Talad Baanmai Market, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

And right in the middle of this market in the midst of the wooden shophouses is the renowned Baan Paa Nhu (บ้านป้าหนู) Restaurant, which specializes in very tasty, traditional Thai river cuisine.

A scene at Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Baan Paa Nhu is located right beside the mighty Bangpakong River, a large serene river in east-central Thailand which still retains much of its original charm.

Awesome riverside view at Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Baan Paa Nhu is immensely popular with the local crowd and domestic visitors, with hardly any foreign tourist in sight.  The restaurant serves very tasty Thai and Thai-Chinese fusion dishes featuring fish and prawns from the bountiful Bangpakong River.  My first selection is one of the restaurant’s recommended dishes called ‘Kuay Tiew Pla’ (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวปลา), a tasty dish of crispy fried boneless fillets of a local freshwater fish called Pla Krapong (ปลากระพง) alongside succulent Chinese wide rice noodles in a mild soy gravy.

Kuay Tiew Pla, Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talat Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Also very innovative and tasty is the restaurant’s crispy fried whole Thai snakefish (ปลาช่อนทอดกรอบ), in a blanket of edible crispy fried lemongrass in white sesame batter.  This crispy fried snakefish and lemongrass was great when enjoyed with the accompanying dipping sauce made of shredded fresh mangoes, fish sauce, chili, and roasted peanuts.

Thai snakefish crispy fried with lemongrass at Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Of course, how can such a traditional Thai meal beside the river be complete without the ubiquitous ‘Tom Yum Kung’? Baan Paa Nhu serves a very spicy, tangy, and tasty tom yum hot pot featuring jumbo river prawns!

Spicy Tom Yum Kung soup, Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

To round up this wonderful traditional meal, I also enjoyed a large platter of shrimp fried rice, which was full of shrimps and proved to be a great complement with all the selected dishes above.

Tasty shrimp fried rice, Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

And lastly, the restaurant offers a very vintage Thai dessert which was popular many decades ago, but rarely seen today: the sweet bread topped with finely shredded ice, an aromatic sweet red syrup (น้ำแดง), and condensed milk (นมข้น).  A perfect way to end an authentic, spicy Thai meal!

Vintage savory dessert: sweet bread topped with finely shredded ice, aromatic red syrup, and condensed milk, at the Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

If you have a chance to visit the provincial town of Chachoengsao (ฉะเชงเทรา) Province, known locally as ‘Paed Rew’ (แปดริ้ว) which is located to the east of Bangkok, and are interested in enjoying a traditional Thai meal right beside the large, serene Bangpakong River, then Baan Pha Nuu is definitely a place to consider.

The restaurant can be reached as follows:

Location: 64 Talad Baanmai, Amper Muang, Chachoengsao Province 24000
Telephone: 038-817336
Fax: 038-511006

Location in Thai: 64 ตลาดบ้านใหม่, อำเภอเมือง, จังหวัด ฉะเชงเทรา 24000
โทร: 038-817336
โทรสาร: 038-511006

The Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant (บ้านป้าหนู) is located in the very well-preserved Talad Baanmai (ตลาดบ้านใหม่) Market, which is full of old, traditional wooden shophouses selling a plethora of traditional Thai street foods and vintage desserts.  Should you be interested in visiting this vibrant vintage market, please visit my blog article on this exotic attraction which is located far off the beaten tourist path:

http://latztravelandfoods.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/talad-baanmai-vintage-thai-street-food-market-beside-the-bangpakong-river/

Happy dining and traveling, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Talad Baanmai Market, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Located to the east of Bangkok, the provincial town of Chachoengsao, better known as ‘Muang Paed Rew’ (เมืองแปดริ้ว) is a sleepy town located along the large, serene Bangpakong (บางปะกง) River, the largest in east-central Thailand.

Chachoengsao provincial town, known locally as 'Muang Paed Rew', Thailand.

The Talad Baanmai Market (ตลาดบ้านใหม่) is lively place right beside the large Bangpakong River, and sells plenty of very traditional Thai treats amid the mazes of old, wooden shophouses.

