Classic Tex-Mex Breakfast Tacos

by Lolita's Restaurante, Waco, Texas

Lolita's Restaurante serves all-day breakfast tacos in Waco, Texas

Breakfast tacos come in various combinations of beans, potatoes, chorizo, super crispy fried bacon, and scrambled egg. You can certainly find the combo that you prefer on their menu or build your own.

bacon, potato, and bean breakfast taco

The tacos are served with a cup of mild tomato salsa. It's not spicy, but it gives a great freshness and sweetness when added to the tacos.

Lolita's is one of my favorite places to eat for breakfast in Waco. It's a simple, no-frills restaurant that lets the food speak for itself.

bacon, potato, and chorizo breakfast taco

Price

Breakfast tacos cost a reasonable $3.50 each. A small cup of coffee is $1, and a large cup is $2. All in all, it's a delicious and affordable breakfast.

Location

Lolita's is located near downtown Waco at 1911 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 7670. It's not far from Interstate 35, downtown Waco, and the Baylor University Campus.

Lolita's is open Tuesday-Friday 6:00 am to 2:00 pm; Saturday 7:00am to 2:00pm; and Sunday 8:00am to 2:00pm. they are closed on Mondays.

Lolita's Restaurante in Waco, Texas

It can get busy, especially on the weekend breakfast rush, but there is plenty of seating inside and outside on the patio.

Lolita's is a cozy local restaurant with a friendly, family-run atmosphere and great food.

Lolita's serves all-day breakfast tacos in Waco, Texas

See the map for the exact location and directions to Lolita's.

Simit, or Turkish Bread Ring with Cheese

in Istanbul, Turkey

simit, a Turkish bread ring baked with sesame seeds and filled with cheese

a street food cart selling Turkish simit in Istanbul

Location

Breakfast Fresh Milk

by Guss Sundae Bar, Bangkok, Thailand

breakfast sunday with maple syrup, milk ice cream, and salted butter corn flakes

I was at the COMMONS Saladaeng, a community mall in Bangkok, when a sign at the Guss Sundae Bar caught my eye. Guss Sundae Bar is a special small branch of Guss Damn Good, an American ice cream brand that has become very popular lately in Thailand.

I like breakfast. I like ice cream! I'm sure they'd be good together.

Breakfast Fresh Milk is a "breakfast" sundae consisting of a scoop of milk-flavored ice cream served on top of a layer of maple syrup and topped with salted butter corn flakes.

As I'm sure you can imagine, it was delicious! All of the flavors went together spectacularly, and I really enjoyed it. It's way too sweet to actually have to start your day (in my opinion), but the flavor and texture combination was excellent.

a breakfast ice cream cup

Price

breakfast fresh milk ice cream

Location

Guss Sundae Bar at the COMMONS, Saladaeng, Bangkok

Turşu Suyu, or Turkish Pickle Juice

by Özcan Turşu (Özcan Pickles), Istanbul, Turkey

Özcan Turşu's famous pickle juice in Istanbul, Turkey

a tray of turşu suyu, or pickle juice in Istanbul

The pickled vegetables were really good! Each one had a very different flavor. I personally liked the pickled carrots the best. After eating the pickles with a fork, I drank the rest of the juice. It was really salty and strong but had a nice fresh flavor as well. I really enjoyed it, but I don't think I would need more than a small cup of it.

a small cup of pickle juice

Part of the fun is browsing through the shop and looking at all of the dozens of types of pickles for sale. Özcan Turşu pickles everything from carrots, and whole bulbs of garlic to sliced lemons and even fresh pinecones! Each ingredient gives the pickle juice a distinct flavor. I've been told by a Turkish friend that the pickled pinecones are not that good, but that the juice is really nice.

different types of pickles on display at Özcan Turşu in Istanbul

More great things to eat in Istanbul

Rice Pudding and Turkish Coffee at a historic "Hippie Trail" meeting point

The original Iskander kebab with homemade yogurt and brown butter

Location

Özcan Turşu is located on the eastern side of the Bosporus at Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:7, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye. It's just a short walk from Kebapçı İskender, one of the most famous kebab restaurants in all of Turkey! The nearest public transport station is Çarşı tram station.

You can see the exact location of this pickle shop on the map below.

inside Özcan Turşu pickle shop in Istanbul, Turkey

Fırın Sütlaç, or Baked Rice Pudding and Turkish Coffee

by The Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant), Istanbul, Turkey

fırın sütlaç, or Turkish baked rice pudding in Istanbul

this legendary meeting place has been open since 1957

chilled Turkish rice pudding with cinnamon

a cup of hot, strong Turkish coffee

The resulting coffee is strong - some of the strongest coffee I've ever had! You can get it with sugar or without. Coffee is served all throughout the day in Turkey.

