Without a doubt, Bangkok is the undisputed tourism capital of the ASEAN member states, making a remarkable recovery as travel restrictions were lifted in the region. Several of the 50 Top Asia Restaurants can be found in Bangkok. However, beyond the expense associated with their tasting menus, there’s also the commitment of hours one must devote to indulge in these meals.
I have previously written about and recommended Gaa, Suhring, Quince, and Paste. This time, I will provide comments on eating establishments that are much more accessible, where a la carte ordering is the preferred approach. To assist those interested, I’ll also mention the BTS station closest to these restaurants and/or stalls.
Inka is located on the 5th level of Central Embassy Mall, next to the Ploenchit BTS station. It was our delightful discovery with Issa last year, and we were eager to reaffirm how their menu, billed as Progressive Thai, hits so many right spots.
Start off with their Tuna Tostadas, featuring a Thai-influenced salsa. This offers a Mexican dish with an Asian twist. Our second starter was the Hokkaido Scallop Salad, where edamame, seeds, and arugula work in tandem with the juicy scallops.
Order the Longan juice drink as it’s got a good number of real fruit, before you hit the iced juice. For mains, we had the Massaman Beef Cheeks Curry, and the Fish Cakes with Chili sauce. The Beef Cheeks were tender morsels of beef excellently flavored by the red curry; while the fish cakes were a good change from crab or shrimp cakes - but still as tasty.
If you’re shopping at a mall and looking for a quick fix lunch or snack, Thipsamai at Siam Paragon’s Gourmet Eats on the ground floor is a reliable choice for authentic, classic Pad Thai. The option with River Prawns is my personal favorite, suitable for sharing with one person. Siam Paragon is conveniently located by the Siam BTS stop.
In the mood to head to Thong Lo (the BTS stop right after Phrom Phong, where you’ll find the EmQuartier and Emporium Malls)? You’re in luck, as Thong Lo is where you’ll find ERR Urban Rustic Thai, the eatery of chefs Bo and Dylan—known collectively as Bo.Lan—and this is their showcase for organic and natural food, supporting local Thai farmers with no industrial seasoning used. This is the Bo.Lan eatery that was featured in an episode of Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil.
We had their Southern Curry with Pork Ribs, earning two thumbs up; the Tom Yum with Chicken is akin to their version of tinola. However, it's an extra spicy iteration that leaves your eyes watering, nose running, with a “guhit” in your throat—in other words, the best.
The Crispy Squid is a great discovery, and I was happy with the Morning Glory with Garlic and Shrimp, as it tempered some of the spicy dishes. Chefs Bo and Dylan guested at the Dusit Makati earlier this year, and the couple were a treat!
If you spy a Paris Mikki as you traverse the malls, look at them as your dessert stop. I favor the Tarte Tatin Sologne, while Issa is partial to their Raspberry Fig Caramel Lemon cake. Yummy!
So that’s my most recent Bangkok trip, from a food perspective! Enjoy!