Amazing view of Talad Baanmai Market, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

The scenes at Talad Baanmai Market are truly reminiscent of how Thailand must have been like approximately 60 to 80 years ago.

Scene at Talad Baanmai Market reminiscent of 80 years ago, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Stalls in the Talad Baanmai Market sell a plethora of traditional Thai street foods, such as this one specializing in the ‘hoy tod’ (หอยทอด), a Thai-style crispy pan-fried mussel pancake normally enjoyed with the ‘Sri Racha’ hot chili sauce.

Thai-style crispy pan-fried mussel pancakes, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

This stall specializes in a special Thai crispy fried dumpling called the ‘Khanom Tung Tong’ (ขนมถุงทอง) which literally means ‘golden bag’.  These crispy dumplings are typically enjoyed with sweet plum sauce.

Crispy-fried dumplings, known locally as 'Khanom Tung Tong', Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

This market is lined with old wooden shophouses selling plenty of tasty Thai street food, ranging from spicy curry stews, to chili pastes, to fried river fish.

Alleyway along Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao, Thailand.

For instance, this stall sells tasty Thai curry stews and fried salted snakefish  (ปลาช่อนแดดเดียว) – all of which are perennial Thai favorites, especially in east-central Thailand.

Spicy curry stews and fried fish, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Want some Thai appetizers? Here are some very tasty, succulent steamed purple butterfly pea (อัญชัญ) flavored rice dumplings with sweet pork and peanut fillings.

Succulent purple butterly pea flavored rice dumplings, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao, Thailand.

This stall sells tasty duck stewed in soy sauce, cooked the traditional Chinese way.

Ducks stewed in soy broth, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

The Talad Baan Mai market sells everything amid the old wooden shophouses, from street food to Thai and Chinese desserts.  Even local souvenirs are on offer.

Plethora of shops at Talad Baanmai market, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Another perennially popular Thai appetizer is the purple butterly pea (อัญชัญ) flavored ‘Khao Krieb Pak Mor’ (ข้าวเกรียบปากหม้อ), which are steamed dumplings with sweet pork and peanut fillings wrapped in soft, thin, moist sheets of rice skin.

Khao Krieb Pak Mor, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Anyone care for some fresh mangoes?  This stall sells fresh mangoes along with a special aromatic sweet and salty dipping sauce to go with them.

Fresh mangoes, Talad Baanmai Market, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

What’s amazing about Talad Baanmai are the mazes of alleyways lined with wooden shophouse preserved from at least half a century ago, and one wouldn’t go hungry if you’re in this market.  There are plenty food and desserts all along the way!

An alleyway in Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

As in all other markets, grilled meat balls, or ‘Luk Chin Ping’ (ลูกชิ้นปิ้ง), are a favorite here and several stalls offer the treat.

Grilled meatballs, or 'Luk Chin Ping' in Talat Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

This stall sells tasty Chinese oven-baked mooncakes with sweet savory fillings in a crispy, flaky pastry crust, known as ‘Khanom Piea’ (ขนมเปี๊ยะ), a very tasty treat for which Chachoengsao is well-known for.

Tasty Chinese mooncakes with sweet savory fillings in crispy pastry crust, at Talat Baanmai Market, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Once in Talad Baan Mai, one realizes that food is never far away.  The environment and the food makes one very nostalgic of how Thailand must have been like back in the 1930s!

Plenty of food in Talat Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Here’s , my very favorite traditional Thai dessert: sweet fermented rice, known as ‘khao mak’ (ข้าวหมาก).  This very traditional Thai treat is fabulous when served chilled!!!

Sweet fermented rice, known as 'Khao Mak', a very refreshing traditional Thai dessert, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

The ‘Kraton Loi Kaew’ (กระท้อนลอยแก้ว) is another vintage Thai dessert rarely seen in Thai markets today, save for older places like Talad Baanmai.  This dessert is made of slices of ‘Kraton’, which is a traditional Thai fruit, in an aromatic syrup.

Kraton Loy Kaew, Talat Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Talat Baanmai is especially busy during weekends and public holidays, when crowds of locals and visitors from Bangkok descend upon the market for its tasty treats.

