Showing posts with label Street Food. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20151111 Walking Street @ Koh Lipe, Thailand


Koh Lipe is a relatively small island and the locals cleverly developed the Walking Street in Koh Lipe is the centre of attraction of tourism for the whole island, creating lots of commercial value to sustain the economy for the island.

It stretches from the Pattaya beach front until the middle of the island, which connects to the main road. You can basically find everything you need on this island from the Walking Street from convenient store, pharmacy, clinics, street food, restaurants, massage parlours or even night bars.

While the main activity starts in the night, the Walking Street during day time is still active with basic needs such as convenient stores and clinics opened. Some restaurants are also opened for breakfast and lunch. You may also book your island hopping or diving tours via the various travel agencies at the Walking Street.

There are a few interesting bars with very unique characters which opens until late. Food option are abundant with selections from authentic Thai food, Western, Italian, BBQ. Halal food are also available with a few stalls and restaurants operate by Muslims. The one and only 7-11 store is also located at the Walking Street.

The shops in Koh Lipe seemed to have a mutual agreement and a fixed price policy whereby everything (souvenirs) sold here are fixed price with no discount. Yes, no "wholesale" here. However, you may try your luck for some "free gift" instead which some stalls are kind enough to give. Prices of massage services are also fixed with typical Thai and oil massage at 300 Baht. No discount even if you come in group.

Koh Lipe Walking Street
Opening Hours: 6:00pm until 12:00am

TO GO


Koh Lipe is so small that you basically don't need a map to travel around because theoretically you won't get lost in this small island. Besides, you definitely won't miss the entrance of the Walking Street as it's fronting the Pattaya beach or the main road of the island.

Tip: Do remember to get a local tourist map from your hotel or travel agency as it will have the latest map with ads and promotion for various services.



ATTRACTION



The walking street during day time is rather quiet which most shops and stalls were closed.


On and off there are some interesting decorations along the walking street that offers a photospot for visitors.


Koh Lipe's very own garbage truck. What's special about this truck the engine is modified from a boat's engine and is exposed directly. A very simple and straight forward design that serves its purpose.


One of a few clinics available on the island. If you are having any illness or food poisoning, you know where to head to.


While most of the stalls are closed during the day, there are still a few stalls opened with some mouth watering street food.


The coconut ice cream is surprisingly good and cheap with option to choose from small to big. 5 big scoops of the ice cream cost 60 Baht. The ice cream is very flavourful compare to those in Bangkok. Not as creamy and bit coarse but the strong coconut flavour overcomes the shortcomings.

The Pattaya Beach fronting entrance arch

Night time is where all the fun starts. Most restaurants and shops open at 6pm, welcoming the crowd especially during the peak season from Nov to May every year.


Many interesting bars and cafe around, like the one in the picture above known as Maya Bar.


Each bar has their every own style and design to attract patrons. Some have interesting bartenders, while others might have live band, some even have live performance to keep us entertained. While the interior and design plays a big role, the most important is the feel and atmosphere that counts.


The one and only 7-11 on the island, with prices slightly more expensive than Bangkok as expected. The dogs here are very clean and obedient. 


Some Halal restaurants around serving Malay style ayam percik for Muslim tourists.


The yoohoo aunty who operates a pancake stall (roti canai alike) who will keep "yoohoo" to attract people to patronize her stall.


The big boob Ms Aiwa statue in front of a souvenir shop is another photospot. Many people like to, erm, you know, pose with Aiwa.


Some travel agencies around that offers island hopping or diving packages which are very affordable in my opinion. You wouldn't want to miss out snorkelling in such crystal clear water, so it is a must do in Koh Lipe.


We booked our tour earlier in the afternoon this agency called Dayatravel which located next to Limoncello restaurant near the inner entrance. Mahadee is able to speak decent English and is very friendly and kind to explain the difference of the trip. We booked the highlight tour which covers most of the key spots for a day trip and managed to negotiate a good price due to travelling in a big group. Free advertisement for Bro Mahadee for him and his staff's hospitality and service during the trip. Their facebook address: https://www.facebook.com/daya.travel.koh.lipe/


SUMMARY


A very interesting street that has all to offer. Some very good restaurants around like the Rak Lay Seafood is one of the must try around. The bars and cafe are good place to hang out after dinner to catch up with your friends or family, or even to know new friends. One minus point will be the price fixing for souvenirs and massage, which can be a good or bad thing, depending your point of view.


Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
very lively and interesting street
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Sandy but overall clean
Entrance Fee
Nil
Opening Hours
Night life starts 6pm until late
Wifi
Selected outlets
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 6.487026, 99.304568
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[FOOD] 20140325 Oh Chien (Oyster Omelette) @ Lam Ah Kopitiam, Lebuh Chulia, Penang


If you visiting Chew Jetty and thinking whether you could have a snack around, then look no where else other than Lam Ah Kopitiam where you can get good Oh Chien (Oyster omelette) and beef noodle. However, if you are looking for a cafe to have a quick fix, then you probably will be interested with China House.

Lam Ah Kopitiam is located at the junction between Lebuh Chulia and Beach Street, right opposite the fire station with many murals around. There are two famous stall in this rather run down kopitiam, the English speaking lady boss also makes good "lemon" juice (lime juice).

I will only be writing about the omelette and I personally don't take beef, hence the beef noodle has to skip.

194 Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 Pulau Pinang
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: 10.30am until 04.30pm (Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday)

TO GO


Lebuh Chulia is very accessible via public transport like public buses, cabs or even tricycle, but most of the time we will be driving and have to park along Pengkalan Weld (if you are visiting Chew Jetty) or along Lebuh Victoria. Trying to find a parking a Lebuh Chulia will probably end up turning another big round back.

Travel on foot after you have parked your car and walk towards the fire station at the junction between Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street). Lam Ah Kopitiam is located right opposite the fire station.



SPECIALITY



I have been to this particular stall few times when I visit Penang. Prices have gone up over the years, which is expected, but the quality remains more or less the same. The Oh Chien from this stall is different from the rest as it has a crispy texture, made from tapioca and corn flour batter (I presume?) as opposed to typical egg and gluey texture style of Malaysian Oh Chien. Both has its credits and it's a matter of personal preference. Most important is the ingredients must be fresh (we don't want to end up having food poisoning at food heaven like Penang right?).


Despite the popularity, the stall is rather quiet every time during my visit. Probably I like to come to Penang during off peak season to avoid the crowd. Uncle carefully cooks each order as observed from the way he cook.


As you can see from my pictures, the presentation of Oh Chien is very different from the typical ones. The crispy batter acts as base with oysters fried separately and served on top. The serving comes with the special chilli sauce to go along with it.

The texture is the main difference while the oysters are flavoured very differently as opposed to the typical omelettes that are very heavy in egg. It's something different to try if you are looking for something special. Small portion will cost RM8 while large one will cost you RM10 nowadays.

SUMMARY

Taste
☆☆☆☆
A different texture and flavour as opposed to typical oh chien
Value
☆☆☆☆
Slightly on a higher side
Service
☆☆☆☆
No comment
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Rather run down coffee shop
Opening Hours
10.30am until 04.30pm (Monday to Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Limited, have to park very far
Website
N/A

GPS: 5.415361, 100.339491
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[FOOD] 20150114 Pad Thai Thip Samai (Prathuphi Pad Thai) @ Phra Nakhon, Bangkok


It is said that the Thai national dish i.e. Pad Thai was originated from this stall known as Thip Samai back in 1966. I often see this stall being featured in travel programmes and told myself that this is the one restaurant I need to go.

Pad Thai Thip Samai, or also known as Prathu Phi Pad Thai by the locals ("Prathu Phi" means ghost gate) due to its location nearby Prathu Phi, is well known among the locals and often packed with patrons no matter what time. It's opened until mid night and many will come here for supper after work.

The restaurant is operated in stations to cater for the huge crowd where each station has it's own function i.e. the cooking station, the wrapping station and the garnishing station. Worth mentioning that they use charcoal instead of gas stove for their cookings.

Huge wok of Pad Thai is churned out from time to time, with more than 10 servings per wok. The Pad Thai will then be prepared according to the order and some will be sent to the wrapping station for the Pattaya style omelette wrappings.

