The Best Of The Boat Noodles near Victory Monument (Thailand, Bangkok)

We made a special trip down to Victory Monument not because we wanted to take a look at this military monument. Instead, it was because we wanted to try the famous Bangkok Boat Noodles (Kuay Tiau Rua).
Its called Boat Noodles because the noodles were originally served from vendors on boats floating in Bangkok’s network of canals. Over the years, the boat vendors shifted and located eateries on land instead of on boats. Most of the vendors continued the practice of serving the noodles in small portions as this was done in the past to prevent the noodles from spilling out of the bowls in choppy waters. 

Canal

There were several boat noodles eateries located along the same stretch, next to this small, dirty canal near the Victory Monument. The different eateries could be easily differentiated by the colour of the shirt the staff were wearing. There were so many different colours; orange, pink, blue and purple.

I would highly recommend that you use the map at the end of this post to locate the eateries. There are few information online on how to locate the eateries. In addition, we spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out how to get here. We asked many people including the policemen and were given the wrong directions despite us having the address and map.

We visited the eatery called "The Best Of The Boat Noodle". The staff there wore orange shirts. The reason why we visited this eatery was because we noticed that there were more people eating there compared to other eateries. 

This eatery essentially had two 'kitchens' at the front of the eatery for cooking. I noticed that they were so busy that they were practically cooking non-stop. 

There were indoor dining and alfresco (outdoor dining). Most customers chose to have their meals indoors as it was air-conditioned. The indoor area was packed, full of people as it was lunch time. There were more locals in this eatery compared to tourists. 

Menu

The menu was in both Thai and English languages. There were three types of boat noodles in the menu. We ordered all three types. We were lucky as there was one staff who could understand basic English. The rest of the staff did not understand English. 

This boat noodle eatery had a unique concept. Customers who ordered 20 bowls of noodles were entitled to a free bottle of Pepsi. As there was five of us and we knew that the portion was going to be small, we ordered 20 bowls straight away.  

Streaky Pork With Crispy Crackling 10 Baht (S$0.42)

In addition, we ordered a bowl of Streaky Pork With Crispy Crackling 10 Baht (S$0.42). This was fried pork skin (pork rind). 

Fried Dumplings 10 Baht (S$0.42)

We also ordered a bowl of Fried Dumplings 10 Baht (S$0.42). Both the Fried Dumplings and Pork Rind were mediocre.

Our 20 bowls of boat noodles were served within seconds of each other. Before we could start eating, the table was full. The workers continued and stacked the bowls on top of each other; two tiers.

They even stacked it up to the third tier. -_-" But well, it was our own fault for ordering so many bowls immediately. Lesson learnt: to order a few bowls at a time. This would ensure that the food would still be warm.

Noodles Thicken Soup with Beef 10 Baht (S$0.42)

Noodles Thicken Soup with Beef 10 Baht (S$0.42).

Noodles Thicken Soup with Pork 10 Baht (S$0.42)

Noodles Thicken Soup with Pork 10 Baht (S$0.42)

Both the Noodles Thicken Soup with Beef and Noodles Thicken Soup with Pork were named in such a way because they were thicken with pig's blood (which is a norm. Don't worry, the blood were fully cooked due to the temperate of the broth. Also, the taste of the blood was not distinctive.). Priced at 10 Baht, they were served in bite-sized portion with thin rice noodles, kang kong, meat and meat ball.

Both of these were essentially the same except for the fact that one was served with beef while the other was served with pork meat. Both the meat were still tender; not over cooked. The sweet and spicy dark brownish broth was rich and intense in flavour.

Noodles Sour Soup with Pork 10 Baht (S$0.42)

The Noodles Sour Soup with Pork 10 Baht (S$0.42) was executed differently. It was still served with thin rice noodles and pork (meat). However, other than that, the rest of the ingredients were different. It was served with beansprouts, fish cake, char siew, peanuts in a sweet, sour and spicy broth that was similar to tom yum soup.

Initially, when we ate our first bowl of boat noodles, the first thought was that it was so-so. But by the time we got to our 2nd or 3rd bowls, we began to like it more and more. It was a case of the more you dig into the bowls of boat noodles, the more you would love it! The three different types of boat noodles were delicious! So flavourful and so addictive that they were bounded to tantalise your taste buds.