Plethora of shops and activities at Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Here’s a very traditional Thai dessert: colorful sweet coconut balls.  These crispy, chewy balls are made of sweetened shredded coconut meat.  An irresistible snack for those with sweet tooth!

Colorful sweet coconut balls, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

I absolutely love this traditional dessert, which remains immensely popular nationwide till this day! It’s the ‘Khao Niew Sankaya’ (ข้าวเหนียวสังขยา), or aromatic sticky rice steamed in coconut milk, topped with Thai-style sweet coconut and egg custards! Love it!!!

'Khao Niew Sangkaya', or sticky rice steamed in coconut milk and topped with sweet egg custards at Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Talat Baanmai is located right beside the bountiful, yet serene Bangpakong River, which flows through Thailand’s eastern provinces of Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri.

Riverside view along the Bangpakong River at Talad Baanmai Market, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

As many Thai Buddhists love to make merit by releasing live fish into the river to bestow them their freedom and thereby make merit, this stall caters to this demand by selling live fish to be released.  Amazingly, the stall owner has erected a slippery pipeline whereby the released fish slides smoothly into the water!

Stall selling a variety of live fish for release into the Bangpakong River, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

Lastly, if you’re in Talad Baanmai and looking for a tasty traditional Thai meal right beside the Bangpakong River, be sure to visit the Baan Paa Nhu (บ้านป้าหนู) Restaurant, which is located in the middle of the market, right beside the scenic river.  Here at Baan Paa Nhu, one can enjoy a tasty, authentic Thai meal while enjoying the fresh river breeze at the same time!

A scene at Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, Talad Baanmai, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

For details of my dining experience at Baan Paa Nhu Restaurant, please visit my personal blog on the place via the link below:

http://latztravelandfoods.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/baan-paa-nhu-traditional-thai-cuisine-beside-the-bangpakong-river/

The Talad Baanmai Market is located right beside the Banpakong River in Amphur Mueng, Chachoengsao Province, 20400.  This sleepy provincial town in east-Central Thailand is less than 2 hours drive east of downtown Bangkok, but is well off the beaten tourist path and retains much of its local charm.

Happy travelling and dining, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Dusit Thani Hotel towers, Bangkok, Thailand.

The renowned luxury hotel is certainly among Bangkok’s most famous social and travel landmarks, and is conveniently located with direct access to the city’s two main mass transit systems.

Dusit Thani Hotel entrance, Bangkok, Thailand.

I’ve known the Dusit Thani group of hotels as long as I can recall, and therefore decided to give its buffet a try, to my gastronomic delight!

Myself at the dessert station, part of the buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

In the Thai language, the term ‘Dusit Thani’ (ดุสิตธานี) translates to ‘The City of Heaven’, a fitting name given the hotel’s lush inner gardens, elaborate interior, and excellent food in the midst of charming Thai ambience and hospitality.  The hotel boasts a total of 8 signature dining venues, one of them being The Pavilion Restaurant, which offers lavish lunch and dinner buffets on a daily basis.

A general view of the lunch buffet at The Pavilion, the Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

The Pavilion Restaurant’s buffets features a wide range of quality food and cuisines, with numerous tasty Thai and international appetizers to select from.  The buffet usually features a good selection of tasty Thai appetizers including such favorites as the ‘sa kru sai moo’ (สาครูไส้หมู), which are round, succulent Thai tapioca flour dumplings with sweet pork fillings, and various flavorful Thai salads.

Tasty Thai appetizers! Part of the buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Another view of tasty Thai appetizer selections, including the blue sweet pea ‘khao krieb pak mor’ (ข้าวเกรียบปากหม้อ), a succulent Thai dumpling with sweet pork and peanut fillings and various spicy salad selections.

Thai appetizers and salads, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Here’s a close-up view of the green pandan ‘kao krieb pak mor’ (ข้าวเกรียบปากหม้อใบเตย), which are soft, tender, and aromatic rice pandan dumplings with sweet pork and peanut fillings.