Turkish coffee at Lale Restaurant in Istanbul (The Pudding Shop)

Menu

The Pudding Shop is open every day from 7:30-22:30. It can get crowded in the afternoon or evenings, but I went for breakfast, and it was still calm and quiet.

You can see their menu online on their website: Menu – Pudding Shop

Pudding Shop Menu, Istanbul

A Legendary Istanbul Landmark

The Pudding Shop, known locally as "Lale Restaurant," holds a special and quirky place in Istanbul's 20th century history. Situated in the vibrant and historic Sultanahmet district, it has a storied past that dates back to the 1950s and gained international fame in the 1960s and '70s as a hub for travelers exploring the Middle East and Asia on the famous overland journey known as the "Hippie Trail."

Originally named "Lale Lokantası" (Tulip Restaurant), it earned the moniker "Pudding Shop" due to its popular desserts (travelers passing through often couldn't remember its name and would tell their friends to meet them in Istanbul at the "Pudding Shop").

inside Istanbul's legendary Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant)

Today, the Pudding Shop continues to welcome visitors seeking a taste of both traditional Turkish cuisine and a slice of its legendary past. Though it may have shifted and calmed down significantly from its wild freewheeling heyday, The Pudding Shop remains a cultural landmark in Istanbul, inviting both locals and tourists to savor its famous pudding and soak in the nostalgia of its vibrant history.

the walls of The Pudding Shop are covered in photographs, notes, and postcards from travelers

The walls are plastered in newspaper clippings, postcards, letters, and photographs from travelers dating back decades. It's a piece of living history commemorating a free-spirited past and evoking a sense of wild adventure and history.

More great food in Istanbul

The Original Brown Butter Iskander Kebab at Kebapçı İskender, Istanbul, Turkey

Traveler's Tips

The Pudding Shop is just steps away from Hagia Sofia, and if you have time to see only one sight in all of Turkey, this is it.

Construction began on the Hagia Sofia in the 4th century AD when Istanbul (then called Constantinople) was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and one of the most important Christian cities in the world. It was originally built as an Orthodox cathedral.

When the Ottoman Empire rose to power in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. In 1935 the secular government of the new Republic of Turkey turned it into a museum, a decision that was reversed in 2020 when it became a mosque once again.

Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, Turkey

Anyone may visit Hagia Sofia regardless of religious beliefs. Be sure to dress appropriately: men and women must cover their legs, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Women must cover their heads with a scarf, which will be provided at the entrance if you don't have one.

There is no ticket, and it's completely free to visit!

Arrive early. Doors open promptly at 9:00 in the morning, and it gets crowded fast. I arrived at 8:00 and stood in line at the entrance for an hour so that I could be the first one inside. I hurried in when the gates opened so that I could snap a photograph of the beautiful building before the crowds filled in.

inside Hagia Sofia without any visitors in the early morning

Location

The Pudding Shop is located at Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:6, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. It's just a few meters away from the Hagia Sofia. The nearest public transportation is Sultanahmet Tram station, which is just 2–3-minute walk from the restaurant.

Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey

You can see the exact location and directions to The Pudding Shop on the map below.

The Original Iskander Kebab

by Kebapçı İskender, Istanbul, Turkey

the original iskander kebab by Kebapçı İskender, Istanbul, Turkey

a plate of Iskander kebab in Istanbul, Turkey

brown butter poured over kebab meat

The meal was served with a tiny glass of Üzüm Şerbeti, or grape sharbat. This sweet non-alcoholic cordial is made by fermenting Syrah grapes until just before it turns into wine. This gives it a light, refreshing sort of flavor, similar to a fermented kombucha. It's a great way to cut through the richness of the kebab after your meal.

Üzüm Şerbeti, or grape sharbat in Istanbul

Menu and Price

Kebapçı İskender has no menu and serves just one dish: their legendary iskander kebab. A portion is 380 lira (about 13 USD). If you cannot speak Turish, don't worry. The staff can speak some English, but since there's no menu, there's really not much need for communication outside of indicating how many portions you want.

Location - where to find the original iskander kebab

there is plenty of seating downstairs and upstairs, although it can get busy at times

Kebapçı İskender is located in Istanbul at Caferağa, Albay Faik Sözdener Cd. No:3, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye. The restaurant is just a short walk from the public ferry stop on the eastern side of the city. The nearest public transportation is Kadıköy İdo Tram station, which is just a few steps from the entrance to the restaurant.

