The Hit And Run Restaurant "review" Thread

[OMGImInPattaya]

Darkside Indian fans...Indian Root out Maprachan Lake way does 50% discount on all food on Wednesdays from 1100-1700.

[OMGImInPattaya]

NY Pizza Notes...

 

Kuddos for good customer service...they screwed-up a delivery order (realized after driver left)...called to complain and they immediately offered to replace it...not wanting to wait another hour I said I'd keep it...they offered a discount on my next order. On my next delivery a week later, bill was discounted 50%. Well done!

 

The Khow Noi branch is up and running...dine in, take-out, or delivery. Nice air-con seating area and open show kitchen.

[autoc]

Bollywood kurry is only interesting for dishes that are not available at other places, for standard food, Bollywood food tastes exactly the same as anywhere but costs a lot more. Bollywood Kurry is an expensive Indian restaurant

I wonder how someone can say that Samosa or Raita tastes any different at any Indian restaurant ?

 

I checked and they are not on Tripadvisor, and it is of course so stupid to tell that it's not important to be on Tripadvisor which is the base for any business in this world.

 

 

[Jingthing]

Actually without commenting on specific restaurants yes in my life I've had glorious samosas and also gross ones. Yes some people shouldn't bother with anything better than plonk wine because they simply can't taste better stuff. Good for the wallet too. Not commenting on any restaurant or even price levels. Sometimes you can find great food at cheap restaurants better than expensive restaurants. It's down to your personal tastes.

[champers]

PUB REVIEW: WHITE SWAN SOI 13/1, BEACH ROAD. Had gammon, eggs, chips and peas with a Tetley's tea served with the food. 250 Baht or therabouts for 2 small gammon steaks, 2 eggs and decent  portions of chips and garden peas. Food was very good, as was the tea ( no milk, only whitener). Service was quick and friendly. Some of the clientele (English) were well out of it, even though it was only late afternoon and every other word was the F word. That apart, well worth the price. Recommended if not easily offended by bad language.

 

[champers]

PUB REVIEW: JAMESONS, SOI 4, 2nd ROAD. Had the set special menu for 385 Baht or therabouts. Starter was tomato and mozarella salad. 4 slices of tomato topped with thin slices of mozarella and a vinaigrette. Very tasty. if a mite frugal. Main was scampi, home made chips and coeslaw and garden peas. A generous portion. Chips were especially tasty, scampi was OK. The slaw contained a lot of strong onion which quite overpowered and was left. Dessert was advertised as pineapple pie with custard, but was actually a crumble wuth the custard served in a jug - a nice touch. I don't think pineapple is suited to a crumble or pie. Apple would have been more suitable. Small portion again but that is fair enough on a set special 3 course deal. Service was a bit weird: 6 waitresses at one point watching me eat my food. As soon as the last forkful went into my mouth the plate was whipped away. Only 1 other diner in the place, so a bit OTT. Pretty quiet, but can understand it is a bit out of the way and not cheap. SATISFACTORY.

[champers]

PUB REVIEW: QUEEN VICTORIA PUB, SOI 6 OFF BEACH ROAD. Had the all day breakfast for 170 Baht plus 30 Baht for a large slice of black pudding. 2 scrambled eggs were overpowered by whatever they were cooked in and I couldn't finish them. The bacon (2 rashers of back) and the cumberland sausage had only a passing acquaintance with the frying pan and were greasy and undercooked. Mushrooms were fine, the tomato had the skin removed and was very good. Baked beans were UK style and size and were fine. The black pudding arrived 5 minutes after the rest of the meal and was vile. It was barely warm and had sucked up the grease from the frying pan rendering it inedible. Toast was white and thick cut and was very good. I had a mug of Tetley tea served with a small jug of milk and it was excellent. Service was so-so. The supporting cast was very good but the main players in the meal were very poor. Did the double : first meal here and last meal here. Nice view out of the window, but that doesn't compensate for the sub-standard meal. AVOID.

[jwdub]

Sadly it looks like the Rock Kitchen on Soi Khopai has closed shop and is moving to Surin. I'm going to miss that place.

[JSixpack]

On 11/29/2016 at 9:16 PM, champers said:

PUB REVIEW: WHITE SWAN SOI 13/1, BEACH ROAD. Had gammon, eggs, chips and peas with a Tetley's tea served with the food. 250 Baht or therabouts for 2 small gammon steaks, 2 eggs and decent  portions of chips and garden peas. Food was very good, as was the tea ( no milk, only whitener). Service was quick and friendly. Some of the clientele (English) were well out of it, even though it was only late afternoon and every other word was the F word. That apart, well worth the price. Recommended if not easily offended by bad language.

