Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [127]
TAPAS CAFÉ
Map Spanish $$
0 2651 2947; www.tapasiarestaurants.com; 1/25 Soi 11, Th Sukhumvit; mains 90-800B; 11am-1am; Nana exit 3;
Although it’s the least expensive of Bangkok’s Spanish joints, a visit to this newcomer is in no way a compromise. Vibrant tapas, refreshing sangria and an open, airy atmosphere make Tapas Café well worth the visit. Come before 7pm, when tapas are buy-two-get-one-free. Tapas Café is located nearly next door to Suk 11 Hostel.
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SUPERMARKETS
Are you an American in need of a peanut butter fix or an Aussie craving Vegemite? Don’t fret, as Bangkok is home to an abundance of well-stocked international grocery stores.
Foodland (Map; 0 2254 2179; ground fl, Nai Lert Building, Soi 5, Th Sukhumvit; 24hr) Particularly popular with Muslim visitors and residents, this branch of Foodland stocks all manner of international food items.
Gourmet Market (Map; basement, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Th Phra Ram I, Siam Sq; 10am-10.30pm) The expansive basement-level Gourmet Paradise is as the name describes, and the attached supermarket carries a wide range of Western-style staples. There’s also a branch on the 5th floor of Emporium.
Tops Market (Map; basement, Central Chidlom, 1027 Th Ploenchit; 10am-10pm) This branch of Tops Market has a wide selection of imported foods, particularly deli items from Europe.
Villa Market (Map; 0 2662 1000; www.villamarket.com; Soi 33, Th Sukhumvit; 24hr) The main branch of Bangkok’s most well stocked international grocery store is the place to pick up necessities from Cheerios to cheddar cheese. There are several branches around town including near Ari and Nana Skytrain stations – check the website for locations.
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ANA’S GARDEN
Map Thai $$
0 2391 1762; 67 Soi 55, Th Sukhumvit; mains 150-250B; 5pm-midnight; Thong Lo exit 3
Ana’s lush garden of broad-leafed palms and purring fountains will almost make you forget about the urban jungle on the other side. The spicy yam tòo·a ploo (wing bean salad) and the house speciality grilled chicken, on the other hand, will leave no doubts about which city you’re in.
CABBAGES & CONDOMS
Map Thai $$
0 2229 4611; Soi 12, Th Sukhumvit; mains 100-350B; 11am-10pm; Sukhumvit exit 3; Asok exit 2
‘Be fed and be sheathed’ is the motto of the restaurant outreach program of the Population & Community Development Association (PDA), a sex education/AIDS prevention organisation. And likewise, for many visitors to Bangkok, this quirky garden restaurant has served as an equally ‘safe’ introduction to Thai food. Thankfully it’s done relatively well. This is a good place to gauge the Thai staples, such as the rich green curry, or the briny pàt pàk bûng fai daang (flash-fried water spinach). Instead of after-meal mints, diners receive packaged condoms, and all proceeds go towards PDA educational programs in Thailand.
JE NGOR
Map Thai-Chinese $$
0 2258 8008; www.jengor-seafoods.com; 68/2 Soi 20, Th Sukhumvit; mains 100-500B; 11am-2pm & 5-11pm; Sukhumvit; Asoke
Je Ngor proffers banquet-sized servings of tasty Thai-Chinese dishes in a banquet-like setting. The Sukhumvit branch of this lauded Thai franchise is probably not an ideal choice for a first date, but it would be a great locale for grandma’s birthday dinner. The relatively short, seafood-heavy menu features rarities such as sôm đam Ъoo dorng (papaya salad with preserved crab) and baked rice with preserved olive.
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HOTEL BUFFET BONANZA
Sunday brunch has become something of a Bangkok institution, particularly among resident foreigners, and virtually every large hotel in town puts together decadent buffets on every other day as well. Reservations are generally required, and the following choices will leave you with more than simply a distended stomach.
Chocolate Buffet (Map; 0 2344 8888; www.sukhothai.com; Sukhothai Hotel, 13/3 Th Sathon Tai; 790B; 2-6pm Fri-Sun) For those who love the sweet stuff, the Sukhothai Hotel offers a unique entirely cocoa-based high tea.
Four Seasons Sunday Brunch (Map; 0 2250 1000; Four Seasons Hotel, 155