Rocking Doll at Asiatique (Thailand, Bangkok)

We went to Asiatique to catch the Calypso Cabaret Show (show by lady boys) and were looking for a place for dinner. A quick observation was that the food at Asiatique was generally more expensive which was expected as it was a tourist attraction. 

As we walked around, we noticed that there was an eatery called "Rocking Doll" which exceptionally crowded compared to the rest. In fact, it was full. Naturally, our instinct was to join in and give this a try.

Rocking Doll was a small eatery with limited seating capacity. The seats and tables were cramped side by side. To get to the seats in the centre, you would need to 'jostle' your way through with numerous "excuse me". In addition, if you have a shopping bags, you would need to either put them down on the floor or carry it on your lap while eating. Despite all these, this was easily the most crowded eatery with the most people queuing.

Rocking Doll serves Thai cuisine. It's menu came with both Thai and English languages with pictures of the item and prices clearly stated. After deciding what to order, you would need to approach the very young lady (but capable) at the counter (in the picture above) to place your order and make payment. Surprisingly, the young  lady was the most important person. She was the one who ensured that you receive the right change and the right order. She was like a lady boss. She stood at that position with the cash register behind her and did not move away from it. Even when she spotted customers requiring assistance, she would direct someone else to that particular group of customers. 

The seafood and meat were all displayed clearly displayed on a bed of ice.

Tom Yum Shrimps 180 Baht (S$7.50)

As the eatery was packed, we had to wait a fair bit before our food was served. The Tom Yum (Yam) Shrimps 180 Baht (S$7.50) was average with a good balance in flavour.

Sauteed Chinese Watercress with Crispy Pork 100 Baht (S$4.20)

The Sauteed Chinese Watercress with Crispy Pork 100 Baht (S$4.20) was surprisingly good. The vegetables were well fried and very tasty with a hint of spiciness. Although the pork was not crispy as its name suggested and the dish could have been less oily, it was well-worth the calories. Sinful but delicious.

Phad Thai with Shrimps 75 Baht (S$3.10)

We thought that the Phad Thai with Shrimps 75 Baht (S$3.10) would be the best dish. But well, we were wrong. The Phad Thai did not leave an impression and was mediocre.

Stir Fried Noodle with Seafood 75 Baht (S$3.10)

The Stir Fried Noodle with Seafood 75 Baht (S$3.10) fared better. It was very well fried with smoky wok-hei infused in it. In addition, preserved radish (chye poh) was added in it such each mouthful was flavourful and addictive. It was would have been perfect if it was a tad less oily.

Fried Rice with Seafood 75 Baht (S$3.10)

The Fried Rice with Seafood 75 Baht (S$3.10) was delicious. We ordered another plate after tasting it. The rice grains were soft and each rain was well coated with immense wok hei flavour with smoky aroma.

You may have noticed that there were prawns and squids in four out of the five dishes we ordered. The prawns and squids were fresh and nicely cooked. But there was just too much prawns and squids such that we had difficulty finishing them (like that also complain... hard to please! =P ).

Overall, the food served at Rocking Doll was not bad. Price wise, it was cheap compared to the other stalls. As for whether this is the best eatery in Asiatique? That I do not know. Service wise, there was no service lah, after all there's no service tax and this is not a restaurant. Do note the environment and ambience was not exactly ideal. Squeezy, crowded, narrow walking space and noisy would be the right description. With this, you can make a better informed choice based on your own preferences on whether to eat here or not.

Beverage Stall

While dining at Rocking Doll, we bought a few cups of Thai Traditional Ice Milk Tea from the Beverage Stall nearby. The Beverage Stall was actually located just 1 unit away from Rocking Doll. You can see Rocking Doll in the background of the above photo.

Thai Traditional Ice Milk Tea 30 Baht (S$1.25)

The Thai Traditional Ice Milk Tea 30 Baht (S$1.25) was one of the better ones we drank. It was fragrant and aromatic.

Rocking Doll at Asiatique (Thailand, Bangkok)
Asiatique The Riverfront (Warehouse 6)
2194 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai
Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

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Ban Khun Mae Restaurant at Siam Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

Ban Khun Mae located at Siam Square is just across the road (Zebra Crossing. Yes, they do have Zebra Crossings in Bangkok!) from Mango Tango. It is also located less than 5 minutes away from Hotel Novotel.

Ban Khun Mae when translated into English Language means "my mother’s kitchen". The restaurant opened for business in 1998 serving authentic Thai food has impressed many locals and foreigners. On its website, it claimed that the food it serves is made from secret recipes passed down from generation to generation. We visited the restaurant on a weekday for lunch.