It was fun to see how each task was broken down into unit operations in order to be more efficient to cut down lag time between each plate of Pad Thai, without compromising on the quality.

There are a few options available from the normal Pad Thai, Supreme Pad Thai, Prawn Pad Thai etc etc. Not forgetting their special ice blended coconut that taste like 7-11's slurpee but in coconut flavour.

Pad Thai Thip Samai
313 Maha Chai Road Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: +66 (0) 2221 6280
Opening Hours: 05:30 pm until 01:30 am

TO GO


Thip Samai is located at Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, which is very near to Khao San Road or Chinatown. My recommendation will be to come here for supper after your visit to either place. Taking a cab will be the most convenient way but some cab driver might refuse to bring you over due to the short distance. Just tell the driver "Prathu-Phi Pad Thai" and most likely he will know where is it.



SPECIALITY



It was late at night and I managed to get one kind cab driver to bring me over the Prathu-phi Pad Thai. Being the origin of all Pad Thai recipe in Thailand, I was wondering how "legendary" will the Pad Thai be, while being sceptical over the "mass production" method. The restaurant is full of patrons, including the roadside corridor outside the restaurant. Mostly locals who got off work late or dropping by for supper or take away.


The restaurant uses hot flames from the charcoal instead of gas stove, just like how it was done during their inception. Charcoal fire also gives a better aroma and is much hotter than normal gas stove, making the cooking harder as you required to stir fry as quickly as possible to avoid over-burnt.


The cooking starts off from a big wok and then segregate into smaller plates of Pad Thai for the next station to do a fast stir-fry action with intense fire with additional toppings or ingredients according to the order.


Those who ordered the Supreme Pad Thai will be sent to the next station for the omelette wrapping where you can see the worker skilfully wrapped each plate of Pad Thai in a blink of an eye, like a machine.


The finished product will be transferred into a clean plate and garnished with coriander and chilli. The waiter will then fill his hands with plates of Pad Thai before doing the delivery. It was fun and interesting to see the whole process on how fast your Pad Thai can be served and how efficient the workers work.


My Supreme Pad Thai (85 Baht) is ready in a jiffy and looks very inviting.


Traditionally, Pad Thai will be served along with some raw vegetables such as chives and bean sprout. However, I noticed many locals did not touch these raw vegetables and only concentrate on their Pad Thai. 


Not forgetting the coconut "slurpee" which is said to be a secret recipe passed down by the Queen directly to the owner of this restaurant. It does taste like a coconut flavour slurpee, if you are wondering.


The Pad Thai tastes good with nice flavours but was not as good as I expected. Probably I have too high hopes prior to this. The ingredients also seemed "ungenerous" for the pricing of 85 Baht, in contrast to the Pad Thai Fire Look I had in Thong Lo which comes with generous amount of prawns and crab meat, at a cheaper price and better flavour.

SUMMARY


Overall it is still a good and satisfying meal to have especially for supper. However, was slightly disappointed with the taste probably due to the mass production and high bar set by Pad Thai Fire Look that I had previously in Thong Lo. Nevertheless, it is still good to experience the very first recipe and to witness the stations of preparing in Pad Thai Thip Samai.

Taste
☆☆☆☆
Good pad thai
Value
☆☆☆
Pricing towards the high side with minimal ingredients and toppings
Service
☆☆☆☆☆
Despite the huge crowd, service is excellent and prompt with very good manners.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
05:30pm until 01:30am (Daily)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Minimal
Website
Nil

GPS: 13.752750, 100.504708
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[PLACE] 20150114 Chinatown @ Yaowarat, Bangkok


The Chinese community long set foot in Bangkok during the mass migration to South East Asia back in the old days. The Chinese traders initially gathered at a site where the current Grand Palace is locate before being relocated further away to the East. The Chinese traders then settled down at Sampaeng Lane before a petition for a wider street, hence the relocation to Yaowarat Road, which evolves to be what it is today, i.e. Chinatown of Bangkok.

