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Thai Triumphs

From Bangkok’s glittering rooftop restaurants to the noodle shops of thriving Chinatown communities like Song Wat Road, Thailand continues to tempt the tastebuds of the world.

Thailand has long attracted travellers for its colour, culture, and culinary heritage. Its capital, Bangkok, is legendary for its vibrant city centre, its temples and markets - think Chatuchak, Bang Lamphu and Yaowarat - with tens of thousands of visitors each year drawn to its charms.

World class restaurants like the Michelin Green-starred J’AIME and Haoma have drawn praise for their seasonal, sustainably-minded menus, while one of the finest restaurants in the city, TAAN, sees Chef Monthep ‘Thep’ Kamolsilp working closely with independent local farmers to explore the endless possibilities presented by Thai cuisine. His latest seasonal menu serves up contemporary interpretations of classic dishes from the Rattanakosin era; things like talad phu (crispy vermicelli with minced pork and river prawn in broth) and si kak (deep-fried sea bass with garlic confit and fried ma-krut).

It’s truly an exciting time to be a food lover in the Thai capital - especially if you’re the kind of traveller who likes to pound the footpath in search of the new and interesting. 

Because while the city centre and restaurants like TAAN are not to be missed, there’s now a new must-visit destination for gustatory travellers looking to experience Bangkok’s unique food culture up close and personal - Song Wat Road, in the city’s Chinatown district.

SONG WAT

A SENSORY STROLL THROUGH PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Running parallel to the better-known Yaowarat Road, this historic laneway is garnering more and more attention for its distinctive architecture, restaurants, shops and street art so much so that the district was named the 39th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out in 2023.

But it’s the mouth-watering food of Song Wat that has been the biggest draw-card, and it’s easy to see why. From the iconic Urai Braised Goose to the delicious beef noodle offerings of Rongklannuea, housed in a former sugar warehouse, a panoply of enticing aromas infuses your senses from every angle. At E_ga LAB, old local recipes showcase carefully curated flavours: try the crispy noodle with shrimp, Ayutthaya grilled river prawns or tom yung kung, and finish off with a cake from A Pink Rabbit + Bob café.

Nearby F.V meanwhile demonstrates the grassroots sustainability focus of Bangkok’s food scene, offering Thai snacks and drinks made from high quality local produce. Sample the delectable flower-shaped dumpling, lamduan flower shortbread cookie, and mimosa pudica tea.

Rising from the streets is Restaurant POTONG, a Michelin-starred restaurant housed in an iconic five-storey heritage building once owned by the family of Chef Pam-Pichaya, who was recently crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef. Enjoy a 20-course meal crafted from 100 per cent local ingredients, a journey through progressive Thai-Chinese food that captures Chinese diaspora cuisine.

The growing popularity of Song Wat is in no small part thanks to the efforts of Made in Song Wat, a collective of new and old businesses that have worked to convey the diverse charms of this singular street to both Thais and foreigners alike. Says one of its originating founders, Ornong Prasarnphanich, “It helps foster a healthy social mix and interaction of previous inhabitants, new-wave entrepreneurs, and visitors from different backgrounds.”

Another fantastic way to experience the street food sensations of Bangkok’s Chinatown like a local is, of course, with a local. Siam Rise, dedicated to ‘responsible travel’, has curated some excellent tours that all new visitors to Thailand should consider: Old Quarter Walks, Temple and Market tours, and - naturally - foodie tours like its Street Food Tour by Night.

In short, the taste triumphs of Thailand - and particularly its capital, beautiful Bangkok - have never been more accessible. If you’re hungry to travel, get your fill from one of the world’s great culinary cultures and start planning today. Thailand awaits.

Visit amazingthailand.com.au and begin planning your next gustatory getaway.