Showing posts with label Siam. Show all posts

[FOOD] 20150113 Som Tam Nua @ Siam Square, Bangkok


Som Tam, or also known as green papaya salad is a very well known Thai dish which is served in almost every Thai restaurant in the world. It's basically green papaya (unripe papaya), thinly sliced and served with other toppings like dried shrimps, nuts, long beans, chilli etc pounded and crunched to bring out the flavours and lastly with the sweet and sour sauce and a sprinkle of fish sauce.

Many reviews, blogs and even news portal have recommended this restaurant which specialize in Som Tam, known as the Som Tam Nua (or Somtam Paradise in Thai) which is located at Siam Square, Soi 5.

It's a restaurant, covering three shop lots and is nicely renovated. Besides som tam, they have other signature dishes like the fried chicken wings, BBQ pork shoulder, Thai style fried fish to just name a few.

While they do have a few outlets around if not mistaken, but it is recommended to try the original oulet at Siam Square, Soi 5.

392/14 Siam Square Soi 5
Nearest BTS Stations: Siam Station
Telephone: +6602 - 2514 880
Opening Hours: 10:45am until 9:30pm (Daily)

TO GO


Siam Square is located just opposite Siam Paragon, and next to the newly opened Siam Square One. Just take the BTS from any line or any public transportation to drop you at Siam Station, towards the Siam Square side, look for Soi 5 signboard and walk inwards until almost the end where you will find the signboard of Som Tam Nua.



SPECIALITY



Due to its high review, it is much recommended to come earlier before the lunch hour to beat the crowd. The restaurant is nicely renovated with a warm atmosphere and a counter in the middle where you will be able to see your som tam being prepared. Communication might be an issue as the waiter here speaks limited English. My orders are done by pointing the menu and numbering it. "This, one."


They have many variant of som tam, which is differentiated by the toppings added on top of the original som tam like the salted crab, dried shrimp, salted egg, pork or pork rind. Price range from 75 Baht (RM8.30) up to 90 Baht (RM10). Frankly, nothing to shout about the som tam. Maybe my expectation were too high, or maybe there are many better options out there, or even in Malaysia. At this price, it's a bit rip off. Nevertheless, it is fresh and is still a good dish.

Fried Chicken - 150 Baht (RM16.50)


The famous fried chicken, served in a basket which cost 150 Baht (RM16.50). Almost every table in this restaurant has this basket of friend chicken wings. The wings are well marinated and deep fried until crispy, maybe a bit overdone. Recommended.

Stir Fried Thai Rice-Flour Noodles - 110 Baht (RM12)

The stir fried Thai rice-flour noodles looks decent from the picture but it was a disastrous dish. I regret every single bit in ordering this dish. It's basically stir-fried soggy rice-flour noodles which coagulate into one big slimy chuck of noodle ball and taste nothing near to what it looks. Avoid at all cost unless you like soggy noddles, or maybe just my luck in getting a lousy dish.

 Crispy Fried Fish - 105 Baht (RM11)

The Crispy Fried Fish is also another signature dish here at Som Tam Nua which is actually deep fried talapia fish with their special spicy sauce that is full of herbs. The size of the fish is actually quite small and should be sufficient for 2 to 3 person.


The fragrant rice is served on a banana leaf and it is quite big in portion. However the price of 20 Baht is a bit steep for Thailand but understandable for a restaurant with this setup. Besides rice, they also have sticky rice which is served in tube basket that costs 25 Baht.


Overall didn't really enjoy the meal and was let down by all the highly rated reviews for this restaurant. I would consider this restaurant decent but overrated.

SUMMARY


Overall a decent meal but was disappointed due to high expectation. I might still come back next time to try some other dishes in the future. The fried chicken and fish are good but the soggy noddles is definitely a no no.

Taste
☆☆☆
Decent but nothing to shout about. Roadside stalls sell pretty much the same at a cheaper price. Credits given to the fried chicken.
Value
☆☆☆
Despite the nicely renovated interior, I still find the price a bit at the high side but still affordable.
Service
☆☆☆
Understaff and not attentive. Difficult in communication sometimes.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
10:45am until 9:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.744523, 100.534257
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[FOOD] 20150113 After You Cafe @ Siam Paragon, Bangkok


After You Cafe, with their tagline "there's always room for dessert" simply reminds you not to miss out their delicious dessert even after your tummy is filled with Bangkok's street food.

The cafe started off from a college girl' passion in baking back in 2007 and has expanded ever since until what it is today with 11 outlets around Bangkok, serving the signature toast and cakes like the well known Shibuya Honey Toast and Chocolate Lava Cake.

Besides delicious dessert, the cozy environment is also another reason why this cafe is so well received by the patrons. Some outlets are located in shopping malls while others are at shoplots which are road fronting under the outdoor environment.

They have been constantly improving their menu by adding new dessert choices, making sure you will have a refreshing visit every time.

Outlets:
- Siam Paragon
- Siam Square One
- Central World
- Silom Complex
- J Avenue
- Lavilla, Paholyotin
- The Crystal, Phase 2
- Central Plaza, Ladprao
- The Mall Bangkapi
- The Crystal Ratchapruek
- INT Intersect

After You Cafe, Siam Paragon, Ground Floor
Nearest BTS Station: Siam Station
Telephone: +6602 - 610 7659
Opening Hours: 10:00am until 10:30pm (Daily)

TO GO


There are as many as 11 outlets around Bangkok, which you may pick one outlet which is nearest to your location, with Siam area being the most convenient and highly recommended. Just take a BTS from any line and travel towards Siam station, which is also the interchange station for both BTS line. From here, the nearest outlet will be either Siam Paragon or Siam Square One.



SPECIALITY



You have to be early to beat the crowds as I have read online reviews that the cafe will be swarmed by patrons during peak hours. If you have a tight schedule, I would recommend you to come early or to some other outlets that are further away, whichever is convenient. It was an early weekday during my visit, hence the kinda empty tables with some tourist and students around.


The menu didn't come cheap for Thailand's standard with each dessert costs average above 150 Baht (RM16.50). Besides desserts, they do serve coffee and other hot beverages if you are looking for an early fix. They have complimentary drinking water, to be self serviced as well.

Shibuya Honey Toast - 170 Baht (RM18)

Frankly, I'm only here for the Shibuya Honey Toast, which was what the hype was all about. This thick toast with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and some cream topped with almond chunk costs 170 Baht (RM18) if not mistaken, pretty pricey for a piece of bread. It better holds up to what it claims!


What's a honey toast without honey? The Shibuya Honey Toast is best served with a pour of honey over it. The toast, despite thick, is very soft and buttery. You can easily press down the knife through the toast of bread and top your bite with the sweet dip of honey and vanilla ice cream. It does have other variants of the toast like Nutella, Strawberry, Matcha etc etc.

Recommended to be shared by at least two person as it was quite a big serving and it is also too much for one to stuff the whole toast by him or herself. Might visit another time to try out the others, but for now, some tummy reservation is required for my next stop.

SUMMARY


The main shout out will be the toast while others are just toppings and add on to compliment the toast. Recommended for those who have a sweet tooth or dessert/toast lover, not so much for a guy like me. Portion is big, recommended to be shared.

Taste
☆☆☆☆
Key is the toast while ice cream is just compliment.
Value
☆☆☆
Very pricey for a toast and Thailand' standard, but still worth a try
Service
☆☆☆☆
Friendly staff and service
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
Varies according to outlets
Siam Paragon: 10:00am until 10:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
Yes
Parking
Yes
Website
http://www.afteryoudessertcafe.com/

GPS: 13.746330, 100.534692
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