a bowl. Heavenly!

MCL

I'm generally inclined to think that if a place is well frequented by the locals then that speaks volumes about it. Well in the 5 years that I've been going to the veggie society, I've yet to see it not teeming with customers. The noodle soup I can't speak for but the selection of other tasty fare is as extensive and of as high a quality as I've had anywhere. If you object to having to wash your own dishes then I fear you've missed the whole ethos of the place, in which case it probably isn't the best place for you. A strong emphasis on helping yourself so as to reduce costs probably explains why you found staff unhelpful.

There are special days throughout the year when all food is free and a sign saying that they'll feed you if you haven't got a satang to your name on ANY day!

[chanchao]

Yeah, not saying the place is without merits. It's also an acquired taste perhaps, a lot of their dishes / curries include some rather bitter tasting vegetables. I bet a lot of people go for health reasons. And I do go there occasionally, it's just that not all dishes (or if you're unlucky: no dishes) would be to everyone's taste.

I talk about the place here: http://chanchao.fotopages.com/?entry=132896

[Ulysses G.]

I'm generally inclined to think that if a place is well frequented by the locals then that speaks volumes about it. Well in the 5 years that I've been going to the veggie society, I've yet to see it not teeming with customers. The noodle soup I can't speak for but the selection of other tasty fare is as extensive and of as high a quality as I've had anywhere. If you object to having to wash your own dishes then I fear you've missed the whole ethos of the place, in which case it probably isn't the best place for you. A strong emphasis on helping yourself so as to reduce costs probably explains why you found staff unhelpful.

There are special days throughout the year when all food is free and a sign saying that they'll feed you if you haven't got a satang to your name on ANY day!

I have to admit that if I lived right next door, I would eat there all the time, simply because it is cheap and is healthy. I just don't understand why a "rich" Farang would go out of one's way to go there from a distance away.