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Tag: Food Recommendations

  • Boat Noodle Alley; The best authentic Thai Noodles?

    Boat Noodle Alley; The best authentic Thai Noodles?

    Bangkok is famous for its vibrant street food culture, and few dishes capture this spirit like boat noodles. These tiny bowls of flavor are not just budget-friendly but also offer a taste of Thai culinary traditions. With prices that won’t break the bank, you can enjoy a satisfying meal while exploring the city’s lively food scene. So, we bring you Boat Noodle Alley.

    The late 1700’s saw Bangkok canals being a big place for trade, and vendors in wooden boats would paddle up to potential customers with shallow bowls of noodle soups (to avoid spillages), however, as the 1970’s came vendors were forced to come to land. Now, you find an alley of noodle spots north of the Victory Monument, where you can have your own taste of these authentic Thai foods!

    In this adventure, we visited two popular noodle shops: Pa Yak Boat Noodles and Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong Noodles. Each offers a unique experience, showcasing their take on this beloved dish. One is all about quality over quantity (both are v good though), while the other cranks up the heat for spice lovers.

    Cost-effectiveness and spice levels stand out as key features in our noodle exploration. Whether you’re looking for a tasty meal on a budget or a fiery culinary challenge, Bangkok’s boat noodle stalls have something for everyone.

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    Pa Yak Noodles

    Noodle Variety and Prices

    At Pa Yak Boat Noodles, the menu is limited to just four variety options. Each bowl costs a mere 18 baht, roughly 40-45p. This price is hard to beat, especially in a city noted for its street food. When you think about dining out in Europe or North America, you could pay four times that amount for just a snack, making this a fantastic deal for travelers.

    Flavour Profile and Texture

    The dishes here feature an interesting range of noodles. Options include slippery glass noodles and wide, flat noodles. The rich broths are packed with flavor, accompanied by various toppings like tender meat and veggies. We also got the best bowl of crispy pork crackling. The overall experience is marked by complex flavor profiles, making each bowl stand out, despite the limited variety.

    Ambiance and Service

    Situated by the river, Pa Yak Boat Noodles offers a unique dining atmosphere. Though the view may not be picturesque, the lively vibe adds to the experience. However, the service was a bit direct, which can be common in tourist-heavy areas. A bit of patience goes a long way when navigating a language barrier.

    Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong Noodles : A Spice Lover’s Dream.

    Expanded Menu and Options

    In contrast, Ruathong Noodles boasts a more extensive menu with nine options. Diners can choose from a variety of noodle types and proteins, including pork and beef. This breadth makes it appealing to those looking to explore different flavors in one visit.

    Spice Levels and Flavor Intensity

    Ruathong Noodles is a haven for those who enjoy spicy food. The heat levels vary dramatically from one dish to the next. For example, the glass noodles come with a mild broth, while other options fire up your taste buds with intense heat. The lingering spiciness makes for an exciting meal, but be warned: not all dishes are suitable for the timid (like us).

    Ambiance and Service at Ruathong Noodles

    Ruathong Noodles offers an energetic atmosphere. You can see chefs crafting noodle dishes right before your eyes. This behind-the-scenes look can be quite entertaining and adds to the overall dining experience. The service was friendly, making it a more welcoming spot compared to Pa Yak Boat Noodles.

    Comparing the Two Boat Noodle Experiences

    Price and Value

    When it comes to overall cost, both restaurants offer amazing value. At Pa Yak Boat Noodles, four small bowls and a large bowl can leave you full for about 150 baht (around £4). Meanwhile, Ruathong Noodles, with its more extensive menu, still maintains a comparable price point for the quality and variety offered.

    Flavour and Spice Comparison

    Both of these establishments on Boat Noodle Alley deliver impressive flavours, but they cater to different taste preferences. Pa Yak Boat Noodles provides a delightful experience with its well-balanced flavors. In contrast, Ruathong Noodles is perfect for those who crave spicy dishes. In essence, both places deliver satisfying meals but appeal to different preferences.

    Recommendations Based on Spice Tolerance

    If you enjoy a mild meal and are exploring local fare, Pa Yak Boat Noodles is the place to go. On the other hand, for the spice aficionado, Ruathong Noodles is a must-visit. Understanding your spice tolerance can help you choose the right spot for an unforgettable meal.

