[FOOD] 20150112 Pa Yak Boat Noodles @ Victory Monument, Bangkok

22:29 5-Star Food , 5-Star Service , 5-Star Value , Bangkok , Boat Noodles , Canal , Food , Noodles , Phaya Thai , Soup , Street Food , Thailand , Victory Monument 0 Comments

Boat noodles are actually soup noodles originated from boat vendors selling on the canal, providing an on the go food for the locals, hence the small portion. While you might still be able to find these boat noodles at floating markets, nowadays these vendors have moved inland and selling these delicious noodles onshore, but preserving the authentic flavours, and portion as well.

So, where can we find authentic boat noodles around Bangkok? Many have recommended to go to Victory Monument area where there's a few boat noodle restaurants by the canal. Among all, the Pa Yak Boat Noodles received the most thumbs up, as they claimed to be the best of boat noodles.

It's recognisable from their distinctive orange uniform and the end of the shops. It's kind hard to find with no exact address because it's by the canal. You can either sit by the canal side (ignoring the occasionally foul smell) or choose to be in the air conditioned room to enjoy your meal.

Pa Yat Boat Noodles
Nearest BTS Stations: Victory Monument, Exit 3
Telephone: +66 (0) 2271 3178
Opening Hours: 11:00am until 09:00pm (Daily)

TO GO

Finding the exact location of the Pa Yak Boat Noodles is quite a challenge due to no proper road sign. After taking the exit from Victory Monument Station (BTS Sukhumvit Line), follow exit 3 on the escalated pedestrian walkway where you will also get to see the Victory Monument at the side.

Take the 3 o'clock (or 12 o'clock) exit of the walkway towards the left side of the road, the boat noodle restaurant is actually at the 1 o'clock direction. You will then see many roadside stalls and ticketing counter for tour travels.

Walk to the back towards the canal where you will then see a small bridge, the Pa Yak Boat Noodle is located at the right side while the other boat noodle stalls at your left.

SPECIALITY

To be honest, I didn't know the exact stall in the first place. I only knew I have to come here to look for it. At first I didn't really know where is the location, but from the side you can actually see the restaurant is full of patrons, which tells me I'm on the right track.

You can't be wrong when the restaurant is basically filled with locals. The left side is the air conditioned room while the right side will be fronting the canal.

Thick Rice Vermicelli - 12 Baht (RM1.40)

There are a few types of noodles that can be ordered but the basics will be pork or beef, and then choose your noodles, which is either keow teow (thick rice vermicelli) or the thin rice vermicelli. They do have one more sour soup base. Each serving will cost 12 Baht (no longer 10 Baht thanks to inflation), which is still very affordable. 

Ordering can post quite a challenge as the people here are not well versed in English. If they see you are a tourist, they will bring their small menu and you point to them and tell them how many you want each.

The noodles are served in flavourful broth (salty with hint of herbs) with a piece of meatball and some water spinach. You can then add chili flakes or fish sauce to give it more kick.

You can also order some toppings to compliment your noodles. I personally ordered this streaky pork with crispy cracklings, which is actually fried pig skin I suppose. It adds more texture to the noodles.

Personally I enjoyed the meal pretty much and would prefer the thin rice vermicelli because it soaks up more soup than the thick one which is smooth and chewy. Both having their pro and cons. Each serving is about two bites full, I can go on and on having this boat noodle but need to reserve some tummy for other delicious food later on.

I also ordered one sour soup noodle to try. The soup is not too sour nor spicy, topped with bean sprout, minced meat, peanut and slices of meat. I still prefer the original boat noodles.

EST cola - 20 Baht (RM2.20)

Last but not least, the local cola, est to end my meal. Although I did not had 20 bowls to get a free cola, I did order one bottle to try. It taste like cheap cola with no gas.

Two gentlemen preparing the noodles at the front of the restaurants. There's actually two counters side by side preparing different menu. Not forgetting to mention their friendly service and also posing to my phone when I was recording a video.

Hope I can have some time to edit and upload the video some day.

SUMMARY

Authentic boat noodle by the canal with affordable pricing and friendly service, what else can you ask for?

Taste	☆☆☆☆☆ authentic flavour, coupled with crispy pork. OMFG!
Value	☆☆☆☆☆ 20% price hiked but still affordable!
Service	☆☆☆☆☆ Tend to be quite busy at times but friendly nonetheless.
Cleanliness	☆☆☆ by the canal!
Opening Hours	11:00am until 09:00pm (Daily)
Wifi	Nil
Parking	Nil
Website	Nil

GPS: 13.765664, 100.539546