"CrackGriddle" Breakfast Sandwich

by Crackhouse, Bangkok, Thailand

"CrackGriddle" Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Pancake Breakfast Sandwich at Crackhouse, Bangkok, Thailand

Crackhouse is a sister restaurant to Fowlmouth, Bangkok's famous Nashville hot chicken restaurant, which is home to the famous hot chicken sandwich and Bangkok's best hot chicken and waffles, both of which are phenomenal. I had very high expectations when ordering from Crackhouse, and I was not disappointed!

breakfast sandwich, fresh orange juice, and hot coffee in Bangkok, Thailand

The sandwich took a bit of time to arrive because every element of the meal - down to the pancakes that make up the sandwich's bun - is made fresh. When it arrived, my mouth was already watering.

The sandwich was served between two very thick, fluffy, and soft pancakes that made up the bun. You can also order a classic American "short stack" with maple syrup and berries if you are just into the pancake portion of the meal.

maple sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich with pancakes

I ordered a glass of cold-pressed orange juice to drink, which came out sweet, fresh, and pulpy - exactly the way I prefer!

I also bought a cup of their fresh, hot coffee, which comes from Roots, a local coffee roastery based in Bangkok's Thonglor neighborhood.

the "CrackGriddle" at Bangkok's Crackhouse restaurant

Menu and Prices

You can see Crackhouse's menu below along with pictures of each dish along with prices in Thai baht.

I ordered the CrackGriddle with maple sausage (220 baht), a glass of cold-pressed orange juice (150 baht), and a small hot coffee (100 baht).

Location

Crackhouse at The COMMONS Saladaeng, Bangkok, Thailand

Mutton Rogan Josh and Butter Naan

Authentic Indian Food in Bangkok by Homemade Kitchen & Cafe

mutton roghan ghosht in Bangkok, Thailand

 

A few years back, I attended the Bangkok Great Diwali Festival at ICONSiam shopping mall. This huge food and cultural festival featured dozens of Indian restaurants selling their signature snacks, food, and drinks at different stalls.

Prawn Biryani at the ICONSiam Bangkok Diwali Festival

Homemade Kitchen & Cafe was one of the restaurants that catered this event, and I tried their delicious prawn biryani.

I was excited to finally visit Homemade Kitchen & Cafe's physical restaurant, located near the river in Bangkok's Khlong San neighborhood.

I wasn't sure what I wanted, so I asked for recommendations. The waiter was super helpful and asked me lots of questions so that he could give me the best suggestion for what to eat. I ended up ordering the roghan ghost, which was super rich and meaty. I asked for it to have a medium spice level, which was just perfect for me.

Roghan ghost is made by marinating chunks of mutton in a blend of yogurt, various spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, along with fresh garlic, ginger, and saffron. The marinated meat is then slowly cooked in its own juices with a base of caramelized onions and tomatoes until perfectly tender.

roghan ghost with mutton in Bangkok, Thailand

Each dish also comes with an order of bread, and I chose butter naan as my choice. The naan was soft and delicious, and absolutely dripping with sweet, melted butter. It was the perfect accompaniment to my meal.

butter naan at Homemade Kitchen & Cafe in Bangkok

Website, Menu, and Delivery Information

Homemade Kitchen & Cafe will deliver within Bangkok. Visit their website to check out their fantastic menu and to place an order online (fulfilled by Food Panda).

https://hmkitchecafe.business.site/

Location

Homemade Kitchen & Cafe is located in Bangkok at 196 2 Krung Thon Buri Road, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600. It's a short walk from Khlong San BTS Station and ICONSiam shopping mall. The easiest way to get there is by BTS Skytrain, or by taking a taxi.

Homemade Kitchen & Cafe in Bangkok, Thailand (authentic Indian food)

See the map below for the exact location.

Chicken Bami Noodles

by Samboontoon Noodles, Bangkok, Thailand

a bowl of stewed chicken bami noodles in Bangkok, Thailand

I really enjoyed my noodles, and I left the restaurant after lunch happy, full, and satisfied.

Thai noodle soup with chicken, boiled egg, wontons, and more

Menu and Prices

The menu is shown along with prices in Thai baht below.

While the menu is printed in Thai, each entry comes with a clear photograph to help you see what you are ordering. If you cannot read Thai, you can always use a translation app on your phone.