 

 

That would The Swan Pattaya I presume. http://theswanpattaya.com Too bad their website merely teases a menu. I'll have to check what lagers are on offer, a bit more convenient than heading over to Dicey Reilley's when you're tired of Chang in Las Vegas II.

 

[champers]

Er, yes it is. Temporary memory loss on my part. Apologies. They have a photo of the gammon, eggs and chips on the link. I like a nice bit of gammon and their's was top notch. Didn't peruse the drinks menu. I always drink Leo, anyway. Handy for a swift half or two if you have to visit the post office on the next soi.

[autoc]

Hello, any restaurant around Pattaya that has its own garden and/or offer organic food ?

 

Thank you.

[Jingthing]

2 hours ago, autoc said:

Hello, any restaurant around Pattaya that has its own garden and/or offer organic food ?

 

Thank you.

Maybe this place. Not sure about organic.

 

https://www.facebook.com/Wooden-Box-Pattaya-1678696159077417/

 

Edited November 30, 2016 by Jingthing

[KittenKong]

On 29/11/2016 at 9:43 PM, champers said:

As soon as the last forkful went into my mouth the plate was whipped away.

 

I hate it when they do that.

[tolsti]

On 11/20/2016 at 9:58 PM, Jingthing said:

Indian by nature would be the best place in town to learn about the incredible variety of Indian food. But it's very expensive. Also very good and good variety is Madras Darbar across from Central Mall on 2nd road. Also Bollywood Kurry which I started a thread about. A number of different dishes there. There you can talk to the owners and explain you're looking for different from the standard flavors and they can probably suggest some dishes for you.

 +1 for Madras Darbar I go there frequently with my boss who is Indian.

[toenail]

Does Pattaya have any "Western"Chinese restaurants? No, I do not care for the "authentic" Chinese restaurants catering to the Chinese tourists serving "mystery" meat or chunks of chicken skin in a broth or a bunch of bones attached to some animal ligament.


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[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, toenail said:

Does Pattaya have any "Western"Chinese restaurants? No, I do not care for the "authentic" Chinese restaurants catering to the Chinese tourists serving "mystery" meat or chunks of chicken skin in a broth or a bunch of bones attached to some animal ligament.


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Try these if you must:

 

This is a delivery operation:

 

https://www.facebook.com/Wok-N-Rok-1397892993787026/

 

This is on Soi Chaiyapoon

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293919-d3599837-Reviews-Chow_Soy-Pattaya_Chonburi_Province.html

 

Here is a budget priced more authentic place. Mentioned because lots of their dishes would likely still be appreciated by westerners seeking more westernized Chinese food:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293919-d4166920-Reviews-Shanghai_Restaurant-Pattaya_Chonburi_Province.html

 

 

 

 

Edited December 1, 2016 by Jingthing

[NanLaew]

On 11/29/2016 at 10:08 PM, champers said:

PUB REVIEW: QUEEN VICTORIA PUB, SOI 6 OFF BEACH ROAD. Had the all day breakfast for 170 Baht plus 30 Baht for a large slice of black pudding. 2 scrambled eggs were overpowered by whatever they were cooked in and I couldn't finish them. The bacon (2 rashers of back) and the cumberland sausage had only a passing acquaintance with the frying pan and were greasy and undercooked. Mushrooms were fine, the tomato had the skin removed and was very good. Baked beans were UK style and size and were fine. The black pudding arrived 5 minutes after the rest of the meal and was vile. It was barely warm and had sucked up the grease from the frying pan rendering it inedible. Toast was white and thick cut and was very good. I had a mug of Tetley tea served with a small jug of milk and it was excellent. Service was so-so. The supporting cast was very good but the main players in the meal were very poor. Did the double : first meal here and last meal here. Nice view out of the window, but that doesn't compensate for the sub-standard meal. AVOID.

 

Their lunch menu can be indifferent and one time one of their pies was mostly inedible but that was blamed on the supplier and the diner was compensated. I have also had fish that hadn't been properly thawed but easy fixings like bangers & mash or mince & mash are usually great. The basket of sausage and fries and a pint of OSH is a good lunch while watching the birds across the street get ready for business distaff interest outside.Try and avoid their Monday lunch specials which mainly consist of the reheated remnants of the Sunday carvery.

