The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free Upsize at International Plaza outlet (till 1 Jan 2014)

Source: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free Upsize at International Plaza outlet (till 1 Jan 2014)

- Valid till 1 Jan 2014
- Valid for any beverage
- Valid only at International Plaza outlet 

Luk Chup and Pratunam Morning Market (Thailand, Bangkok)

Ironically, we were at the Pratunam Morning Market shopping for clothes when we spotted a cart selling Luk Chup. Let's start off with the Pratunam Morning Market first shall we? It deserves some air time.

 Pratunam Morning Market (in front of Baiyoke Sky Hotel)

The Pratunam Morning Market opens in the wee hours of the morning from 4am to 9am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (I am not sure if they open on other days). No I am not joking, they really open at such hours! This morning market consisting of makeshift stalls is located just in front of Baiyoke Sky Hotel stretching all the way to Ratchaprarop road and Indra Sqaure.

Pratunam Morning Market (in front of Baiyoke Sky Hotel)

Many tourists and locals would wake up early and visit this morning market because the clothes are fashionable! In addition, it is a wholesales market and the clothes are incredibly cheap! To get wholesales prices, customers would normally need to purchase 3 or more pieces of clothes from the same stall. It has been said that stall owners in other markets and platinum mall would purchase their clothes from this market. It may be true to a certain extent as we saw many locals purchasing and wheeling away cartons of clothes.

Pratunam Morning Market

We were pleasantly to find a Luk Chup stall in the Pratunam Morning Market. It is difficult to describe the location, please refer to the map below instead. With its bright, attractive and colourful products, this stall stood out among the other stalls.

Lup Chup is a Thai minature fruit shaped dessert made of mung bean, sugar and coconut milk, and kneaded into these cute little fruits. It is then painted in various colours using natural colours (I hope) and dipped in clear gelatin resulting in its glossy and bright exterior. Look at the variety of Lup Chup available. They were in the shape of carrots, chillies, cherries, mangosteens, oranges, mangoes, bananas, watermelon, pears, corns and more!

Luk Chup - 15 pieces for 20 Baht (S$0.83)

At 15 pieces for 20 Baht (S$0.83), these Luk Chup were so much cheaper than those found in the shopping centres. The Lup Chup tasted the same even if a different shape was chose. They are sweet and fragrant. Very addictive dessert / snack. If you are in Thailand, the Lup Chup is a must try!

Luk Chup and Pratunam Morning Market (Thailand, Bangkok)
Near Baiyoke Sky Hotel

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Coconut Ice Cream at Chatuchak Weekend Market (Thailand, Bangkok)

So many people online have raved about this particular coconut ice cream stall located at Chatuchak Weekend Market. So much, we decided to put this as a must try 'eatery' when we visit Chatuchak Market.

This coconut ice cream stall; Coconuticecreamjj is located at Section 4, Soi 49, just in front of the toilet. It would be hard to miss this stall as you would be able to see many people walking past you carrying half a coconut shell with coconut ice cream in it. In addition, there was a perceptual queue at the stall.

The coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell cost 35 baht (S$1.40). It was served with two toppings (corn, peanuts, glutinous rice, sticky rice, nata de coco, atap seed, etc), coconut flesh/pulp and a complimentary cup of coconut water.

Coconut Ice Cream 35 Baht (S$1.40)

Coconut Ice Cream 35 Baht (S$1.40)

The Coconut Ice Cream was disappointing with nothing to shout about. The coconut ice cream was not as flavourful as the version we had earlier. In addition, it seemed diluted. As for the coconut flesh, it was tough and hard. Totally unsatisfying. It is certainly not the best. My advice would be to give this a skip and try the one at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market instead. It was way better (but of course please go at your own risk, as I do not know the opening hours of the boat vendor).

Toilet

Food for though: This was the toilet in front of the coconut ice cream stall. Look at how happy the Thai lady was even though she was managing the toilet. She was happily stacking the coins, oblivious of her surroundings. She seemed happy and satisfied with her job, despite the perception and low pay (ok..I am assuming). So how many of us are happy with our jobs (proper office with air condition and probably more pay). Ironic? 

Chatuchak Weekend Market Map

Coconut Ice Cream at Chatuchak Weekend Market (Thailand, Bangkok)

In front of Section 4, Soi 49 (just in front of the toilet)
Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road
Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand

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