I have also found that the staff can speak English and are very happy to help with your order.

Samoontoon Noodles Menu

Location

The restaurant is located on Ladphrao Road just a short walk from MRT Ladphrao station at 364 Lat Phrao Rd, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.

Samoontoon Noodles, Ladphrao Road, Bangkok, Thailand

See the map for the exact location and directions to the restaurant.

Classic Thai Breakfast

by On Lok Yun, Bangkok, Thailand

2 eggs + 4 toppings, On Lok Yun's breakfast special

Video

Review

On Lok Yun's signature bread and kaya custard

Thai breakfast soft-boiled egg with Maggi and white pepper On Lok Yun

soft-boiled egg for breakfast at On Lok Yun, Bangkok, Thailand

2 eggs + 4 toppings signature breakfast dish at On Lok Yun, Bangkok, Thailand

As I was about to start my meal, the owner came over to me to recommend that I try his secret sauce blend on my breakfast. It consisted of ketchup, chili sauce, and a splash of strong, dark vinegar for a sweet, slightly spicy, and slightly sour kick. I gave it a try, and I have to say the combination was phenomenal! I highly recommend it! Each of these three condiments (along with salt, pepper, and Maggi) are placed on each table for the customers to use.

Western-style breakfast at a classic cafe in Bangkok, Thailand

I also ordered a cup of their iced coffee. Sometimes, I've found that coffee in Thailand is served way too sweet for my taste, but On Lok Yun made it just perfect for me. I asked for it to be just slightly sweetened, and it was served exactly to my liking.

Like any good Thai restaurant, each meal comes with small cups of fresh, hot, jasmine tea. The tea is free-flowing, and staff will continue refilling it as you sit and enjoy your meal.

cups of free-flowing jasmine tea are provided for free

Menu

On Lok Yun serves classic Asian and Western breakfasts all day at reasonable, local prices.

Their signature toast with kaya custard is just 32 baht, and their 2 eggs + 4 toppings breakfast plate is only 100 baht.

You can see their full menu in English below.

The staff can speak excellent English and are very friendly and helpful. Feel free to ask for recommendations.

Location

On Lok Yun is located in the old town of Bangkok, Thailand in an old-school shophouse restaurant at 72 Charoen Krung Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100.

The easiest way to get there is by MRT, as the restaurant is just steps from the entrance to MRT Sam Yot Station.

On Lok Yun is open daily for their famous all-day breakfast from 6:00am until 2:30pm.

On Lok Yun: famous old-fashioned breakfast restaurant and cafe in Bangkok, Thailand

This area is full of some of my favorite restaurants in the city. Check out some of these while you are in the area:

O-liang, or traditional Thai iced coffee at Bangkok's historic coffee house

Braised Goose

by Chua Kim Lhee Din Daeng Goose, Bangkok, Thailand

braised goose on rice in Bangkok, Thailand

a platter of Thai-Chinese braised goose served with cilantro

braised goose served with white rice and sour dipping sauce

Goose is richer, fattier, and juicier than chicken or duck. It's a delicacy that is most often eaten with Thai-Chinese cuisine. 

tender and juicy pieces of braised goose meat cooked in five-spice broth

Menu and Price

Prices are reasonable for the food and serving size that you get.

The menu is written entirely in Thai, but if you use a free translation app on your phone, it's easy enough to place an order if you cannot speak or read Thai.

There are three main dish options:

1 - braised goose

2 - stewed goose

3 - crispy roasted goose

Each option comes in a variety of sizes listed by price on the menu. 

I ordered the braised goose in the small size for 245 baht (the lowest price under the #1 category). If you are coming alone, a small portion will probably be enough. A medium serving might be good for 2, and if you are in a larger group, go for the large size.

Chua Kim Lhee Din Daeng Goose menu and prices in Bangkok, Thailand

Location

This restaurant is located in an old-fashioned restaurant on Lad Phrao Road between MRT Ladphrao station and the new Yellow Line Pawana monorail station.

Chua Kim Lhee Din Daeng Goose

Chua Kim Lhee Din Daeng Goose is located at 1783/17-18 ปาก Lat Phrao Rd, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310. It's just a short walk to the Pawana monorail station (on the Yellow Line).

Chua Kim Lhee Din Daeng Goose

See the map for the exact location.