Green pandan 'khao krieb pak mor', a Thai appetizer at The Pavilion Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

A close-up view of the typical white ‘kao krieb pak mor’ (ข้าวเกรียบปากหม้อ), which are soft, tender, and aromatic rice dumplings with sweet pork and peanut fillings.

White 'Khao Krieb Pak Mor', a favorite Thai appetizer in the buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

The spicy Thai-style minced beef salad (ยำเนื้อ) captivated me with its intense, aromatic flavor, which captured the sourness from lime, the spiciness from fresh and powdered chili, and the aromatic zing of fresh Thai mint leaves. Superb!

Thai minced beef salad, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

The buffet also boasts an impressive range of international appetizers, such as tasty smoked salmon and other cold cuts.

Smoked salmon and other international appetizers. Buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

From time to time, the hotel also boasts special cuisine promos, such as these Singaporean-inspired appetizers seen below, including the tangy ‘mango shrimp kerabu’ salad and the ‘tofu goreng’ salad in sweet and spicy peanut sauce.

Singaporean inspired appetizers, a recent food promo as part of the buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Here’s my tasty Thai and Asian appetizer sampling, which makes me so hungry just looking at it again!

My Thai and Asian appetizer sampling, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Here’s my recent favorite: very soft, fresh, succulent scallops topped with capers and cream sauce.

Soft, succulent scallops with cream sauce and capers, recently part of the buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Also among my latest favorites were these rich liver pates which were infused with ham and sweet fresh mango cubes.  Truly irresistible!

Liver pate infused with ham and fresh sweet mango cubes, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

The buffet features a Japanese sushi and sashimi station with a good selection of salmon, tuna, and other succulent seafood choices.

Japanese Sushi and Sashimi Station, Buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Moreover, the seafood station also provides plenty of fresh, succulent ‘fruits from the sea’, my favorite being the scallops.

Seafood station, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Tasty scallop cocktails at the seafood station during my visit.

Scallop cocktails at the buffet station, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

For cheese lovers like myself, the buffet includes a large cheese platter with plenty of tasty selections including the blue cheese, the brie, and much more!!!

Cheese platter featuring plenty of aromatic, luscious cheese! Part of the buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Moving from appetizers to hot entries, one can’t miss the roast meat station, which usually offers succulent, tasty grilled meats, poultry, and fish.

Grilled meats station, buffet at The Pavilion Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

The large, circular hot entry station features a wide range of Thai, Asian and international dishes, ranging from coconut curry stews and spicy stir-fries to lasagna, salmon pate, and braised ham.

Main entry station, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Here’s a very traditional Thai dish which happens to be one of my perennial favorites offered during one of my visits: Minced boneless fish meat crispy fried in a very spicy and aromatic Thai chili sauce.

Minced fish meat, crispy fried in spicy Thai chili sauce, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

And who can resist the delicious Thai-style roast duck stir-fried in a spicy basil and chili sauce? I loved it so much I came back twice for this treat!

Roast duck stir fried in Thai spicy chili basil sauce, buffet at The Pavilion Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Below is the Singaporean pork ribs braised with Chinese herbs and chunks of bitter gourd ( – a tender, bitter Asian vegetable).  The dish was offered in a recent Singapore food promotion.

Singaporean braised pork ribs with bitter gourd and Chinese herbs, The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Another very tasty dish offered during the restaurant’s recent Singapore food promotion was this pot of chicken braised in mild Chinese herbs and ginseng, which was mild, aromatic, and tasty.

Singapore style chicken braised in ginseng and Chinese herbs, The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

As for the international hot entries available, who can resist these tasty salmon pates in mild gravy sauce? They’re great with my lasagna chunks and mashed potatoes!

Salmon pate in mild gravy, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Here’s the braised ham in black pepper sauce, a great treat with my mashed potatoes and lasagna.

Braised ham in pepper gravy sauce, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

My Italian favorite! The rich, tasty lasagna which was very tempting and delicious.  The lasagna went great with my salmon pate, braised ham, and cheese selections.