Unlike our own Chinatown in Malaysia, i.e. Petaling Street which has lost most of its authenticity, the Chinatown in Bangkok still preserves the originality with majority of the Chinese communities and traders still residing at Chinatown.

Besides that, there are also many Chinese temples around here along with some old traditional buildings that adds to the heritage value of Bangkok's Chinatown. Colourful neon signboards that reassembles those in Hong Kong, thou not as many, lights up the busy street of Yaowarat during the nights. Street vendors along with shops and restaurants offering both goods, and food.

You may find variety of things like traditional Chinese products and food along the 1km stretch including very oriental delicacies such as sharkfin's soup (Not promoting nor supporting on consumption of shark's fin), bird's nest soup, fish maw stew, roast duck etc etc.

The best time to visit Chinatown is during Chinese festive seasons such as the lunar new year.

Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Nearest MRT Stations: Hua Lampong Station
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: Nil

TO GO


You have a few options i.e. by water, road or rail to get to Chinatown. Taking a cab will bring you directly to Chinatown but be mindful of the nasty Bangkok jam and some cab drivers might not want go during rush hours.

If you are taking the waterways, alight at Pier 5 (Ratchawong Pier) and walk further up to Yaowarat Road.

Alternatively, the MRT Hua Lampong station would be the nearest rail station and requires another 10 minute walk to Yaowarat Road.



ATTRACTION



The busy street of Yaowarat Road with colourful and bright sign boards that reassembles Hong Kong.


Some local names like 林真香 operated by local Chinese that sells traditional local specialities food products such as dried pork skin, pork floss, dried mango, dried longan etc. These shops have some other outlets at other areas as well if you are not coming to Chinatown.


Dried or smoked duck meat sold in the shops that is traditional to the Chinese community.


But food is the main attraction of Chinatown with traditional Chinese cuisines such as roast duck, Peking style.


Or some local seafood stalls that serves fresh river produce or seafood, grilled right in front of you.


The famous T&K Seafood Restaurant is also located in Chinatown. Read more about T&K Seafood in my separate post.


There are also many street stalls or restaurants selling bird's nest soup, which is also a local product of Thailand along with other South East Asian countries. Street stalls selling at much cheaper price while restaurants charge a higher premium for their bird's nest soup. Read more about my experience with Nam Sing Bird's Nest in a separate post.


Some other street vendors like the juice vendor above that are commonly found around Bangkok's streets.



Some Chinese cuisines that are not found at other areas of Bangkok. There's so many to try but so little space in your tummy.


Fish maw stew sold by the street vendors are commonly found in Chinatown but not at other areas. The gluey thick texture reassembles shark fin soup but using fish maw instead of shark's fin.


There are many road side stir fry stalls as well along the main street that you can order Chinese-Thai fusion food.

SUMMARY


Overall, the Chinatown of Bangkok still have the presence of the Chinese community in contrast to our Malaysian Chinatown which is now invaded by many foreigners and lost it's authenticity of a Chinatown despite a few well known names are still around. The abundance of street food and local food will not give a chance for your tummy to rest. 

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Presence of Chinese community still available with variety of merchandise and food
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
Nil
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Limited
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.741206, 100.508264
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[FOOD] 20150114 T&K Seafood @ Chinatown, Bangkok


T&K Seafood is well known in Chinatown area for serving fresh and cheap seafood for years. It is located at the centre of Chinatown, or also known as Yaowarat in Thai. It operates in an 3-storey intermediate old shop lot near a junction with a direct competitor (Lek & Rut) located right opposite them. Don't get confused among the two as T&K will be in green while Lek & Rut in red.

If you are here during peak season or peak hours, be prepared to queue for your table as this place will be packed with locals and tourists. Their business is so good even the outdoor seating extended until the main road are usually packed. Air conditioned tables are available in the restaurant but could be very pack.

The BBQ grill is located right in front of the restaurants where you will be able to see how your dinner is prepared especially if you ordered their grill menu like their famous grilled big head river prawn or squid. Other dishes will be served from their kitchen at the back of the restaurant.