"Hellfire Pad Thai"

by Pad Thai Narok Taek, Bangkok, Thailand

"Hellfire” pad Thai is a special version of the famous Thai noodle dish that is cooked with extremely high heat over a flaming wok. The chef at Pad Thai Narok Taek uses a hot wok engulfed in flames in order to create a spectacular show of fire and smoke while frying the noodles and other ingredients. The result is a very hot and crispy pad Thai that has a rich smoky flavor unlike that which you will find anywhere else in Bangkok.

"hellfire pad Thai" in Bangkok, Thailand

The portion size is massive, and each plate of pad Thai comes with a mountain of noodles wrapped in a paper-thin delicate blanket of egg. It's the thinnest egg wrap I've ever seen with pad Thai, and I was really impressed!

a plate of hellfire pad Thai from Pad Thai Narok Taek in Bangkok, Thailand

Part of the appeal of visiting Pad Thai Narok Taek is watching each plate of pad Thai being made. The chef and owner, wearing his famous cowboy hat, stands behind a fiery gas-powered stove and makes each plate of pad Thai himself.

pad Thai cooked over a flaming wok in Bangkok, Thailand

The wok and the ingredients inside are kept in constant motion over the flame, which from time to time leaps into the wok and briefly catches the ingredients inside on fire. This is where the iconic smoky taste and crunchy charred texture of this delicious dish comes from! The controlled flames are immediately extinguished as the ingredients are tossed high in the air, landing with a sizzle back in the pan. It's a fantastic performance! The chef set up the kitchen outside of the restaurant facing in so that everyone inside is able to watch the show while enjoying their meal.

You won't find another plate of pad Thai like this anywhere else! It's a one-of-a-kind dish, and worth making a trip across the river for.

the pad Thai gets its smoky flavor from the strong flames that it is cooked in

Menu and Prices

I ordered the pad Thai with fresh shrimp, which is Pad Thai Narok Taek's signature dish. If you aren't a fan of the traditional flat rice noodles, try their pad Thai with vermicelli.

The shrimp pad Thai cost a reasonable 110 baht.

Pad Thai Narok Taek menu and prices

Pad Thai Narok Taek Location

Pad Thai Narok Taek is locate at 286 Lat Ya Rd, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600. It's not too far from BTS Khlong San Station, BTS Wangwian Yai Station, and the Gold Line Khlong San Station, although it's just a little too far from all of them to comfortably walk. Take a 5-minute taxi ride instead.

the chef and owner of Pad Thai Narok Taek is famous for his iconic cowboy hat

Banh Cuon Tom Yum: Thai-Vietnamese Fusion Food

by Kao Piak Sen, Udon Thani, Thani

Vietnamese-Thai fusion Banh Cuon Tom Yum 89 baht

Udon Thani is a great city. With a population of 130,000, it is the capital of Udon Thani Province and the sixth largest city in Thailand. As one of the "Big Four" cities in the Issan Region, Udon Thani was once home to a US military base and even an American consulate!

In the tumultuous years between the conclusion of the Second World War and the end of the Vietnam War, Udon Thani witnessed an influx of roughly 50,000 Vietnamese immigrants seeking refuge and a new life. Along with them, they carried the treasures of their homeland – cuisine, customs, and traditions. While these Vietnamese pioneers have integrated into Thai society over the past three generations, Udon Thani still maintains several marks of Vietnamese culture, particularly evident in its unique cuisine.

I wanted to try some of this incredible fusion food, so I stopped in at the highly recommended Kao Piak Sen for a bowl of their famous banh cuon tom yum noodle soup.

Banh cuon is a type of northern Vietnamese rice batter pancakes stuffed full of minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots. In Vietnam, the rice paper rolls are usually served with a fish sauce dipping sauce, but here they were served as the noodle base in a big, hearty bowl of tom yum soup.

Tom yum is one of the national dishes of Thailand. It's a rich, spicy, sour soup with a coconut broth base. The combination between the rich, herbal flavors of the tom yum went amazingly well with the filling banh cuon. The soup was served with a boiled egg and tons of fresh herbs and spicy chili.

banh cuon and tom yum soup - fusion food in Udon Thani, Thailand

Another great dish to order here are the pork broth wet noodles. This savory broth is served with thick, chewy rice noodles and delicious pieces of pork. It's topped with fried garlic and lots of chopped green chives.

pork bone broth Vietnamese noodles with sliced pork

I also ordered a platter of banh beo, a type of savory steamed rice cake topped with crispy pork rinds, pork floss, chives, and chili and served with a sweet dipping sauce. I tried this before in Hue, and really enjoyed it!