The restaurant dimly lighted was clean, rustic with its timbre furnishing and Thai theme decorations (ornaments and paintings). 

Their timbre chairs were huge and heavy! Had a little struggle trying to shift it inwards. 

Menu

Ban Khun Mae's menu was in both Thai and English languages with prices clearly stated. 

Deep Fried Marinated Chicken Wrapped with Pandan Leaf 120 Baht (S$5)

Deep Fried Marinated Chicken Wrapped with Pandan Leaf 120 Baht (S$5)

The Deep Fried Marinated Chicken Wrapped with Pandan Leaf 120 Baht (S$5) served with sweet dipping sauce was superb. The chicken was well fried. Each piece was fragrant and incredibly tender and succulent. 

Green Curry Chicken 120 Baht (S$5)

Green Curry Chicken 120 Baht (S$5)

The Green Curry Chicken 120 Baht (S$5) was also top notch. It was creamy and had an appetising aroma and unique flavour. It had the right balance of sweetness and mild spiciness which hits the right spot making it a perfect combination with plain rice.  

Baked Prawn with Glass Noodles 280 Baht (S$11.67)

The most expensive dish which we ordered was the Baked Prawn with Glass Noodles 280 Baht (S$11.67). The prawns were all underneath the grass noodles. 

Baked Prawn with Glass Noodles 280 Baht (S$11.67)

Look at big the prawns are. The prawns were very fresh and the meat was firm. The glass noodles were pretty ordinary. Although the glass noodles were moist and springy, they were just way too peppery such that we could not detect any other flavours.. T&K Seafood's version was much better.

Every evening, there would be live entertainment / performance at the restaurant and that's the period when the restaurant would be most crowded. Although the Baked Prawn with Glass Noodles was a disappointment, the other two dishes were real good. Price wise, it was quite value for money for the quality of food. As for service, it could be improved. Sometimes, it could be hard to get the attention of the staff.  

Ban Khun Mae Restaurant at Siam Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

458/6-9 Siam Square Soi 8

Rama 1 Road

Patumwan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Tel. 66 2250 19523

Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 11pm

Website

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Mango Tango at Siam Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

Mango Tango is a small dessert shop which specialises in mango desserts (pudding, beverage, ice cream and the Thai classic Mango Stick Rice) tucked away at a corner of Siam Square Soi 5. If you are a fan of Mango or Mango Sticky Rice, look no further. Mango Tango serves the best Mango Sticky Rice! Coming from someone who does not fancy having Mango in Singapore, I think even I can be surprised at myself sometimes. Mango Tango also serves other desserts such as Kiwi, Strawberry, Watermelon and Apple, but the bulk of it's offerings are about Mango. Even if you are someone who does not fancy Mango, it is advisable to give Mango Tango a try.  

Mango Tango

Mango Tango is located next to Hotel Novotel, and is opposite two well-known restaurants; Som Tam Nua (Winner of CNNGo Best Eats in 2010) and Ban Khun Mae! In the above photo, Ban Khun Mae is just across the road. All you need to do is to cross the zebra crossing as shown in the reflection of the photo and that's Ban Khun Mae. 

Som Tam Nua

Som Tam Nua is even nearer, literally 5 seconds away (directly oppsoite Mango Tango - separated by the walkway).

Mango Tango at Siam Square is a tiny with a seating capacity of less than 20. As such, they have several seats outside where customers can sit while queuing. The good news is that the turnover is fast. 

The environment and decoration in Mango Tango is all about mangoes. In Mango Tango, the king of fruits is Durian Mango! 

Menu

Mango Tango's Menu with its prices stated clearly was in the shape of a Mango! 

Mango Fruit Swing 55 Baht (S$2.30)

The Mango Fruit Swing 55 Baht (S$2.30) was refreshing. It was full of rich in (mango) flavour. It was not diluted. The freshness of the mango and the smoothness of this drink transformed something ordinary into something extra-ordinary!

Mango Sticky Rice 2 Fresh Mango 120 Baht (S$5)

Mango Sticky Rice 2 Fresh Mango 120 Baht (S$5)

Mango Sticky Rice 2 Fresh Mango 120 Baht (S$5) consisted of two Mangoes with two scoops of Sticky (glutinous) Rice in the middle. It was obvious that they had taken numerous efforts in the presentation style of this dessert. The two scoops of Sticky Rice were served on banana leave while the two Mangoes were presented in such a unique way that they reminded me of the Esplanade.

The Sticky Rice was superbly executed. The rice was warm, soft, moist and aromatic. The perfectly concocted coconut milk drizzled over the sticky rice made a whole world of difference to the taste. It was so good that it can be eaten alone! Brilliant! The Mangoes were top notch too. Fresh, soft, smooth and sweet without any of the fibrous flesh. Irresitable! This is the best Mango Sticky Rice I have ever had!

