BANGKOK
BANGKOKEATINGBANGKOKEATINGforeign infl uence on Th Khao San has led to
a few import standouts.
In contrast, Bangkok’s royal district has
an abundance of sights but a dearth of res-
taurants – a pity, considering the potential
views.
oKrua Apsorn THAI $$
(Map p 60 ; Th Din So; mains 70-320B; hlunch &
dinner Mon-Sat; a; bus 2, 25, 44, 511, klorng taxi to
Tha Phan Fah) This homey dining room has
served members of the Thai royal family
and, back in 2006, was recognised as Bang-
kok’s Best Restaurant by the Bangkok Post.
Must-eat dishes include mussels fried with
fresh herbs, the decadent crab fried in yel-
low chilli oil and the tortilla Española-like
crab omelette.
Jay Fai THAI $$
Map p 60 ; 327 Th Mahachai; mains 200-250B;
h3pm-2am; klorng taxi Tha Phan Fah) You
wouldn’t think so by looking at her bare-
bones dining room, but Jay Fai is known far
and wide for serving Bangkok’s most expen-
sive – and arguably most delicious – pàt kêe
mow (drunkard’s noodles). The price is justi-
fi ed by the copious fresh seafood, as well as
Jay Fai’s distinct frying style that results in a
virtually oil-free fi nished product.
Poj Spa Kar THAI $$
(Map p 60 ; 443 Th Tanao; mains 100-200B; hlunch
& dinner; a; bus 2, 25, 44, 511, klorng taxi to Tha
Phan Fah) Pronounced pôht sà·pah kahn,
this is allegedly the oldest restaurant in
Bangkok, and continues to maintain recipes
handed down from a former palace cook. Be
sure to order the simple but tasty lemon-
grass omelette or the deliciously sour/sweet
gaang sôm, a traditional central Thai soup.Shoshana ISRAELI $$
(Map p 60 ; 88 Th Chakraphong; mains 90-220B;
hlunch & dinner; a; bus 32, 516, river ferry Tha Phra
Athit) Although prices have gone up slightly
since it began back in 1982, Shoshana still
puts together a cheap but tasty Israeli meal.
Feel safe ordering anything deep-fried – they
do an excellent job of it – and don’t miss the
eggplant dip.Nang Loeng Market THAI $
(off Map p 60 ; Btw Soi 8-10, Th Nakhon Sawan;
h10am-2pm Mon-Sat; bus 72) Dating back
to 1899, this atmospheric market, east of
Banglamphu, is primarily associated with
Thai sweets, but at lunchtime it’s also an
excellent place to fi ll up on savouries. Try a
bowl of handmade egg noodles at Rung Re-
uang or the rich curries at Ratana.Chote Chitr THAI $$
(Map p 60 ; 146 Th Phraeng Phuthon; mains 30-
200B; hlunch & dinner Mon-Sat; bus 15, klorng taxi
to Tha Phan Fah) This third-generation shop-
house restaurant boasting just six tables is a
Bangkok foodie landmark. The kitchen can
be inconsistent, but when they’re on, dishes
such as mèe gròrp (crispy fried noodles) and
yam tòoa ploo (wing-bean salad) are in a
class of their own.Thip Samai THAI $
(Map p 60 ; 313 Th Mahachai; mains 25-120B;
h5.30pm-1.30am closed alternate Wednesdays;
klorng taxi Tha Phan Fah) Brace yourself, but you
should be aware that the fried noodles sold
from carts along Th Khao San have noth-
ing to do with the dish known as pàt tai.North Bangkok
æSights ûDrinking
1 Children's Discovery Museum ............... C1 el Ninyo ............................................. (see 8)
8 Fake Club..................................................B2
ØActivities, Courses & Tours
2 House of Dhamma................................... D1 þShopping
9 Talat Rot Fai .............................................B2
ÿSleeping
3 Mystic Place ............................................ B3 ïTransport
10 Bangkok Airways ..................................... C1
úEating 11 Northern & Northeastern Bus
4 Baan Suan Pai ......................................... B4 Terminal................................................. B1
5 Or Tor Kor Market................................... B2
6 Pathè ......................................................... C1
7 Phat Thai Ari ............................................ B4