Famous dishes like the grilled big head prawn, oyster omelette, tom yam gung, fish cakes etc are among the dishes you might want to try. Although I said cheap in the earlier paragraph but I felt that I will be able to get cheaper price somewhere else. Having said that, the pricing is still reasonable for a popular tourist spot.

T&K Seafood
49-51 Soi Phadung Dao, Yaowarat Road Chinatown, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Nearest MRT Stations: Hua Lamphong Station
Telephone: +66 2 223 4519
Opening Hours: 04:30pm until 02:00am (Daily)

TO GO


T&K seafood is located at the centre of the Chinatown. Unfortunately there is no direct access via BTS or MRT and most likely you will need to take a cab to reach here. But be mindful on the peak hours as some taxi drivers may not want to travel here due to the jam, hence, plan your journey ahead to avoid disappointment. 

The nearest MRT station will be the Hua Lamphong Station, which you will need to walk for another 15 minutes to reach Chinatown. Walk along the main street of Chinatown and you won't miss the smell and the scene of busy workers grilling fresh seafood on the grill. Look for the green stall for T&K.



SPECIALITY


I arrived at Chinatown after my visit from Wat Arun and Wat Pho due to the proximity of the areas. I negotiate for a tuk tuk to avoid the jam, although it costs more than a cab but still worth for the ride and arrived at Chinatown swiftly.


Walk along the main street of Chinatown and you will eventually arrived at a junction filled with people, and most of all, filled with aroma of grill seafood. T&K seafood is the one with the green paintjob, with their competitor (Lek & Rut) right opposite them, head to head.


The outdoor kitchen, serving part of the menu. The outdoor seating are at the side of this kitchen, towards the main road and differentiated by the green colour stools.


The BBQ counter right outside the restaurants, preparing trays of grilled big head fresh water prawns, supplied by the Chao Phraya River.


The cute menu with drawing of two young lads, which I believed to be T and K respectively. Unfortunately no further information available on the two guys. The menu is categorized according to type of seafood with pictures of their signature dishes and price stated clearly. Although the price looks cheap by going with Malaysian or Singaporean standards, it is on the high side for Thailand standards but still reasonable and affordable.




Their famous grilled big head fresh water prawns, which comes in small or large portion. The small portion is as above with 4 pieces of fresh prawn, two male two female each. I resisted to order this during my dinner in the day before at Honggi BBQ Seafood because I have already have T&K Seafood in my itinerary. Overall the prawns are fresh but the size is smaller than my expectation (body length about 4 inches) as I have seen bigger ones by the street vendors. Average. each prawn will cost about 50 Baht (RM5.50), which I think is on the high side for the size.


I also ordered egg fried rice to try out and cost about 55 Baht (RM6). Not too bad with good flavour but lack of aroma from the eggs and wok hei that Chinese fried rice usually have.


Stir fried morning glory for some fibre diet, nothing spectacular. Still think our own Kangkung belacan is much better any time.


Grilled scallop but nothing special with the size of your thumb. Couldn't remember the price for this dish but it is around 200 Baht.


Tried their curry crab, which come in small, medium or large size. For comparison sake, Thailand's definition of crab size is much smaller than Malaysia. Their large size, as the picture above, is probably the same as our small size in normal restaurants. Taste wise, the crab is fresh no doubt but the curry is heavy in coconut milk, very good for rice but overpowered the crab. Regret ordering this crab dish which has inflated our bill for another 560 Baht, which I think is overpriced. Maybe Thailand don't have large crabs.

SUMMARY


Overall, dining in T&K is still enjoyable despite the cramp space and doubtful hygiene. Seafood are fresh and taste is considered good but not outstanding. Have yet to try the oyster omelette and steam or fried fish, perhaps another time. Pricing is on the higher side for Thailand's standard but still reasonable and affordable.

Taste
☆☆☆☆
good taste with fresh seafood served, but not the best
Value
☆☆☆☆
Not as cheap as expected and high side for Thailand standard.
Service
☆☆☆
Slow service but still friendly due to the crowd
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
Dirty environment. Pray for not having diarrhoea the next day.
Opening Hours
04:30pm until 02:00am (Daily)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Limited
Website
Nil

GPS: 13.740109, 100.510604
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