Lasagna, Buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Moving to desserts, the buffet at The Pavilion Restaurant features a good selection of very tasty traditional Thai desserts, including such all-time favorites as: the mango with sweetened coconut cream sticky rice, Thai sweet egg desserts, Thai sweet coconut sticky rice cakes called ‘khanom chan’ (ขนมชั้น),  Thai coconut jellies, and so many more!

Colorful Thai desserts, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok

Here are more delicious traditional Thai desserts on offer, a perfect treat for Thai dessert lovers, or those want to get acquainted with exotic Thai sweets:

Assorted exotic Thai desserts, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

The buffet also features an impressive selection of tasty international desserts as well, including these luscious cakes, mousse, tarts, cookies and panna cottas.

International desserts, buffet at The Pavilion, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

Should you be interested in dining at The Pavilion, please find the latest contact and pricing information via the Dusit Thani Hotel’s website below:

http://www.dusit.com/dusit-thani/en/dusit-thani-bangkok-restaurants-a-bars/the-pavilion.html

The Dusit Thani Hotel is very conveniently located on Bangkok’s Silom Road, with direct access to the city’s two main mass transit systems: (1) The Saladaeng BTS (Skytrain) Station, and (2) The MRT (Metropolitan Subway) Silom Station.

Happy dining, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

For traditional Thai ‘river cuisine’, the Pla Sam Nam (ปลา 3 น้ำ) Restaurant is second to none, despite its spartan setting and very secretive location deep within the mazes of small side streets (sois) that form residential Pakret, a poorer, blue collar suburban district just north of Bangkok.  Despite its isolated location, Pla Sam Nam’s exceptional cooking hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the restaurant has been awarded a ‘Shell Chuan Chim’ (เชลล์ชวนชิม) certification from one of Thailand’s foremost food critics.

The Shell Chuan Chim Certification, awarded to the Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Recently, Pla Sam Nam Restaurant’s food was also featured in a dining commentary by a major Thai newspaper.  The term ‘Pla Sam Nam’ (ปลา 3 น้ำ) translates to ‘Fish in Three Rivers’ in the Thai language, a fitting description given the restaurant’s specialization in traditional Thai ‘river’ cuisine.  The menu features very delicious creations using jumbo prawns [sold by weight] and a variety of fish caught fresh from Thailand’s rivers.  Among the restaurant’s many recommended items are grilled jumbo river prawns (กุ้งเผา), the spicy tom yum soup with large river prawns (ต้มยำกุ้งแม่น้ำ), shrimps steamed with clear vermicelli noodles in a hot pot (กุ้งอบวุ้นเส้น), the spicy ‘dancing shrimp’ (กุ้งเต้น), meat from the claws of jumbo prawns stir-fried with vegetables (ผัดคะน้าก้ามกุ้ง), and fried jumbo river prawns topped with a rich, spicy garlic sauce (กุ้งทอดกระเทียม).

Recommended menu at Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

An excellent starter which immensely delighted me was the crispy, succulent Thai-style deep-fried shrimp cakes (ทอดมันปลา) and spicy fish cakes (ทอดมันกุ้ง).  These donut-shaped spicy shrimp cakes and fish cakes (Baht 150 for a set of six) were significantly plump, thicker, and larger than those I’ve seen elsewhere, and were crispy on the outside, soft and succulent in the inside.  They are superb when enjoyed with either the Thai sweet chili sauce with cucumber slices, or the restaurant’s special spicy seafood dipping sauce.

Shrimp cakes and fish cakes at Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

The restaurant’s irresistible ‘tom yum goong’ (ต้มยำกุ้ง) was intensely flavorful, spicy, and hot! The soup featured large chunks of jumbo river prawn meat, mushrooms, shallots, and Thai aromatic spices such as the lemongrass, galanga, and chilies.  This delightfully spicy soup is great by itself, or with some coconut milk and jasmine rice added for a milder effect.

Spicy 'tom yum goong' soup at Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Among the restaurant’s recommended items are jumbo river prawns freshly grilled atop charcoal stoves (กุ้งเผา).  These were awesome when enjoyed with the restaurant’s special spicy seafood sauce, or with the Thai-style fish sauce/chili/lime juice concoction.