Read more: What to eat in Hue, Vietnam

Banh beo is a Vietnamese dish that consists of small, round, and thick rice cakes, typically topped with savory ingredients. The name "banh beo" translates to "water fern cake," referring to the tiny, water fern-shaped molds used to make the cakes. These cakes are a popular snack or appetizer in Vietnamese cuisine.

The base of banh beo is made from rice flour and water, creating a chewy and gelatinous texture. The cakes are often served on small, individual plates. The dish is then drizzled with a sweet and savory dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili.

a plate of banh beo in Udon Thani, Thailand

Another very popular snack are these little sandwiches served with cold cuts such as pork pie, sweet Chinese sausage, and egg. It's a sort of Udon Thani take on banh mi. It was really interesting to see how different the food was from what I was used to... different even from the Issan food that I had been expecting. 

Banh mi thit is a type of banh mi sandwich, although they are simpler and made with smaller loaves of soft bread rather than the traditional Vietnamese crispy baguette.

banh mi thit, or Vietnamese bread with cold cuts

The final dish to try was a sort of fried egg platter served with minced pork, pork sausage, and slices of sweet Chinese sausage. It was a great side to our filling noodle dishes.

Vietnamese fried egg with pork pie, minced basil pork, and sliced Chinese sweet sausage

For dessert, I tried Kao Piak Sen's take on Cà Phê Trung, or Egg Coffee. This trendy, traditional Vietnamese drink is rich, sweet, and filling. It's a perfect dessert to round off a fantastic meal.

Vietnamese egg coffee at Khao Piak Sen, Udon Thani, Thailand

Read more: the best food from all across Vietnam

Traveler's Tips

Just once a year, a remarkable phenomenon takes place in Udon Thani. The "Talay Bua Daeng", or "Red Lotus Lake", bursts into colorful bloom every year around February. Talay Bua Daeng is a shallow freshwater lake that covers an area of approximately 2,500 acres, and during the winter months (December to February), it becomes covered in a sea of red lotus flowers.

For just 300 baht, you can hire a small longtail boat to take you out on a tour of the lake. Be sure to wake up early to see the sunrise over the water; the stunning pink flowers open as the sun rises, but close around noon, so the best way to experience the lake is to arrive just before dawn.

"Talay Bua Daeng", or "Red Lotus Lake" in Udon Thani, Thailand

More food in Udon Thani

Shibuya Honey Toast in Udon Thani, Thailand

Location

Kao Piak Sen is located at 20 20 Srisuk Soi 4, Mak Khaeng Sub-district, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000. The restaurant is near the middle of the town and is easy to get to.

Kao Piak Sen Restaurant, Udon Thani, Thailand

See the map for the exact location.

Khao Soi

by Khao Soi in Kala, Bangkok, Thailand

a bowl of Khao Soi by Khao Soi in Kala, Bangkok, Thailand

khao soi noodles

The heart of the dish is the khao soi curry paste, a mix of shallots, garlic, dried red chilies, lemongrass, turmeric, coriander, and shrimp paste. This paste is sautéed in a pot until it becomes fragrant. Next, coconut milk is added to the curry paste to create a creamy base for the soup. The dish is seasoned with salt, sugar, and fish sauce to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.

A bowl of khao soi usually comes with a chicken drumstick stewed in the curry soup so as to take on all the delicious flavors of the broth. In addition to the steamed noodles, a bowl of khao soi is also topped with a handful of crispy fried rice flour noodles to add an extra crunchy texture.

khao soi - northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup with chicken

Each bowl of khao soi is also served with a small plate of extra ingredients that you can add to your soup. Traditionally, you will receive a plate containing pickled mustard greens, chopped red onion, and lime. I like to add all of these ingredients into my soup.

You'll never see chili flakes served with khao soi. It's typically not a spicy dish at all, and in fact, the curry is quite sweet! However, if you like a little extra kick to your curry, northern Thai restaurants will usually provide a small pot of fried chili. Be careful! The fried chili can get very spicy very fast! I like to add just a small spoonful of this into my soup (but then again, I love spicy food).

flavors and garnish for khao soi - pickled mustard greens, onion, and lime

If you want to try one of the very best (and not spicy) Thai dishes, check out khao soi. It's an absolute must whenever you are traveling in Chiang Mai or anywhere else in northern Thailand. It's sweet, rich, filling, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. It's no surprise to me that khao soi is considered to be among the best (if not THE best) soups in the world!

