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Tag: Thai Food

  • 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. The BEST Foods to Eat in Thailand!

                  The BEST Foods to Eat in Thailand!

                  Thailand is renowned for it’s all round experience and beauty. It’s a country full of endless possibilities- and therefore is one of the most popular travel spots across the globe.

                  When speaking to people who have previously visited, the food is one topic no one forgets to mention! The vibrant flavours are not to be missed.

                  Here we have compiled a list of the best foods you MUST try in Thailand! There are so many to choose from so be sure to try them all…

                  Thai Omelette

                  This is one we had to start on! When travelling Thailand, it was by far Jack’s favourite dish. So much so it was his breakfast EVERYDAY (this is no exaggeration).

                  The best part about this dish is the pure simplicity it has. We mean there’s not much to the dish, it’s fried rice with an omelette on top. You can choose to have a veggie, chicken, pork omelette etc, but Jack’s choice was always vegetable.

                  It’s just a great way to start a day; and is perfect for breakfast. The crazy part is that the dish is always one of the cheapest items on the menu so you don’t have to spend a lot (so always budget friendly)!

                  Pad Thai

                  This is known to be one of the most popular dishes people in eat when visiting Thailand. This dish is the perfect balance between salty, sweet and sour, and one we would never get bored of.

                  Again, this is one of the cheaper options to eat in Thailand. There are so many varieties on the dish, with most meat and vegetables alternatives available.

                  Please be aware that this dish is usually served with a side of chillis and crushed peanuts- so if you do have an allergy, please take precaution.

                  Mango Sticky Rice

                  Now this is a combination that to many people is weird, including us! And that’s why we never tried it. Seems like a combination of food that would never go!

                  However, we have spoken with many people who have dared to try the dish, and say that it is one you should not miss! The sweetness of the mango, with the coconut covered sticky rice is supposed to be a perfect mix.

                  Even though we haven’t tried it (yet), it will be top of the list once we go travelling! And I’m sure it will be a meal we revisit regularly.

                  Pad See Ew

                  This traditional Thai dish commonly consists flat rice noodles, cooked in an array of spices and flavours.

                  This is not a dish that either of us have tried, but is a popular dish to have when visiting Asia. It’s a soy-based dish, and one that we have been recommended many times.

                  This is definitely added to our to-try list once we go back!

                  Panang Curry

                  The Panang curry is one of the most popular Thai curries. It’s perfectly spiced, and usually on the hotter side when it comes to heat. It’s infused with red chillies, and is a saucy curry- which is always perfect to mop up with a side of bread.

                  Like most of Thai food, it comes with most meats, and can come with veggie alternatives, but our favourite would be chicken or tempeh!

                  It’s definitely one of those meals that you need to eat at a traditional restaurant to make the most of the rich flavours that the dish has!

                  Massaman Curry

                  This is another Thai curry dish you can’t miss out on. The massaman curry is heavily rich in flavour, and is usually accompanied by tender meats like a lamb shank or chicken. It is typically less spicy than some others leaving it good for even the more sensitive pallets!

                  The dish for us is best served with beef, and with soft and soaked potatoes in the massaman broth-like sauce (it’s making our mouths water already)! As the same as a lot of dishes in Thailand, it is cooked with coconut milk giving it a sweet taste and fish sauce giving it a sour tinge.

                  This dish really does encapsulate the rich flavours of traditional Thai food and one we couldn’t recommend enough.

                  We honestly could of kept naming Thai dishes as there is so many to choose from. They are so rich in flavour and spices.

                  There is no wonder Thai food is named one of the best cuisines in the world for taste, and something you can only fully experience when visiting Thailand.

                  We would always give any Thai food a try, as it’s all freshly made and have never disappointed!

                  We cannot wait to visit again and eat their luscious foods (and we will 100% be trying the mango sticky rice this time)!

                  Please let us know your favourite Thai foods and inform us if we missed any off of the list that are a must-try!

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