THE ULTIMATE BANGKOK DINING EXPERIENCE
My dad, who often travels to Thailand for work, told me that Bangkok is the best city to visit for those in search of a food trip adventure. I’ve been to the city twice, more than a decade ago, but I missed the opportunity to try Thai delicacies or food favorites that defined Bangkok — a city teeming with rich culture and vibrant street life.
For my most recent visit, my family and I made sure that we had Thai street food stalls included in our itinerary. I’m not really courageous when it comes to trying new food, but I know I wouldn’t have my complete Thai experience without immersing in one of Bangkok’s most popular street food sanctuaries located outside CentralWorld shopping mall.
Navigating the maze of stalls offering grilled seafood, Thai food, fruit shakes, and other mouth-watering snacks felt like walking in the heart of the Roxas Night Market. But unlike other outdoor dining spots, lamps kept the food stalls outside CentralWorld well-lighted. The set-up gave the impression of a mall’s food court. I nearly forgot that we were outdoors, if it weren’t for the huge tents and the sounds of passing vehicles and busy pedestrians.
For only 300 Baht, which is around 480 pesos, you can sample the meals and other food offered by the stalls. One serving of their Pad Thai can even feed two to three persons. They have so many flavors and affordable dishes to choose from, so it’s better to arrive with an empty belly. Some of the stalls even serve giant prawns and legit fishball that make you want to never leave the place. When you’ve sampled everything and there’s still room left for dessert, you can treat yourself to a generous serving of mango sticky rice, one of the most popular desserts in Thailand.
The meals we had tasted heavenly, thanks to the spices and preparation processes unique to Thailand. The wide selection of sweet fruits makes deciding what to eat so difficult. But in retrospect, I realize that the kindness and humility of the Thais made our street food experience extraordinary. Some of the vendors spoke little English, but this did not hinder them from treating us with respect and hospitality.
Apart from the one in CentralWorld, there are lots of other street food places in Bangkok to explore. This proves that you don’t need to spend thousands of Baht or Pesos to have a memorable dining experience.