Mango Tango + Extra Sticky Rice 145 Baht (S$6.05)

The Mango Tango + Extra Sticky Rice 145 Baht (S$6.05) consisted of Mango, Sticky Rice, Mango Pudding and Mango ice cream. The Mango and Sticky Rice stole the limelight from the other items.

Mango Tango is a die die must try! Their Mango Sticky Rice is the best we had and its worth every single Dollar baht!

Besides Siam Square, Mango Tango can be found at three other locations:
1) JJ Market (Chatuchak Weekend Market): Section 3, door 26th close to Soi 42/3
2) K-Village: B116, 1st floor
3) Chiangmai: Nimmanhaemin Soi 11

Next to this Mango Tango outlet is another gem. This no frills shop with no signboard did not have a name and sold just snacks in takeaway boxes.

Their products include such a pandan kuih, sticky rice, pancake, pancake roll and egg cake which are freshly made on the spot.

If you are attempting to read the words, its upside down =P

The takeaway box.

The Pandan Kuih (Kueh) was very good (ho chiak)! It was sweet and rich in pandan flavour. Texture wise, it was soft and chewy on one side while the other side had a cake/sponge like texture.We also ordered the Sticky Rice Cake, which looked like pancakes. Among the two, the Pandan Kuih was our favourite.

Mango Tango at Siam Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

Siam Square Soi 5

Rama 1 Road

Patumwan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Tel: 66 8161 95504

Opening Hours: 12pm to 10pm

Website

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Black Canyon Coffee at Indra Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

Black Canyon Coffee is a well-known Thai restaurant chain incorporated in 1993 in Thailand. The restaurant chain specialises in more than just coffee. Besides offering a variety of coffee such as espresso, cappuccino, mocha and latte, Black Canyon Coffee also serves food (ranging from Thai to Western cuisines), sandwiches, desserts (ice cream) and other drinks.

Today, Black Canyon Coffee is a leading global coffee and foods restaurant chain with more than 240 branches in Thailand. In Thailand, it is the largest operator and serves more than one million cups of coffee annually. In addition, it has 45 branches in 8 countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Laos and Philippines). In Singapore, Black Canyon Coffee is located at Fusionopolis at Connexis Tower. 

Black Canyon Coffee is virtually everywhere in Bangkok, in nearly every shopping malls. Everywhere you go, you are likely to see it. We visited its outlet at Indra Square, which is near our hotel; Baiyoke Boutique Hotel for breakfast. Black Canyon Coffee at Indra Square is located just next to KFC and is open 24 hours daily!

Hot Mocha 70 Baht (S$2.92)

At Black Canyon Coffee, one cannot leave this place without trying their coffee. Its tagline is "Black Canyon Coffee: A drink from paradise... avaliable on Earth".

The Hot Mocha 70 Baht (S$2.92) a classic chocolaty espresso with hot milk was served with alphabet shaped biscuits.

Cappuccino 70 Baht (S$2.92)

The Cappuccino 70 Baht (S$2.92) was also served with alphabet shaped biscuits.

Mocha Choc Chip Frappe 80 Baht (S$3.33)

The Mocha Choc Chip Frappe 80 Baht (S$3.33) was one our favourite. It was sweet with a distinctive coffee aroma and flavour and the chocolate chips made it so addictive and at the same time gave a different texture.

Ham and Cheese Supreme Sandwich 95 Baht (S$3.96)

As this was for breakfast, we ordered some sandwiches to share. The Ham and Cheese Supreme Sandwich 95 Baht (S$3.96) was served with fries. It was a pretty decent sandwich which was hard to go wrong as long as the ingredients were fresh. The sandwich was also toasted slightly such that it had a crisp exterior while the interior was soft and warm. I thought that they executed this sandwich well, even thought it seems to be something simple. The fries were ordinary.

American Club Sandwich 125 Baht (S$5.21)

We also ordered an American Club Sandwich 125 Baht (S$5.21) which was recommended on the menu to share. This sandwich was also served with fries.

American Club Sandwich 125 Baht (S$5.21)

The American Club Sandwich was not bad too. The vegetables (i.e. lettuce and tomatoes) used were fresh! This maybe quite a mouthful for some as there's 3 layers of bread in it.

Thai Style Fried Noodle with Prawn (Pad Thai) 97 Baht (S$4.04)

The staff highly recommended the Thai Style Fried Noodle with Prawn (Pad Thai) 97 Baht (S$4.04). Black Canyon Coffee was the winner of the Pad Thai World Championship back in 2009.