Note: There's a dish in Laos that's also called "khao soi", but it's very different from this traditional Thai dish. Don't get them mixed up, although both dishes are very tasty. Lao Khao-Soi, Luang Prabang (theworldofstreetfood.com)

Menu and Prices

A bowl of khao soi here cost just 80 baht (about $2.25), a really reasonable price for such a big portion. Khao Soi in Kala has other items on their menu as well, but I highly recommend you try their khao soi before ordering anything else. You won't regret it!

Khao Soi in Kala menu and prices (Bangkok, Thailand)

Location

Khao Soi in Kala is located at 1345 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Bang Lamphu Lang, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600. It's a short 5-minute walk from Krung Thonburi BTS station.

Khao Soi in Kala is a small traditional noodle shop near the river in Bangkok, Thailand

After your delicious khao soi, walk just a few meters to arrive at Bua Loi Khlong San for a bowl of famous old-fashioned Thai dessert.

See the map for the exact location.

Bua Loi, or Floating Lotus

by Bua Loi Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand

Bua Loi, or Floating Lotus - traditional Thai dessert by Bua Loi Khlong San

bua loi with egg in Thailand

I personally preferred the bua loi without any egg, but it's very common and maybe more traditional to include at least one type of egg in your bua loi.

bua loi traditional Thai dessert with a soft-boiled egg and salted egg yolk

Menu and Prices

bua loi prepared at a local Thai dessert shop

The menu is simple: there are just four options.

You can order a bowl of bua loi with a salted egg yolk, a soft-boiled egg, both, or neither.

Prices range from 30 baht for a bowl of plain bua loi to 55 baht with both the salted egg and soft-boiled egg. It's a super cheap dessert!

bua loi menu and prices (with or without egg) at Bua Loi Khlong San

Location

Bua Loi Khlong San, traditional Thai dessert shop in Bangkok

Bua Loi Khlong San is located near the Chaophraya river in Bangkok. It's just a short 5-minute walk from BTS Krung Tonburi Station, and just 15 minutes from ICONSiam shopping mall.

The shop is located at Charoen Nakhon 21 Alley, Bang Lamphu Lang, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600.

inside an old-fashioned Thai dessert shop in Bangkok

Bua Loi Khlong San is small and could be a little hard to find as it's surrounded by lots of old-fashioned restaurants and shops. See the map below for the exact location and walking directions.

Tubtim Krob, or "Crispy Rubies"

by Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

tubtim krob, or "crispy rubies" at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

The result is a sweet dessert that’s both chewy and crunchy, with a hint of salt from the coconut broth and a rich, aromatic sweetness from the coconut milk. The traditional crushed ice gives it a cooling feeling which is great if you've just enjoyed a spicy Thai meal. The dessert also came with several thick shavings of fresh coconut to add an extra complexity and texture to the sweet,

tubtim krob - traditional Thai dessert with water chestnuts in coconut milk

Location

Baan Phadthai is located at 21 23 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. It's just a short walk (about 5 minutes) from BTS Saphan Taksin and the Sathorn Pier (the central boat pier).

Try their signature crab pad Thai: Crab pad Thai at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok

Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

The restaurant is cozy and inviting. The walls are decorated with wooden panels from Ayutthaya (the old capital of Thailand), and the shop is decorated with vintage Thai advertisements and cool retro antiques and decorations.

cozy, vintage interior at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

See the map for walking directions and the exact location of Baan Phadthai in Bangkok, Thailand.

Pad Thai Bu, or Crab Pad Thai - Bib Gourmand Award-Winning Pad Thai

by Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

pad Thai with a whole crab at Baan Phadthai

Crab Pad Thai at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

pad Thai with fresh crab meat in Bangkok, Thailand

The noodles are sweet, savory, and smoky. I added a squeeze of lime and an extra scoop of both Thai chili flakes and crushed roasted peanuts, both of which are provided for guests so that they can adjust and balance the flavor of their dish as per their preference.

Bib Gourmand award-winning pad Thai in Bangkok, Thailand

This was definitely some of the best pad Thai I've had. The portion was huge and very filling, and I could barely finish the entire plate (although I definitely did!). I was especially impressed with the amount of meat included in the dish. Each plate of pad Thai bu is cooked with an entire blue crab, and they even include the crab's shell atop the pile of rice noodles.

fresh crab meat at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok

Read more about Pad Thai

Original Pad Thai at Thipsamai in Bangkok: The ORIGINAL Pad Thai at Thipsamai - Bangkok

Chinese-Thai Pad Thai by Mr. Hui, Bangkok: Pad Thai Mr. Hui, Bangkok, Thailand 

More recommended restaurants nearby

While you're in the neighborhood, I also recommend that you stop in at Sarnies for some amazing coffee (they also have amazing fusion food).

