Good bye, Bangkok

1 night in Bangkok was way too short, but I was more than glad that we did it. We were eating our way through Bangkok and now we were ready leave Bangkok with full stomach.

You can call me a snob or whatever you want, but I get very angry when restaurants serve fake meals. You know what I am talking about. Thai food made by Chinese or Vietnamese cooks. Japanese food made by Chinese or Korean cooks. Especially in last few years, Thai cuisine has been very popular and Thai restaurants are popping up everywhere. Except for Sripraphai in Woodside, Queens, those Thai restaurants in New York serve up some horrible food that doesn't even taste anything close to the cuisine I passionately love. I believe I may have tried more than 10 restaurants in New York and they DO NOT serve Thai cuisine, they serve what they think is Thai cuisine and people are buying it.

My trip to Bangkok was my getaway from fake Thai food and I know I still love real Thai food and will love Thai food forever!!!

We got our last fix at the airport.
Bangkok's old airport was lacking decent restaurants. First time in Bangkok, we were just annoyed that there was nothing to eat at the airport (Chris and I spent about 6 hours airport trying get on a flight). Now with new airport, Suvarnabhumi airport, we didn't have that issue. Even though Suvarnabhumi airport was built in a hurry with many issues and flaws, now we had many choices.

Mango Tree at terminal 4 was perfect. Of course, Michelle knew this place already. It was the perfect last meal before leaving Bangkok.

Pork, pork, more pork

Grapefruit salad. Who knew grapefruit tasted this good!!!

Tom Yum Kung

Back to Siam Paragon again...

Before going to the airport, we had to visit Siam Paragon one more time.

This lady is making my noodle soup

Couldn't leave Thailand without eating Phad Thai

Seafood fried rice

OK... one more mango and sticky rice before we leave

Chatuchak Market in Bangkok

We woke up early and were off to Chatuchak Market. I have only heard of this market but this was going to be my first time. The size of market was unbelievable and they had everything from clothing to household products. We apparently saw not even 1/10 of the market. But it was getting really hot that we had to leave.

We managed to picked up some t-shirts, magnets, and jewelry.







http://bangkok.sawadee.com/chatuchak.htm

Dinner in Bangkok

We decided to stay close to our hotel for dinner, since we have a long day waiting for us tomorrow. But even a restaurant nearby didn't disappoint us. Michelle's been here before, so I knew it was going to be good.

vegetables and dip

Couldn't leave Thailand without eating papaya salad

Thai beef salad

Pork with basil

Siam Paragon Food Court in Bangkok

This trip to Southeast Asia was only supposed to include Singapore and Bali. But when Michelle asked me if I wanted to go to Bangkok for a day or two, I couldn't say no. Last time I was in Bangkok was in 2004 (I think it was in 2004... on our way to Cambodia, we spent 4 nights in Bangkok and celebrated New Year's there), so yes, it's been a while. Plus Thai cuisine has to be my favorite cuisine. I think I must have been Thai in my past life. So I couldn't pass this opportunity.

Our original plan was to spend 2 nights in Bangkok, but in the end, we decided on spending 1 night in Bangkok, just because I wanted to have a fully relaxing day in Singapore before flying back home - 20 hour flight is stressful...

So Michelle and I agreed on arriving early in Bangkok, then leave late the next day.

Our first stop?
Siam Paragon Food Court!!!
Siam Paragon Shopping Mall didn't exist when I was in Bangkok last. I have been to a lot of food courts, but nothing prepared me for what I was about to see.


The size of food court blew me away.
The below pictures do not do any justice. This place was enormous.






Shopping time!!!
The size blew me away, but variety of food they had was more amazing.






It was time to enjoy what we purchased...


Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Next to Siam Centre, Pathumwan
BTS: Siam

Food Court card - you can purchase a card, so that you can pay for your items with the card instead of paying with your money. Remaining balance is fully refundable.

Thailand - Sawadee Ka

We are in Bangkok to celebrate New Year's with Michelle & Darren.
Our mission in Bangkok was to eat, eat, and eat some more!!!

First meal in Bangkok - Papaya salad, Thai Green Curry, Tom Yum Kung, Phad Thai, and much more!

Everything comes in a bag... even Tom Yum Kung...

Mid-day snack... eating 5 meals a day was our goal...

Usual fruit and unusual fruit... welcome to Southeast Asia!

Crepes, Thai Style!

Khao San Road, even though it's still filled with backpackers, it's a good place for late night snacks. Now, it's becoming a local people's hangout spot.
Street food vendors are everywhere and it's easy to be full with very little money!