of food courts, cafes and therapy!

its been a week since i got back from bangkok so i think its high time i round up the posts on the capital of the beautiful land of smiles. one of the first things most characteristic of bangkok's food is its fantastically good value for money thai fare served up at the food courts. i used to think it was only the one at mbk, but i was soon realizing that the same authentic food can be found at food courts at the siam paragon and central world alike.

probably not as big and extensive in terms of variety as compared to mbk, both food courts at siam paragon and central world still deserve reserving a meal for. both food courts are located next to or within gourmet supermarkets so be prepared to go a little grocery shopping crazy after satisfying your tummy with some yummy duck noodle and beef broth (at siam paragon) or some thai style oyster omelette, 'ter kar peng' and mango salad on the top floor of central world. i found everything yummy and most deserving of calories (*grin*), especially the oyster omelette which we only found (so far at least) at the food court at central world. not at all oily, fried till the perfect crisp and smothered with oysters... this girl could definitely have more oyster omelette in singapore if only they served it up thai style (chilli sauce included!). so yes, the food courts of the malls in bangkok are a definite safe bet and must try...the best bit is that they are located right in the heart of the mall so its a perfect break to a whole day of fantastic shopping!

siam paragon food court
991 siam paragon shopping center
rama 1 road
pathumwan bangkok 10330

central world food court
4 rajdamri road
pathumwan bangkok 10330

with the increasing number of modern style malls, bangkok is becoming the home of some really nice cafes. the greyhound cafe is probably one of the pioneers in the cafe trend and word has it that they inspired the singapore based p.s cafes! the similarities are most definitely there, modern and edgy decor, laid back and cool vibe, serving up some pretty good fusion cafe fare. the appetisers were pretty good...tomato soup was tangy with the right amount of cream and the crab and corn fritters with thai chilli dipping sauce was very well done too. the corn beef pasta was a tad too oily and lemak to be thoroughly enjoyed, but kudos to the folks for being creative with the dish! if i do have to compare though, p.s. cafe in singapore still gets my vote but the greyhound cafe is worth a visit, if not for a full meal but to rest the tired shopping legs, catch up with friends over some refreshing mocktails and finger food.

greyhound cafe
central chitlom, 2nd floor
ploenchit

no trip to bangkok is complete without a dose of thai massage. having been to the asia herb association two years back and liking it, g and i went back again twice this time for our stretch, crack and knead fix! in addition, we took the plunge as well and signed ourselves up to be food for the fishes at one of the massage places in siam square. i have to say, if you are ticklish or 'ji-jit', be warned, this might not be for you....think ants crawling all over your feet, between your toes and gently nibbling. it was definitely an experience you will not forget and it is amazing how hungry these fish were! we were supposed to have our fish therapy for half an hour but i think we (or at least i!) do not manage to last more then 15 minutes! but it was good....our feet did feel smoother and cuticle and hang nail free so it was worth the minor 'torture'!

so there you have it...the food and adventure round up for the week i was in bangkok. fingers crossed that trip number 2 will come true this year end for i already have set my eyes on several new places to visit!

khob-kun-kaa bangkok!