Edited December 16, 2016 by NanLaew

[champers]

Thanks NanLaew. I'm afraid it is once bitten twice shy for me. Plenty other far better options available. I'm glad you jogged my memory; I have a couple of fish and chips reviews when I have a bit more time.

 

 

[champers]

SIMONS FISH & CHIPS JONTIEM

A lot of plaudits so thought I would give it a try. I see that the OP was banned from here some years ago, but I've not let that cloud  my judgement. I had the standard Norwegian cod & chips for 250 Baht or thereabouts. The portion was small (could have chosen large), the chips were excellent and the cod was very good but let down by a batter that wasn't crispy and and a bit too greasy. The mug of tea was above par, service was OK. I will go back because they have steak pudding on the menu and I haven't seen that anywhere else. GOOD.

[champers]

THE SPORTSMEN, SOI 13 BEACH RD.

Fish and chips - Norwegian cod again served with a big portion of garden peas which I like. Price 250 Baht or thereabouts. I passed on the Tartar sauce. Mug of tea with the meal. Very good. Chips were straight cut frozen but were fine. I prefer crinkle cut myself. A healthy portion of fish in a crispy beer batter - excellent. Tea was top notch and service very good. Unsurprisingly, various sports on TVs around the bar. This place has the ambience of a good English pub with good Thai staff as a bonus. RECOMMENDED.

[Jingthing]

9 minutes ago, champers said:

SIMONS FISH & CHIPS JONTIEM

A lot of plaudits so thought I would give it a try. I see that the OP was banned from here some years ago, but I've not let that cloud  my judgement. I had the standard Norwegian cod & chips for 250 Baht or thereabouts. The portion was small (could have chosen large), the chips were excellent and the cod was very good but let down by a batter that wasn't crispy and and a bit too greasy. The mug of tea was above par, service was OK. I will go back because they have steak pudding on the menu and I haven't seen that anywhere else. GOOD.

That was many many years ago when it had the original owner. He refused to honor his own coupon even after I had presented it before ordering and got approval from a staff person. That was outrageous and there is no reason to continue to patronize businesses with such sleazy ethics.

But there has been a new owner there for several years, so not the same restaurant at all. 

I have tried it with the new ownership but perhaps made a mistake to try the Thai food. I explicitly ordered the food spicy and it came very bland. So I haven't been back.

 

Thanks for the report. 

[DannyTheWriter]

Went to Fung Pla Pao on Soi Bongkoch last night, and was very disappointed. Have been there many times in the past and liked it, but the quality was way down and service was bad. They've sectioned off one part as an Isaan pub, and said they plan to open another part as a farang pub. But they'd better get their act together if they have any hope of success.


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[TaaSaparot]

Fung Pla Pao is ........... erm ..... Very Thai

 

Sometimes, it's as though they don't want any customers.

[Jingthing]

As promised on another thread, I will comment on the new Korean chain in town, RED SUN (specialist in Tokpokki cuisine), now open at the spanking new Central Marina Mall! Woo hoo!

 

They are handing out 100 baht off coupons in front now, but you need to spend at least 500 including drinks to have it honored.

 

That's not too hard to do ... their seafood set is 495.

Endless refill cold green tea is offered for 40 baht.

 

Some pics of before and after seafood set:

 

 

 

Anyway, my impression is very similar to this review:

http://bk.asia-city.com/restaurants/bangkok-restaurant-reviews/red-sun?page=1

 

With more than 50 branches in its native Korea, The Red Sun boasts of being one of the country’s leading restaurants for tokpokki (the Korean street food snack of rice cake in a sweet chili sauce). But don’t believe the hype—at least not at this Bangkok branch belonging to celebrity model May Pitchanart Sakakorn.

 

Basically kind of MEH, not bad, but more about the service and theater than the high level culinary experience. Think something like MBK gone Korean, possibly tweaked somewhat for Thai tastes in Thailand, but perhaps not, haven't had it at their chain in Korea. 

 

You choose your spice level, 1 to 3. I chose 3 and not challenging but there is chile powder to add on the side if you like, but not the same as the paste they use in the pots. 

 

A very pleasant sweet corn side dish is served with sets. There isn't kimchi banchan though.