    Beyond the Noodles: Tips for Exploring Boat Noodle Alley

    Communicating in a non-English speaking environment can be daunting. Learn a few basic Thai phrases or use translation apps to help order your food smoothly. Keep it simple; locals often appreciate the effort, even if you stumble over the words.

    Exploring Other Food Options

    Boat Noodle Alley is bustling with street food vendors offering various delicacies. Take your time to explore beyond noodles. You might discover hidden gems, like fresh fruits or savory snacks that complement your meal.

    Budgeting for Your Trip

    When planning your food budget, consider that meals at these noodle spots range from 18 baht to about 50 baht per bowl. With such low prices, you can try multiple dishes without worrying about costs.

    Conclusion: A Delicious and Affordable Bangkok Adventure

    Visiting Pa Yak Boat Noodles and Ruathong Noodles on Boat Noodle Alley reveals the rich diversity of Bangkok’s food scene. Each place brings its unique flavor and experience to the table. While Pa Yak Boat Noodles stakes its claim on affordability and classic flavors, Ruathong Noodles fires up the palate with spicy selections.

    Boat noodles in Bangkok offer a tantalizing and budget-friendly culinary adventure. Whether you’re wary of spice or eager for a challenge, these establishments have something for every palate. Dive into the delicious world of boat noodles, and don’t forget to share your experiences with fellow travelers!

    Looking for more Thailand inspiration? Find out how to see elephants in Thailand, or maybe our Khao Sok National Park guide!

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  • 7 Must-Try Foods in Southeast Asia: A Culinary Adventure for Every Foodie!

    7 Must-Try Foods in Southeast Asia: A Culinary Adventure for Every Foodie!

    South East Asia is a remarkable place that is at the top of most people’s bucket list! It’s known for its beaches, people, culture, activities and the topic today… food!

    There’s so much to do here and you can never run out of things to see! But for a lot of people, food is so important. Having good meals can really change your experience and view about a country.

    If you have ever been Italy for the pasta, Japan for the sushi, or Mexico for it’s tacos, then you will understand how important food is when visiting a country! Food from these places really improves your view on the country, but can also leave a sour taste in your mouth if you don’t enjoy it!

    We would always recommend trying the local cuisine wherever you go. It’s the best way to meet locals, learn new cultures and really understand the country more. Even if the food isn’t necessarily one you would normally eat, it’s always worth a try as trying new things is the best way to grow and learn new things about yourself.

    Trying a new food could lead to it being your favourite dish you have EVER tried! So what’s the harm?

    You need to make sure you are eating at the right spots and also the local foods to get the best experience.

    Turning up to a country and flicking through the menu is one way of trying new foods but sometimes its good to do your research and see what’s recommended so you can make the most out of your trip abroad!

    So South East Asia… What are the best foods to try? Is it spicy? Where do I eat?

    There’s a lot of questions people ask and it’s pretty difficult to figure this out when you have never been before.

    As you may already guess, each country would provide different dishes, tastes and ingredients so knowing the most recommended dishes and what ingredients they are typically cooked with will give you a good indication whether you are likely to order them when out there!

    Below, we have compiled the BEST FOODS we tried when visiting South East Asia! It is important to note that we we only travelled to 5 countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam & Singapore) so any country we didn’t visit may not be included due to us not trying the food.

    The first dish is one of Jack’s FAVOURITE dish and should be first as it’s the perfect way to start your day!

    Top foods to try in Southeast Asia

    Thai Omelette!

      The Thai omelette can be eaten throughout the day but is usually consumed as a breakfast meal and the omelette typically consists of vegetables, chicken or pork. Jack’s choice would mostly be a vegetable Thai Omelette which comes standard with sticky rice and a side salad.

      A Thai Omelette is totally different to what a usual omelette is in Europe. It is fried in oil and includes ingredients such as fish sauce and spring onions.

      It’s served with crispy edges and a soft centre which goes perfectly with the rice and is filling so you won’t be left hungry.

      This meal was my choice of breakfast throughout our 3 weeks in Thailand with some days it being ordered for lunch also. It’s quite a safe order as people are used to ordering Omelette’s at home but has a lovely twist which really enhances flavour for you!

      It is also one of the cheapest dishes on any menu as it’s simple. This makes it a great budget option if you are looking to lower your costs but you can still get some amazing flavour! The lowest cost we say a Thai Omelette for was 50 Baht (roughly £1.40) and we know it’s cheaper at markets!!