Charcoal grilled river prawns, Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

I was truly captivated by my all-time favorite, the ‘goong tod kratiam prik thai’ (กุ้งทอดกระเทียมพริกไทย), or fried large river prawns in an aromatic garlic chili sauce.  This immensely aromatic, tasty sauce features plenty of freshly chopped garlic, infused with small amounts of chili and spices.

Fried river prawns in a special chopped garlic sauce at Pla Sam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Another recommended stir-fried dish features meat from the claws of jumbo river prawns stir-fried with mixed vegetables and mushrooms in a mild Chinese gravy (ผัดคะน้าก้ามกุ้ง).  This mild dish is a suitable complement to other spicy items on the table.

River prawn claws stir-fried with vegetables and mushrooms in mild Chinese gravy at the Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

I was truly impressed by this luscious, spicy dish which comprises fillets of a large indigenous river fish stir-fried in a very aromatic Thai red curry sauce (ปลายี่สกผัดพริกแกง) with shredded ‘krachai’ roots (a Thai culinary herb), fresh basil, fresh kaffir lime leaves, fresh red chili, and fresh green peppers.  This dish, call ‘Pla Yi Sok Pad Prik Gaeng’ (ปลายี่สกผัดพริกแกง), is intensely aromatic and spicy, yet isn’t too hot by Thai standards.

River fish fillets stir-fried in a spicy Thai chili sauce at Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Such a luscious meal wouldn’t be complete without a large platter of shrimp fried rice, featuring slim jasmine rice steamed to perfection, then stir-fried with eggs, soy sauce, and other condiments, with large chunks of cooked jumbo river prawn meat.  The scrumptious shrimp fried rice perfectly complements all of my recommended dishes mentioned above.

Shrimp fried rice platter at Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Despite its spartan, humble setting (the restaurant is set in a small residential row house which seems a bit rundown) and its very hidden location deep within the maze of small streets (sois) in a poorer blue-collar district north of Bangkok, Pla Sam Nam’s food is superb and of high quality on par with famous, larger establishments in downtown Bangkok.

General view of the Pla Sam Nam Restaurant, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Should you be interested in dining at Pla Sam Nam, the restaurant can be reached via the following contact information:

126/2024-5 Keha Nonthaburi Village, Tiwanond Road, Pak Kret, Amphur Muang Nonthaburi, 11120

Address in Thai:
126/2024-5 ม. เคหะนนทบุรี ถ. ติวานนท์ ต. ปากเกร็ด อ. เมือง จ. นนทบุรี 11120

Tel: 02-964-2414       or     Mobile: 081-278-0273

Please contact: Khun Wari (คุณวารี)

Happy Thai dining, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

View of Cuisine Unplugged Restaurant, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

From the moment that I entered Cuisine Unplugged, I was deeply impressed by the sheer size of the restaurant, which was immensely spacious yet lively, colorful and relaxing at the same time.

General view of Cuisine Unplugged Restaurant, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

At first sight, I was confounded by the vast array of international appetizers, hot entries, teppanyaki selections, and desserts available.  For instance, the buffet features a large selection of Japanese-inspired appetizers during my visit, such as the seafood cocktail selections below.

International cocktails, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, near the Victory Monument, Bangkok.

Also available were a colorful selection of sashimis and sushis for those with a penchant for Japanese cuisine.

Japanese-style sashimis, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

For sushi lovers, the restaurant features a good selection of sushis including salmon, salmon roe, sweet eggs, crab sticks, etc.  Additional popular varieties such as the California Rolls are also available as well.

Japanese-style sushi, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

The restaurant’s seafood station was truly impressive with an ample supply of shrimps, green mussels, and crabs.  These fresh, sweet, succulent seafoods combined superbly with the spicy Thai seafood dipping sauce!

Seafood station, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

There was also an extra-large platter of luscious cheese, a must for me in all buffets! I especially loved the Brie, Gouda, and Lengres cheese, which were great with my pizza and quiche selections!