 

A set is actually a fine portion for one hungry eater and you could stretch it to two by adding premium extras, including extra ramen.  They also offer LARGE size sets for groups. 

 

I have had Tokpokki style Korean food before (not in Pattaya as I think it may be the only Tokpokki specialist place here), even though I'm no expert on it, and it was better at those other places. If you know of any other Tokpokki specialist places in town, please post and inform us. 

 

I would actually recommend trying it at least one time just for the FUN of it. It was definitely enjoyable, just for me personally I wouldn't rush to go back, and would rather go to other non-chain Korean restaurants in town. 

Edited December 20, 2016 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Laong's Bistro

Jomtien 2nd road

roughly in back of Jomtien Beach condominium which has it's main entrance on Jomtien Beach road

 

I know many of you know about this place but I tried it for the first time.

Here to sing the praises of their signature appetizer dish, fried avocado with dips. 

It's about 300 baht which is high but they're on eatigo.com so as much as a 50 percent discount is available.

 

Now I know why that dish is so popular there.

The tomato dip salsa actually has quite a good kick, which I like. The other dips are lemon mayo and some kind of basic Russian dressing. 

 

 

Something that I think is relatively new at Laongs is their Thai menu, where the concept is to do classic Thai dishes done very well and more fancy. I haven't tried as yet but the pictures look wonderful --

 

http://laongs.com/

(Full menu on site)

 

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g3366878-d8857194-Reviews-Laong_s_Bistro_Boutique-Jomtien_Beach_Pattaya_Chonburi_Province.html

Many pictures

 

 

Edited December 20, 2016 by Jingthing

[champers]

ROSIE O'GRADY'S SOI 7 BEACH ROAD.

Went on Sunday for Sunday dinner; as you do. Had the chicken option which wasn't actually roast chicken but 2 loveley breasts (well this is Pattaya) fried I think with Yorkshire pud, roast taters, 3 veg and a super gravy. Cost was 199 Baht and very generous portions cooked extremely well. Had the jam roly poly and custard for afters and that was top notch too. 119 Baht for pudding. Very good service but atmosphere a bit flat - few customers sat inside. The food deserves better numbers through the door. RECOMMENDED.

[DannyTheWriter]

Fung Pla Pao is ........... erm ..... Very Thai
 
Sometimes, it's as though they don't want any customers.

I know. We live nearby and have been many times in the past. This time it felt like a significant downturn.


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[Jingthing]

YAYOI

Japanese Teishoku Restaurant

at the NEW Central Marina Mall

(formerly Big C festival)

 

OK, I haven't even eaten there yet, but did peruse the menu and found it remarkably impressive and reasonably priced as well.

 

I know I might give the impression of an "ethnic" food maven and while that may be the case to some degree, when it comes to JAPANESE food I remain eternally rather overwhelmed and mystified.

I often look at large Japanese menus and just don't know where to start. I really don't understand why I have some kind of mental block about Japanese food and culture ... surely I'm not the only one? 

 

Anyway, this place specializes in SET MEALS so that makes it easier.

As this is an international chain, perhaps looking at the 775 pictures of one of their branches in California which I reckon has a similar menu (but higher prices!) might give people an idea of the plethora of offerings to consider before even venturing in there. 

 

For the many regulars in Thailand of Zen and Fuji chains, those that have tried Yayoi Teishoku Restaurants in Thailand, how does it compare? Because my superficial impression was that this place seems at a somewhat higher level. 

 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/yayoi-palo-alto-3

 

Edited December 22, 2016 by Jingthing

[TaaSaparot]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

YAYOI

Japanese Teishoku Restaurant

at the NEW Central Marina Mall

(formerly Big C festival)

 

OK, I haven't even eaten there yet, but did peruse the menu and found it remarkably impressive and reasonably priced as well.

 

 

Well, there has been a YaYoi in Central Festival since Day 1, so I am surprised you don't know about this chain already ?

 

Quality is not the same as Fuji's sets, and service can be pretty bad.

 

But that is not to say some of their sets/dishes offer very good value.

 

It is part of the MK group.

Edited December 22, 2016 by TaaSaparot

[Jingthing]

No, this is not the same as Yayoi at Central Pattaya Beach!

Yes, I have eaten there and it's clearly a budget place.

I'm talking about about their other, clearly much higher level of restaurant that we now have at Central Marina! --

Japanese Teishoku Restaurant

Massively more extensive menu. 

 

Edited December 22, 2016 by Jingthing