[Bangkok] Though the years, I have learnt to appreciate ethnic Thai cuisines from the lesser-known provinces which we can barely find in Singapore.
Unlike our usual taste perception of Thai food, these ethnic Thai cuisine offers interesting food flavours that are bolder, intense, and of course, spicier.
Some of my go-to places in downtown Bangkok that can find such cuisine are such as Sri Trat (Eastern Thai), Lay Lao (Northern Thai) and Khua Kling Pak Sod (Southern Thai).
If you are feeling adventurous but do not have time to visit many restaurants, Thai Niyom would be your best bet.
Conveniently located next to Phloen Chit BTS, Thai Niyom has a huge menu selection which features some of the iconic dishes from various provinces; all prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
This place has consecutively been awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2019.
The Michelin recommended dishes are like Crispy Thai Omelette w Pork Cracklings & Relish (THB210, SGD8.20), Three Layer Pork Stir Fried in Shrimp Paste (Pad Kaey Khem) (THB195, SGD7.60), and Chiang Mai Favourite Combo (THB420, SGD16.40).
A southern Phuket speciality, the three-layer pork belly was wok-fried in shrimp paste, kaffir lime leaves and shallots to give a complex taste profile of savoury umami-ness infused with citrusy notes.
Hailing from northern Thai region is the Sai Oua Sausage (THB185, SGD7.20).
One of my personal favourite dish which is usually made using ground meat stuffed in sausage casing, mixed in with a blend of herb, spices and chili paste for the flavour burst, and further grilled over wood flame for the smoky aroma.
I also had the Chiang Mai’s Khao Soi with Chicken (THB185, SGD7.20) and was served with a potent bowl of spicy curry egg noodles.
The gravy itself was thick and rich, imbued with coconut milk fragrance and other aromatics such as lemongrass and cumin.
Topped with deep fried egg noodles, pickles and onions as garnish for the crunchy contrasting bite texture.
For a taste of authentic flavours, go for the Som Tum Kapit (Shrimp Papaya Salad) (THB210, SGD8.20), which boast a refreshing harmonious mix of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours in a single fruit salad dish.
But be warned!
As an Isan regional variant dish, the spiciness level was no joke and inclusion of fermented fish sauce also gave an intense piquant flavour which is not recommended for the faint-hearted.
For elementary level, go for the less commonly seen Yum Avocado (Avocado tossed salad) (THB175, SGD$6.80) which was less fiery and perhaps more palatable to the general masses.
Too many dishes on the menu, too little stomach space.
Be sure to let this underrated gem take you on a Thai-flavour wild ride.
Thai Niyom
888/28-29 Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Thai Niyom
Other Related Entries
Khua Kling Pak Sod (Thonglor, Bangkok)
Lay Lao (Ari, Bangkok)
Here Hai (Ekkamai, Bangkok)
Loukjaan by Saneh Jaan (Sindhorn, Bangkok)
Ong Tong Khao Soi (Ari, Bangkok)
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* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
