Bangkok has it all. But what makes every traveler keeps on coming back to Thailand’s capital? The secret lies in its notorious street food.
Why do I find it hard not to be charmed or even excited by the shattering sound of ice when liquid is poured over it? Then there’s the sizzle of meat landing on a searing grill, the ping from a hot oven, the rip of a warm crispy baguette and the blithesome pop of a cork after opening a wine. Perhaps behind the mental titillation-palate teasing wonder; conjures an image of a place where they might all exist, we call it simply – the kitchen.
Kitchens are like conversations. In the beginning, you hear the acoustic fracas of several people speaking to each other – and sometimes over the other. It’s the continuous repartee against the quick pause and the chaffing response thereafter, only to lead, more often than not; to an endless confabulation. Between the concrete walls and countertops, the cupboards and sinks, the choreographed preparation and well thought out menu, dialogues float and swell. A curious soul listens in – drowning in the hum only to join in this ceaseless conversation about what this place is all about.
I am on a plane, crossing over the Gulf of Thailand. Mid-flight, drifting in my slumber, a voice from the cockpit comes on, a delightful Thai cadence. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. It looks like we’ve hit some unexpected turbulence. I appreciate if you remain seated and please keep the seatbelt fastened until the fasten seatbelt sign is switched off…Kop khun krap!”
I have come to Bangkok on a “kitchen” pilgrimage. After several trips in the past exploring the country’s supercharged gastronomy and exquisitely refined cuisine, I am back, but this time to find out more and perhaps take a closer glimpse at downtown Bangkok’s most exciting kitchens. Because it’s a city that embraces new trends, never losing its identity, Bangkok possesses the quality in my quest for my ideal version of a kitchen.
Its streets are intoxicatingly captivating. Culinary energy is evident in every intersection and neighborhood. A traveler in search of food need not to look far. One easily stumbles into a narrow ‘soi’ that offers a fast and comforting fix to a hungry outsider all the while bearing witness to the jarring mix of modern and ancient food preparation street techniques.
I knew right away that I had to go to Yaowarat in the old Chinatown (เยาวราช). The street cuts through the heart of Bangkok and filled with makeshift carts sporting beach umbrellas for shade and cover. Miniature convertible vans juxtaposed wooden rickshaws that transformed into working kitchens. At every corner, food was cheap, simple and delicious.
I have to admit, regardless of their appearances, they are all fitted to operate like a full-service kitchen run by Thai street food masters. From stoves either powered by coal or gas, barbeque grills, woks and casseroles of all sizes, chopping boards, aluminum pans and all sorts of things that I would imagine seeing in my kitchen. With humidity rising, smoke and steam, wafts of spice coupled with the cries from street hawkers, it can all be too bewildering, nonetheless transcendental in this neighborhood.
It’s almost the same scene that unfolds in the soi’s of Sukhumvit (สุขุมวิท) and Petchaburi (เพชรบุรี) where expats mostly dine sitting next to locals. Here is where the dexterity of a kitchen is put to test. There are free standing structures that can be pushed or pulled close to the road but not too far from the gutter. Most of them are equipped with small rotating blades that serve as an exhaust or to fan the flames. Sometimes they comes with foldable tables and movable chairs. Others appear out from a hole and some emerge as an extension of a tree. On closer inspection, they could somehow rival the latest IKEA kitchen ideas.
Getting away from the chaotic intersections and Bangkok’s never ending traffic snarls, I headed next to a more laid back environment. Nakhon Chaisi is home to two of the oldest and most traditional markets – Ratchawat (ราชวัตร) and Sriya (ตลาดศรีย่าน).
Drawing inspiration from all of these, I thought once again how my kitchen would look like – the size of my countertop and the placement of my condiments. How big or deep my wok should be or whether or not I should use a wide wooden chopping board? In search for more answers and antithesis to what I’ve stumbled upon, I decided to ascend to the 32nd floor of Sofitel Sukhumvit, the hotel is a short walk from Nana BTS station. I’ve heard for months that L’Appart, is not only an intimate French restaurant bar and lounge but features an open kitchen reliving the architectural style of 19th century Paris.
Here is a kitchen that comes with a library, a fireplace, a balcony, and on top of it all it’s the highest kitchen location that I have visited. Glamour, style and functionality, they all make their mark here.