      We would rate this dish a 10/10 and one we cannot wait to try when going back to Thailand!

      It would only cost around £1 ($1.25) which is a total bargain!

      Halo Halo

        This is a dish that we hadn’t heard of when visiting the Philippines, but after speaking with some locals, found it to be a traditional dessert that we had to try!

        Even after eating it, it’s still hard to understand all the flavours or ingredients as it is full of colour and different foods!

        A traditional Halo Halo is shaved ice with condensed and coconut milk with an ice-cream array of toppings. These usually include fruits (like jackfruit, banana and maybe mango!), beans, jelly and even sometimes crushed rice.

        There is so much going on with this dish that it’s hard to know what it’s going to taste like… You just have to try it! Be mindful that with so many ingredients, the dessert will be full of different textures, both crunchy and soft, but also chewy. It’s such a weird mixture of textures and flavours, but is beautifully rich and refreshing with a lovely scoop of ice-cream on top!

        When we enjoyed our first Halo Halo, it was after a long day at the beach and we were looking for something sweet to enjoy while relaxing and watching the waves.

        It’s a very traditional dish, and one that we would recommend trying; but if we were to have it again, we would likely share this as it’s very filling and probably is best split between 2 people. If you have a major sweet tooth and still feeling hungry then you can definitely have one to yourself!

        The Halo Halo is a decently priced dessert around £1 – £2 ($1.25 – $2.50)

        Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls

          Now these were our absolute FAVOURITE! Again, this is not a dish I thought was overly popular in Vietnam nor is a must try for travellers. It’s funny as we stumbled upon the food when embarking on the Ha Giang loop.

          Upon starting the Ha Giang loop we set off into the mountains and had our days planned by our guides. After a long and tiring day of riding on the back of a motorbike we came to our place of stay for the night and were welcomed with a buffet for all. This buffet was extraordinary as there was unlimited food! Here, deep in the mountains of Ha Giang, in some small town we tasted the immense vegetable spring rolls!

          They were super crispy and full of soft veggie’s when you crunched into them! But the flavour was something else. I spend most of my time posting these veggie spring rolls down one by one until I was completely full. We had to get extra plates as they were being finished so frequently.

          That was the only time we had vegetable spring rolls but it’s the one thing I am most looking forward to when visiting back to Vietnam!!

          We liked it so much that we have attempted (a few times) to recreate the spring rolls at home but it’s never reached the level of the one’s in Vietnam. This is the one thing we would recommend to try above all in Vietnam!

          These were enjoyed as part of a buffet but would be a side costing between £1 – £3 ($1.50 – $4).

          Pork Sisig

            Pork Sisig was our favourite dish in the Philippines! It’s basically a pork belly dish served with vegetables on a hot plate with a side of rice. It’s served most places and each serving it a little different. Usually, the dish is served with a raw (yes a raw) egg on top which you will mix into the pork and it will sizzle on the hot plate.

            The egg is somewhat a strange addition, especially being raw but it really does go with the rest of the dish.

            It’s a dish packed with flavour and perfect for either lunch or dinner to fill you up. It’s got a salty taste from the pork with a sweetness from the vegetables and is a dish you will certainly look to order again!

            This meal would cost anywhere between £2-£5 dependant on if you are eating at a local/traditional restaurant or not.

            Panang Curry

              The Panang Curry is a rich, coconutty curry usually served with a with a choice of meat or fish and rice. Although it is a coconut based curry, it is not heavily coconutty as we both don’t like coconut but do love this curry!

              It does also usually includes peanut so anyone who is allergic, be sure to double check the ingredients before eating! The curry is usually rich in flavour and spices with a sweet taste.

              We usually eat this with chicken as it soaks up the flavour of the sauce and goes really well with the spices.

              As you may already know, there are a lot of different curries available in South East Asia that is worth trying.. most notably the Massaman Curry, Thai Red Curry and the Thai Green Curry. These all have a burst of flavour and well worth trying as people will have their preferences.

              For us, this was the better of the curries but would definitely change between them depending on our preferences each night!

              The Panang Curry is also known for working well with shrimp! The spices match perfectly with fresh shrimp leaving a beautiful taste.

              As it’s eaten as a dinner it is more expensive than the other dishes on this list but still would only cost between £2-£4 ($3-$5).

