Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [122]
SUSHIKO
Map Japanese $$
0 2233 0565; 9/11-12 Soi Thaniya, Th Silom; mains 120-700B; 11am-midnight; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 1
The strip known as Soi Thaniya is home to dozens of Japanese restaurants ranging in quality from dive to opulent. Sushiko, Japanese run and frequented, is a good middle ground. The restaurant is divided into three levels, with the ground floor specialising in sushi and sashimi, the 2nd floor serving tempura, and the 3rd serving sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. There’s no English-language sign here, so simply look for the white corner restaurant.
MIZU’S KITCHEN
Map Japanese/Steak $$
0 2233 6447; 32 Soi Patpong 1, Th Silom; mains 65-200B; noon-midnight; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 1
This certifiable hole-in-the-wall oozes character, not to mention the beefy essence of thousands of steaks served over the decades. Do order the house Sarika steak, and do take a hint from the regulars and use your chequered tablecloth to protect your clothes from the spray of the hot plate when it arrives.
KALAPAPRUEK
Map Thai $$
0 2236 4335; 27 Th Pramuan; dishes 60-120B; 8am-6pm; air-con 76, 77, 177, 504, 514, 547 & MB12, ordinary 77, 162, 163 & 164; Surasak exit 3
This venerable Thai eatery has numerous branches and mall spin-offs around town, but we still fancy the quasi-concealed original branch. The diverse menu spans regional Thai specialities from just about every region, daily specials and occasionally, seasonal treats as well.
SOMBOON SEAFOOD
Map Thai $$
0 2233 3104; www.somboonseafood.com; cnr Th Surawong & Th Narathiwat Ratchanakharin (Chong Nonsi); mains 150-400B; 4pm-midnight; Chong Nonsi exit 3
Somboon, a classy seafood hall with a reputation far and wide, is known for doing the best curry-powder crab in town. Soy-steamed sea bass (Ъlah grà·pohng nêung see·éw) is also a speciality and, like all good Thai seafood, should be enjoyed with an immense platter of kôw pàt Ъoo (fried rice with crab) and as many friends as you can gather together.
BOSPHORUS
Map Turkish $$
0 2237 5168; 1043/4 Soi 21, Th Silom; mains 80-500B; 10am-8pm; air-con 76, 77, 177, 504, 514, 547 & MB12, ordinary 77, 162, 163 & 164; Surasak exit 1
The food of Turkey is a bona fide endangered culinary species here in Bangkok. Savour your discovery by choosing from the variety of predominately vegetarian mezze in the display case, or proceed directly to any of the menu’s various grilled meat dishes. There are also several Turkish desserts. Framed portraits of the Thai king and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk provide a regal setting.
RAN NAM TAO HU YONG HER
Map Chinese $
0 2635 0003; 68 Th Narathiwat Ratchanakharin (Chong Nonsi); mains 40-205B; 11am-10pm; Chong Nonsi exit 3
Although the name of this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shophouse eatery translates as ‘soy milk restaurant’, the emphasis here is on northern Chinese cuisine – a rarity in Bangkok. Try the Shanghainese speciality xiao long bao, described on the menu as ‘small steamed bun’, actually steamed dumplings encasing a pork filling and rich hot broth that pours out when you bite into them.
CHENNAI KITCHEN
Map Indian/Vegetarian $
0 2234 1266; 10 Th Pan, Th Silom; mains 50-150B; 10am-3pm & 6-9.30pm; air-con 76, 77, 177, 504, 514, 547 & MB12, ordinary 77, 162, 163 & 164; Surasak exit 3
This thimble-sized restaurant near the Hindu temple puts out some of the most solid southern Indian vegetarian food around. Yard-long dosai (a crispy southern Indian bread) is always a good choice, but if you’re feeling indecisive (or exceptionally famished) go for the banana-leaf thali that seems to incorporate just about everything in the kitchen.
MASHOOR
Map Indian/Vegetarian $
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