I spent hours idling on the terrace sipping wine, sampling cocktails and switching between drinks while gazing at the views of Lumpini Park. Downtown Silom shimmers from the distance. I grew to like the afternoon tropical breeze up here and even the waitresses’ outfit akin to 1950’s traditional French maid’s uniforms.
Sitting on my chair, watching the lights of the business neighborhood come on, I began to have a clearerer vision of my kitchen. I saw a stove, a sink, an oven, and then there is the cutlery and the messy cupboards. Somehow I can hear the shaterring sound of ice when liquid is poured over it, the sizzling of meat hitting a searing grill, the ping from a hot oven, the rip of a warm crispy baguette and the blithsome pop of a cork after opening a wine. A faint yet familiar voice in the background calls out to say that dinner is ready.
A beep from my phone ebb my imagination away. I slowly read the text, “Jan…it’s mom! Have you eaten?” Then I knew – above all, which kitchen I should go to next.
BUTTER MY BAGUETTE
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I hear a lot of praise from the travel community about the excellent street food in Bangkok. It also helps that it is fairly cheap and one can indulge more often in dining out than usual. I’m always a bit hesitant when it comes to food properly sold on the direct street as opposed to food courts, market halls and in your case smaller restaurants. The places you’ve dined out in Bangkok would be to my likening and I would love to be in the front row when the fire is on!
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Bangkok seems to be a very overwhelming city, but the street food has always intrigued me. I would do the same thing as you and just imagine what my kitchen would look like if I cooked like them. (I like to think I have the skills they do but I highly doubt it haha). Seems like a magically delicious place!
As chaotic and busy as Bangkok is, I do want to go back again and again, mostly for the food. I miss street food. So many great dishes, the glorious smells and constant sizzle you hear as you walk around on a hot sticky evening. There aren’t many cities that have the character and depth of flavor as Bangkok
There is no doubt that cuisine and what is cooked there say a lot about a place and the culture of a people. They reflect centuries of ingredients honed by different generations.
I’m not much of a foodie, but when I’m traveling I like to try a bit of everything, whether it’s street food or more refined restaurants.
Even though I’ve never been to Bangkok, I was transported to Thai cuisine and found myself sitting in that kitchen with the fireplace and library, enjoying the views over the city.
Like you, we are huge fans of kitchens – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the sizzles! We only had a very short time in Bangkok when we visited and are yearning to return, and especially to further explore the delights of Thai cuisine. Open kitchens, whether within a grand restaurant or on the street, are always fascinating because you can watch the masters at work. Thank you for this delicious post, feeling very hungry right now!
It been a long time since I was last in Bangkok and I do remember it as a city where I enjoyed such great food.
I didn’t eat any street food (I’m easily susceptible to food hygiene matters) but did try many of the recommended restaurants.
I eat a lot of Thai food in the UK so it was interesting to make the comparison with what I knew and what is actually made in Thailand.
Your evocative descriptions put me right in a Bangkok kitchen, trying to decide which treat will make its way to my mouth. I love a thriving street food scene but my small appetite makes it a challenge to make the “right” choice! It is a bit of magic how they can prepare such a variety of dishes with limited space but such a variety of tools and equipment. I think I enjoy watching the process as much as eating the food.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
I just came back from Bangkok and this post makes me ready to go again. I love everything about Bangkok food – from the buzzing street food to the rooftop dining. I am so incredibly happy that we have a “Thai Park” in Berlin to quench that hunger for authentic Thai food.
Great Post, the kitchen is my happy place regardless of size. I’d love to head to Thailand and learn more about their food.
Haven’t been to Bangkok yet (a transfer in the airport doesn’t count), but when I do – will definitely spend much time on eating out and trying all the different foods it has to offer.
It never ceases to amaze me what street vendors can produce with such limited space and equipment when my partner manages to use every available work surface and utensil when he cooks. 😂 L’Appart looks lovely – what a view!
Mom’s cooking is always the best, exactly, haha.. 🙂
Enjoyed being brought back in my mind to Bangkok’s food scene by your post, Jan. I do think of this city as one of the best places for food in Asia. That French bar looks nice!