Cheese station, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

The hot entry and teppanyaki stations were highly impressive with a wide array of gourmet and hearty selections, which seemed tilted towards Japanese and Asian specialties on the night of my visit.

Hot entry station, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

I especially enjoyed the crispy breaded pork katsu, the Japanese chicken curry stew, and the Japanese tako yaki (a type of soft, round Japanese pancake with tidbits of octopus meat inside).

Japanese yaki soba, pork katsu, and chicken curry. Buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

Here’s a closer view of the Japanese-inspired tako yaki, or round octopus pancakes (left), and green mussels baked with cheese (right).  Both were great when eaten by themselves, or when combined with other hot entries.

Japanese-style tako yaki and New Zealand mussels baked in cheese. Buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

Here’s my favorite! Japanese grilled eel fillets atop a bed of rice (‘unadon’), smothered in a thick, sweet soy sauce, with sweet, pickled gingers and seaweed.  The grilled eel fillets were so soft and tender they literally melted in my mouth.  This is indeed a superb dish that I’d highly recommend whenever it’s offered.  The luscious grilled eel fillets were a perfect combination with the aromatic soy sauce and tangy sweet pickled ginger.  A must try!

Japanese style unadon, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged Restaurant, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

There was also a very large, refillable tempura platter featuring an ample supply of shrimps and veggies crispy-fried in a rich, tasty tempura batter.  The shrimp tempura was especially hearty and delightful when enjoyed with the tempura sauce provided, and was also great with other Japanese-inspired hot entries such as the fried noodles (yaki sobas) and tako yaki (round pancakes with octopus tidbits).

Tempura platter, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

During my visit, Cuisine Unplugged also presented a special ramen noodle promotion featuring guest chef Wang Jun from Dazhai, China who demonstrated Chinese noodle-making techniques and created very tasty ramen dishes as featured below.  I can testify that these freshly-made Chinese noodles were wondrous, succulent, tender, and chewy. They’re among the best I’ve ever tasted!  The noodles came in four different types of soups: beef, pork, shoyu ramen, and Thai tom yum.

Special promotion: freshly made Chinese noodles, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

The freshly baked bacon and cheese quiche was so soft, luscious, and rich, I’d give it two thumbs up! For me, this very luscious quiche went superbly with my cheese selections (from the cheese platter shown earlier).  Just the thought of this makes me yearn to return to the buffet!

Quiche Lorraine, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

Below are some tasty meat selections, including the roasted ham (left) which was wonderful with the mustard or apple sauce, and the rosemary roasted chicken (right).

Roast meat station, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

The buffet’s delicious pizza selections are freshly baked and delightfully crispy, with several toppings to choose from, my favorite being salmon.

Pizza station, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

These crispy pizza slices were great with my cheese selections, as well as my roasted ham with apple sauce.

Pizza selections, buffet at Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

Dessert time! Cuisine unplugged featured such an impressive array of delectable desserts, I’d say this is one of the buffet’s highlights! Below are some luscious apple tarts (bottom level), pandan party cakes (middle), and spicy carrot cakes (top), as well as green macaroons.

Dessert station: carrot cakes, pandan cakes, and apple tarts. Buffet at Cuisine Unplugged Restaurant, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

The mousse selections below were so captivating, I came back for double portions! I’d highly recommend: (1) The green tea mousse for its creamy, subtly aromatic flavor which is not excessively sweet, and (2) The strawberry mousse for its rich, creamy, intensely fruity flavor.

Dessert station: mousse selections. Buffet at Cuisine Unplugged Restaurant, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

The rich, aromatic, and creamy tiramisu is among my perennial favorites, a must try for this buffet, any day, any time!

Tiramisu, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

I truly love these large slices of freshly made apple tarts, which are truly rich, fruity, creamy, and aromatic!

Apple tarts, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

Now my eternal ‘king of desserts’, the creamy caramel custard!!! This is truly my perennial favorite, and the buffet included a large platter of this delightful treat.  Wherever I dine, I always love the caramel custard for its mild, creamy, aromatic taste.  What makes the custard here stand out is its rich, mild creamy flavor, which isn’t excessively sweet.  This is a ‘must have’ dessert item for me in my next round of buffet blast here!