These were so good that we ate a total of 38 bowls! Which was equivalent to around 7.5 bowls per person [cost per person: 76 Baht (S$3.15)]. How many bowls can you eat?

I do not know if this eatery; The Best Of The Boat Noodles is the best place for boat noodles as this was the first time I ate boat noodles. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that this is a must try! The boat noodles served here were so cheap and delicious! 

This marks the end of my bangkok series! Here's some information on taking the cab / taxi in Bangkok.

There are many different colours of taxis in Bangkok, ranging from pink, blue, yellow, green and orange. The colours represent the different taxi companies. The taxi industry in Bangkok is regulated by Land Transport Department, Transport Ministry and it is an offense not to turn on the meter. Despite this, enforcement is difficult. Hence, most taxi drivers are unwilling to on their meters and would quote you a flat rate. As there is an abundant supply of taxis, you can just move on and try the next one. 

Pink Taxi

Tip:  The pink taxis are generally more likely to on the meters. The other taxis would always quote a flat rate which could be 2 to 3 times more than the normal taxi fare. The orange taxis always charge a flat rate. Even if they on the meter, they would ask for a certain amount of tip at the end of the journey. The yellow taxi was the worst. We were charged a flat rate and had to endure the whole journey listening to the driver who tried to hard sell his services which included driving us to the floating market or railway market (despite us telling him we have been there.). It was dangerous as he was pulling out maps and photos while driving, showing us where he could bring us to. After that, we learnt our lesson and stuck to taking the pink taxi whenever possible.

The Best Of The Boat Noodles near Victory Monument (Thailand, Bangkok)

Sutyot Kuetiau Lua Payak Phaya Thai

Bangkok 10400, Thailand

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Street Food: Porridge and Chicken Rice near Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Thailand, Bangkok)

During our stay in Bangok, we explored around the streets and alleys near our hotel; Baiyoke Boutique Hotel. There were numerous street food stalls. One particular stall caught our eyes one morning and we decided that it would be the place for breakfast before we flew back to Singapore. 

This street food stall caught our eyes because it was the only one which sold porridge. Moreover, there was a constant queue. Furthermore, those in the queues were locals. In fact, we did not see any tourist even though we ate near the stall.

This particular stall is manned by two persons, a gentleman and a lady with red apron who seemed to be the boss. She was the one who cooked the porridge.  

The ingredients that goes into the bowl of porridge before they are served includes liver, pig intestines (large and small), chunks of pork meat, ginger slices and scallions. If you would like to add an egg into the porridge, you would need to inform the lady when making your orders.

A huge pot of porridge which the lady constantly stirs. 

After selling every few bowls of porridge, the lady would add chunks of pork meat into the pot of porridge. Her action showed how much she cared about the food she cooked. 

The menu. If you recognise Thai, this would be useful.

There were three makeshift tables and chairs along the alley behind this stall. Most locals pack the porridge back. After making our orders, we proceeded to the tables and chairs. The gentleman would delivery the porridge to the tables. 

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

We requested for an egg to be added into the porridge. This cost 35 Baht (S$1.50). The porridge was served with chunks of pork meat, a few pieces of large and small intestines and liver. It was topped with scallions, slices of ginger, pepper and light soya sauce. The egg which was added in it was half cooked; semi solid egg white and runny yolk (similar to the type you get in Yakun / Toast Box).

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

We mixed the egg with the porridge to give it a creamier texture and taste. The porridge was not fantastic, but it was very decent. For just 35 Baht, you would be getting quite a fair variety of ingredients. I can't complain much. But if you looking for someplace for breakfast, this could be an alternative.

Note: I understand that the lady is frequently at this area and she opens mainly in the morning only. You can view the location in the map at the bottom of this post.

This chicken rice stall is located next to the porridge stall. 

Compared to its neighbour (i.e. porridge stall), this stall had no customers. Nevertheless, we ordered a  pack of chicken rice to share. 

Chicken Rice 30 Baht (S$1.25)

The Chicken Rice cost 30 Baht (S$1.25). It came in a styrofoam container with cling film.