To be frank, the Phad Thai was disappointing. We had high expectations for this dish. The Phad Thai was too sweet and tangy, tasted as if too much tomato sauce or ketchup was added. We all agreed that it was not our cup of tea.

Stir Fried Noodles with Chicken (Kua Gai) 78 Baht (S$3.25)

The Stir Fried Noodles with Chicken (Kua Gai) 78 Baht (S$3.25) fared much better. The kway teow (wide flat rice noodles) was well fried, each piece was tasty and had a slight smokey aroma.

Well, as this is a restaurant chain, the prices charged for the food is considered reasonable. Food wise although the Phad Thai was disappointing, the rest of the food were decent. This may not be a die die must try restaurant, but its certainly worth a try if you do not know what to go for and would like to avoid street food.

We also visited Black Canyon Coffee located at the basement of Platinum Fashion Mall. If you need a break from all the shopping or caffeine, you know where to go.

Left to right: Blackpuccino Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13), Black Canyon Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13) 

We ordered Blackpuccino Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13) and Black Canyon Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13) and had them in takeaway cups so that we could drink and shop!

Ordering the Blackpuccino Frappe was a big mistake as it had a strong bitter after taste. On the other hand, the Black Canyon Frappe was a hit among us. It was refreshing. The aroma and richness of the coffee was unmistakable and had us longing for more of it.

Having tried their coffee on two occasions, I can now understand why they have so many outlets in Thailand! 

Black Canyon Coffee at Indra Square (Thailand, Bangkok)
1st floor of Indra Square (next to KFC)
120/126, Ratchaprarop Road
Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 686 0118
Open Hours: Daily 24 Hours
Website

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Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香 and Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 (Thailand, Bangkok)

A trip to Chinatown is not completed without a stopover to purchase the local tidbits and snacks. We stopped over at the famous Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香 which can be easily spotted as their signboard has an image of a pig (their mascot). 

Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香's pig mascot signboard

There are at least two Lin Zhen Xiang shops located along the main stretch of Chinatown; Yaowarat Road. If you intend to visit this shop after your meal at T&K Seafood. All you need to do is to cross the main road (Yaowarat Road) and walk downwards towards the heart of Chinatown. Lin Zhen Xiang is located along this side of the road and there are two such shops within 5 minutes of each other. You will be able to spot the first Lin Zhen Xiang shop in less than 2 minutes. (scroll down to the end of this post for the map)

We went to the second Lin Zhen Xiang shop to purchase local snacks before making a stopping over at Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 which is located just opposite, at the other side of the road. It is circled in red in the photos above and below.

Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 is a Chinese restaurant chain with four restaurants in the city; Bangkok. This restaurant chain has more than 30 years of history and is well-known for their Chinese cuisine, seafood, roasted duck, braised goose feet and shark's fins. We visited one of its outlet located in Chinatown along Yaowarat Road. Generally, Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin is more expensive compared to the likes of T&K Seafood due to its reputation and also better service and quality of food (ingredients). 

*If you are someone who avoids or boycott shark's fin, you may wish to stop reading this post*

Passerby walking along the main road would be attracted to the shark's fins displayed at the front of the restaurant. They would be able to spot the chefs cooking the shark fin's at the front of the restaurant too. A smart move to entice anyone walking pass.

Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin restaurant in Chinatown has quite a large sitting capacity with rounds tables, suitable for big groups of customers.

Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin's menu cover. As we were still full from our dinner at T&K Seafood, our only purpose was just to try the famed Shark's Fin. Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin offers a variety of Shark's Fin dishes. As we were full from our dinner at T&K Seafood, we ordered the smallest bowl of Shark's Fin Soup; Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50).

Coriander and beansprouts

Most Chinatown in Bangkok serves Shark's Fin Soup in the same way. A plate of coriander and beansprouts was served separately so that customers can add these into the Shark's Fin Soup themselves as not all may be a fan of such garnishes.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup was served in a claypot. Look at it bubbling away.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

We added the coriander and beansprouts in straightaway and gave it a good mix.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

At just 300 Baht, we were able to share this among 4 persons and still go for second helpings! They were generous with their ingredients as there was lots of chinese mushrooms, chunks crab meat and shark's fin.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

Look at the amount of Shark's Fin I had.

The soup was the a major let down. It was thick (not watery) but lacked in terms of body and flavour. Maybe we should have just ordered this dish from T&K Seafood or from Nam Sing. My personal takeaway is well, there maybe other better Shark's Fin restaurant/eateries in Chinatown. But well, for 300 Baht, I should not be complaining. 

Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香 and Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 (Thailand, Bangkok)
371-373 Thanon Yaowarat Road
Chinatown, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 222 0635
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to midnight

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