              Pad Thai

              Pad Thai is a MUST TRY in Thailand! It’s such a staple in Thailand and something you can’t miss when visiting the country. The dish is so simple in making but surprisingly so flavourful and rich in spices. It’s so cleverly cooked and presented as usually you are provided with a small mountain of peanuts and a separate mountain of chilli on the side of your plate which you can choose to add if you wish with a squeeze of lemon when served.

                The spices give good kick of heat and the peanuts help enhance the overall flavours of the dish and provide a slight nutty flavour which is very much welcomed. This is a dish that was ordered on many occasions due to the flavours and moreish nature of the dish.

                It is definitely one of the cheaper items on the menu but definitely don’t look over it if you think it won’t come with good flavour! You can find local restaurants selling Pad Thai for as cheap as £1 ($1.25) and it’s always served with a generous portion.

                Bahn Mi

                  This is quite popular dish and very different to the rest on this list. It’s pretty much a simple sandwich on first glance but Vietnam have added their own flavours and spices to enhance and change the flavours! Usually, it is served with thinly sliced pork or chicken as the main meat with a host of veggies and unusual ingredients.

                  The Bahn Mi includes a generous spread of Pate and includes coriander, green onion, chilli, carrot, cucumber, sometimes pickles and a strong drizzle of mayonnaise and Maggi sauce to finish.

                  A perfect lunchtime meal that you can grab on the go! In Thailand, you are able to get Bahn Mi for as cheap as £0.80 ($1) which is super cheap and affordable!

                  What are your thoughts?

                  There are many other dishes that we missed off this list which we wish we could include but these would be the main ones we would want to go back and try and could never get bored of! We would like to give a special mention to Pho as that is a beautiful dish that is versatile with flavours, meats and more!

                  When visiting South East Asia we would recommend you trying all these and would love to know your thoughts on our list of best foods to try in South East Asia!

                  If you have any further meals we missed do let us know and if you enjoyed this blog post, please consider liking and subscribing for further South East Asia content and world travel content. We have South East Asia top tips, best ways to travel, itineraries and more on our blog so be sure to check them out!!

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                1. Our best picks to eating in Bali!

                  Our best picks to eating in Bali!

                  Now, Bali is known to be a great place to socialise and meet new people. It is a central hub to a lot of people’s South East Asia travels, and is on par with Thailand and Vietnam for some. In comparison, it’s very different, but nonetheless an essential part of a travellers itinerary.

                  Bali is now one of the most popular spots in South East Asia, and draws in thousands of digital nomads. This has changed the environment… and therefore has created more westernised food options. If you are looking for traditional Indonesian food, you may find it harder in Bali compared to more traditional areas like Java or Jakarta. You can still enjoy the local foods, with my favourite being a Nasi Goreng, or if you prefer noodles; a Mie Goreng.

                  In this blog post, we will be covering some of the popular and niche places to dine across Bali, and the Islands surrounding, to make the most of the amazing food they have to offer. Please note, Bali is more expensive than the mainland and countries surrounding, so make sure to bring a few more pennies for the Bali tax!

                  Below we have highlighted 7 of the best places we have eaten at, and given recommendations according to our experiences.

                  The Best Places to Eat in Bali

                  Copenhagen – Canggu

                  Copenhagen is a well-renowned breakfast/brunch spot location in Canggu, where a lot of nomads and travellers use as their go-to spot. The menu allows for 3 options for 70,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£3.50) or 5 items for 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£5). The options included a tropical fruit salad, a pink smoothie bowl, freshly made bread and paninis, fresh fish or cooked meats, amongst many more options. They even had sweet treats which were perfect to finish off a breakfast fit for a king. For Asia, the price may seem higher than usual, but it definitely is one of the best brunch food spots we ate at. We can’t recommend this enough.

                  Finns Beach Club & Bar – Canngu

                  Finns beach Club is probably not on many people’s lists when it comes to good food. I mean it’s the perfect place to socialise, drink and party till your hearts content. Who doesn’t love bopping to music while drinking alcohol with friends by the sea in an actual swimming pool?

                  Even though the main attraction is the alcohol-filled pools, they don’t limit you to cheap takeaway food. There are 4/5 restaurants available to order and dine at; all you need to do is leave the pool and grab a table. But don’t forget your manners and put on a top! They have options including Pizza, Indian, Sushi and more!