Chicken Rice 30 Baht (S$1.25)

The chicken rice was average. The chicken meat fared better than the rice. 

Street Food: Porridge and Chicken Rice near Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Thailand, Bangkok)

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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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Noodle Soup with Chicken at Chatuchak Weekend Market (Thailand, Bangkok)

At the capital of the Land Of Smiles, Thailand, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must visit place for tourist. This market is the world's largest market weekend market spanning an area of 35 acres, split into 27 different sections with more than 15,000 booths selling different types of products.

With its attractive prices and wide range of products, this market can attract up to 200,000 visitors daily on weekends. This is despite the narrow alleys and unbearable heat. Few than 1% of the stalls are air conditioned.

It is highly advisable that you wear comfortable clothes such as t-shirt, shorts and slipper.

We did extensive research on the location for our lunch and came across this eatery called "Noodle Soup with Chicken". It was not easy finding this place because Chatuchak is huge! Luckily, we managed to narrow down the search area to Soi 29 which is along this 'main road' (above photo). 

We were thrilled when we found this place. It was like how I would imagine a popular place to be. Brisk business, filled to the brim with people. Noodle Soup with Chicken is actually located at Section 21, Soi 29 facing Soi 47. The nearest gate is "Gate 3". You can refer to either the interactive or static map at the bottom of this post to better visualise the location.

Notice the empty pot at the left. It actually contained braised chicken feet/claws. I tried to order that, but I was a few moments too late! They had just sold their last bowl of chicken feet/claws noodle at 1230pm. So if you want to try it, you have got to earlier than 1230pm.

It was replaced by a pot of stewed chicken meat.

The Noodle Soup with Chicken shop offers different types of noodles including Kway Teow, Bee Hoon (Rice vermicell) and Yellow Noodles. 

Menu

I suspect this is the menu.. its all in Thai. We had to point at the next table to try to explain what we wanted to order. When it came to the type of noodles, we actually went to the shop front where they displayed the noodles and point the type of noodles we wanted. To be fair, the young man who took our orders was so polite and courteous despite the difficulty we had communicating with each other. Don't you love the service at Thailand? No wonder it is the land of smiles!

This eatery offers Noodle Soup with Chicken (meat/chicken feet).

Beverage Menu

Ironically, the beverage menu was available in English!

Thai Ice Tea 30 Baht (S$1.25)

For drinks, we ordered the Thai Ice Tea 30 Baht (S$1.25). I noticed that the stall owners collaborated with the drinks stall located just outside as the drink was from that stall. The Thai Ice Tea was very sweet! Even after the ice had melted, it was still too sweet for my liking.

Noodle (Kway Teow) Soup with Chicken 50 Baht (S$2.08)

We all ordered the same dish - Noodle Soup with Chicken. The only variation was the noodles.

This was the last bowl of Kway Teow Soup with Chicken 50 Baht (S$2.08)!

Noodle (Glass Noodle) Soup with Chicken 50 Baht (S$2.08)

Noodle (Glass Noodle) Soup with Chicken 50 Baht (S$2.08)

We ordered Noodle (Glass Noodle) Soup with Chicken 50 Baht (S$2.08)

Noodle (Bee Hoon) Soup with Chicken 50 Baht (S$2.08)

Deciding to try different noodles, we also ordered Noodle (Bee Hoon) Soup with Chicken 50 Baht (S$2.08).

The Noodle Soup with Chicken was delicious. Each bowl was accompanied by two pieces of braised chicken meat, one of which would be a drumstick. The braised chicken meat were so tender and flavourful. The (chicken) soup was rich, tasty and sweet with a slight hint herbal flavour which was just nice, such that those who do not fancy herbal stuff would not be turned off. Great find with satisfying and comfort food. Certainly a place to try if you are in Chatuchak Market.

Chatuchak Weekend Market Map

As mentioned earlier, this eatery is located at Section 21, Soi 29 facing Soi 47. Section 21 and Soi 29 is the clothing/fashion area while Soi 47 is the Home Furniture area.

Noodle Soup with Chicken at Chatuchak Weekend Market (Thailand, Bangkok)

Section 21, Soi 29 facing Soi 47
Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road
Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand

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