Tom Yum Eggs Benedict and Basil-ade at Sarnies, Bangkok

Menu and Prices

Baan Phadthai's recommended signature dishes include crab pad Thai and their extra-large pad Thai jumbo mud crab, an 1800 baht meal for two.

The Michelin guide also recommends their pad Thai moo yang, or pad Thai topped with Baan Phadthai's famous charcoal grilled pork.

Check out the full menu below or visit their website at https://www.baanphadthai.com/menu.

Prices are a little high for pad Thai, but when you consider the quality of ingredients and the care that has gone into each dish, it's worth the price.

Baan Phadthai menu and prices, Bangkok, Thailand

More delicious Bib Gourmand restaurants in Bangkok

Award-Winning Southern Thai Seafood at Beer Hima in Bangkok

Lhok Nga Thin, or Chicken Stew with Rice by Sae Phun, Bangkok, Thailand

Location

Baan Phadthai is located at 21 23 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. It's just a short walk (about 5 minutes) from BTS Saphan Taksin and the Sathorn Pier (the central boat pier).

Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

The restaurant is cozy and inviting. The walls are decorated with wooden panels from Ayutthaya (the old capital of Thailand), and the shop is decorated with vintage Thai advertisements and cool retro antiques and decorations.

cozy, vintage interior at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

Fusion Tom Yum Eggs Benedict and Basil-ade

by Sarnies, Bangkok, Thailand

Sarnies is a cafe in Bangkok renowned for their fusion cuisine. I tried their famous tom yum eggs benedict, a rich, delicious, and flavorful twist on a classic breakfast dish.

By taking a brunch staple and blending it with the flavors of Thailand's national dish, Sarnies creates a one-of-a-kind and uniquely rich and flavorful breakfast experience.

eggs benedict with fusion-style tom yum hollandaise sauce

 

This is actually the second branch of Sarnies. The original opened in Singapore in 2011. Both restaurants are committed to serving up classic Western dishes with an Asian twist by utilizing local flavors and ingredients, and the menus of both branches are different!

I wanted to try one of Sarnies's unique fusion meals, so I decided to order their signature brunch dish: tom yum eggs benedict.

The portion was massive and could easily have been shared between two people.

The eggs benedict starts with fresh-baked English muffins from Sarnies's own bakery. The English muffins are topped with a mound of sauteed baby spinach, a generous pile of smoked salmon, perfectly poached eggs with super runny yolks (just the way I like it), and an incredible tom yum hollandaise sauce capped off with sprigs of fresh dill.

Fusion Tom Yum Eggs Benedict by Sarnies, Bangkok, Thailand

Tom yum eggs benedict is one of their best-selling dishes, and it's easy to see why. The tangy, sweet, and sour flavors of tom yum soup - packed full of the rich herbal taste of lemongrass galangal, chili, and more - complement the richness of classic hollandaise sauce perfectly.

eggs benedict at Sarnies in Bangkok, Thailand

Sarnies is famous for their coffee, which they roast in-house, but I was looking for something a bit more unique! It was a hot, muggy morning in Bangkok, so I ordered a refreshing glass of their famous "basil-ade", which is fresh lemonade infused with basil and cucumber.

Sarnies's "basil-ade", or lemonade infused with fresh basil and cucumber

 Sarnies has its roots in Australian food culture, so this is more like an Aussie lemonade (lemon soda) than an American one.

The basil adds a very refreshing flavor to the drink, and cuts through some of the sweetness you sometimes get in a glass of lemonade. The drink is fizzy, sweet, cold, and perfect when you are feeling a bit hot while exploring Bangkok's fascinating old town.

basilade at Sarnies, Bangkok, Thailand

Some of my other favorite fusion dishes

Curry Queso (Indian-Mexican Fusion), San Marcos, TX

Carbonara Udon - Japanese Fusion Noodles

Menu and Price

You can see Sarnie's menu on their website: https://sarnies.com/Bangkok.

The tom yum eggs benedict costs 400 baht (around $12 USD), and the basil-ade costs 150 baht (about $5 USD).

Prices are a little high for Thailand, but the food and drinks are fantastic and are definitely worth the price.

Sarnies Bangkok, Thailand

Location

Sarnies Bangkok is located in a historic building at 101, 103 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. It's just a 5-minute walk from Saphan Taskin BTS station.

Sarnies Bangkok on Charoenkrung Road

See the map for the exact location and directions to Sarnies.