                  I took this opportunity to fill my addiction of Sushi by ordering a freshly made platter (which definitely fixed my appetite ready for more pool time)! The food there is expensive… and not one to order at when you are looking to budget travel. However, every once in a while you deserve to treat yourself to a good time and nice food, and this is definitely the place to do this!

                  The Krusty Krab – Nusa Penida

                  Yes, you read it right…

                  It’s the Krusty Krab!!

                  In Indonesia, there is a restaurant that is the real life Krusty Krab… which even had Krabby patties! There was no chance we were to pass this opportunity up. It’s located on the North-west side of the Island, Nusa Penida.

                  They had Sponge Bob decor making you feel like you were in the show!

                  Of course we had to order and try the Krabby patty (which is the obvious choice). I mean the burger was nice, it’s not much more than a normal burger. The food was simple but wasn’t a showstopper by any means. It’s just more the fact you were at an iconic restaurant, and is something you and your friends can definitely make the most of when you are on this island! Its a fun experience and one we would recommend if you loved the show.

                  Suka Espresso – Uluwatu

                  Suka Espresso is a lively food spot just off the main strip of Uluwatu. They offer a wide range of food and is known for it’s high quality service and quality. We took advantage of their brunch food by ordering fluffy pancakes and colourful exotic fruits with fresh muesli and sweet jams. There is so much to offer on the menus, and is definitely a place we would recommend and go back to given the chance. The food is reasonably priced and a perfect stop before heading on to the beach only a few steps away.

                  Do note that this is a popular spot for travellers to eat, so try to attend during off-peak times if you aren’t happy with waiting for a table.

                  Corner House – Seminyak

                  The Corner House has a pub-like atmosphere at the end of a busy main street in Seminyak. The restaurant has live music in the evening, with western-style pub decoration and atmosphere. It almost feels like you are in a pub back at home! They serve a wide range of foods like stone cooked pizzas, pastas, noodles, meats etc.

                  It is a large pub which is in a great location for people to wander round shops and local area as there is so much to do.

                  My favourite meal is the vegetable stir-fry which only cost 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£2.50), which was the cheapest thing on the menu. Even though it was the cheapest, the dish was amazing and so good that I returned the next day for dinner to order the same meal again! Overall, the pub is usually costing 100,000 (£5) to 200,000 (£10) for main meals which is average for the area, but if the rest of the food is similar to the stir fry I had, then it is worth every penny.

                  Taco Cartel in Ubud

                  A perfectly quaint Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Ubud, Taco Cartel is one to visit! It is on the main street perfectly between the Bali rice terrace & infinity pools, the Monkey forest and right beside to the street markets – it’s perfectly placed! Now, it’s less like a dinner spot to sit down and have a fancy meal, but rather a perfect small restaurant which has an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook your food right in front of you.

                  We ordered 2 chicken tacos which came with a refreshing spicy sauce and a squeeze of lime, alongside a stuffed beef burrito. You best believe the food was beautiful! The tacos were at a reduced price of roughly 20,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£1) per taco as a lunch deal which was a steal.

                  Ours in Uluwatu

                  Ours is a place where we stumbled upon when searching for dinner but was definitely a highlight. It just so happens the day we ate there was the same day they offered pasta and wine (choice of 3 wines) for £95,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£5 roughly). When we saw this offer there was no way we were going to turn it down.

                  Due to the offer, we went all out and ordered a few starters to share and then a beautiful Chorizo Bolognese with a white wine to wash it down. The seating is perfectly placed all surrounding the bar in the middle, with dimmed lighting to create a lovely atmosphere. Definitely one we will return to once we come back to Uluwatu!

                  What are your thoughts?

                  Bali is a place full of fantastic foods that we wish we could try a mouthful of each. The local food is one we didn’t touch upon much, with Nasi Goreng being a favourite of mine. One we may cover in another blog post!

                  Shoutouts to the beach restaurant on Gili T (which we don’t know the name of) which offered free soup and bread for starter, District 6- the all you can eat pizza and pasta place in Uluwatu, and the little hotdog parlour opposite the entrance to the monkey forest in Ubud.

                  We would always recommend eating local, but sometimes it is nice resorting back to the foods from home you love.

                  Thank you for reading to the end of our blog, and we hoped that you will be dining at some of these lovely restaurants in the near future- or at least get to Bali to enjoy all that the island offers.

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