Caramel custard, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

Finally, the buffet also offers are range of other desserts such as the soft, succulent fruit crepes below, which were great with the ice cream selections, making for a very delightful, filling meal.

Fruit crepes, buffet at Cuisine Unplugged, Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel.

Should you be interested in the lunch or dinner buffets being offered by Cuisine Unplugged Restaurant at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, prices*/person are currently as follows:

*Accor Advantage Plus members are entitled to discounts based upon membership terms and conditions.

For reservations at the Cuisine Unplugged Restaurant, please call 02-680-9999

Please also visit the following official website of the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel for the latest information:

http://www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com/restaurants-bars/cuisine-unplugged/

Happy dining, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Cartoon wall image, in a Japanese kindergarten in Bangkok.

However, what struck me the most during this visit was a series of large posters which lined the music hall, showcasing the ‘artworks’ of the school’s young students and their wild imaginations.  These intriguing posters displayed the children’s drawings of people based upon their young, wild imaginations.  And wild and creepy imaginations they certainly had!  Below is the first of the hand-drawn posters, displaying a bald, angry man in red shirt with the face that resembles an alien rather than a human!

Angry man in Red Shirt, portrait drawn by kids in a Japanese kindergarten in Bangkok.

Another poster displays an aggressive young man with military-cut hair in an intensely colorful t-shirt, with blood spilling out of his mouth!  Wow! Does this reflect the toddlers’ view on how teenage and adult life will be like? Looks to be a violent world!

Aggressive young man in colorful t-shirt. A portrait hand-drawn by kids in a Japanese kindergarten in Bangkok.

This poster appears to be on a lighter side, displaying a jolly man in a colorful attire smiling, jumping, and dancing. Whew! So life can be fun and uplifting as well in the young minds of these little children!

Jolly man in colorful attire, a portrait by kids in a Japanese kindergarten in Bangkok.

Yikes! The poster below displays a frenzied, bespectacled middle aged man in orange shirt, with blood spewing profusely out of his mouth and down both of his arms! So it looks to be a mind-twisting, bloody, violent world! Poor kids! Have they been watching too much news? And do they have some local politicians in mind?

Bespectacled middle aged man with blood spewing profusely out of his mouth, a portrait by kids in a Japanese kindergarten in Bangkok.

Ahhh, the poster below displays a very happy man in a white polo shirt who appears to be laughing heartily.  So there’s still hope for happiness and joy in life!

Jolly man in white polo shirt, a portrait by kids in a Japanese kindergarten in Bangkok.

Finally, the poster below displays a bespectacled man dressed in a very colorful t-shirt and trousers,  smiling somewhat formally and deceptively.  Perhaps this piece of artwork finally reflects the kids’ realistic view of life ahead for them – that life can be full of excitement, color, and deception.

Deceptively smiling man in colorful attire, a portrait hand-drawn by kids in a Japanese kindergarten in Bangkok.

Happy traveling, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Front Gate leading to Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

One such temple that I recently visited in northern Bangkok is Wat Liab Rad Bamrung (วัดเลียบราษฎร์บำรุง), which is located in Bangkok’s Bansue District near the city’s border with Nonthaburi.

Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangsue, Bangkok.

This is a beautiful, serene mid-sized temple well off the tourist path, where Buddhists come in to pray, offer donations and consult with the temple’s resident monks.  As is typical for Thai Buddhist temples, an elaborate main prayer hall, or ‘ubosot’, is located in the middle of the monastery.

Main prayer hall, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangsue, Bangkok.

The temple also houses a very elaborate minor prayer hall not far from the main prayer hall, which is just as serene and charming.

Minor prayer hall, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Here’s a close-up view of the green ‘Yaksa’ (ยักษ์), a mythical Thai deity that is believed to guard temples and sacred places of worship.

An image of the green 'Yaksa', a mythical Thai diety, in front of the minor prayer hall, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

A close-up view of the white ‘Yaksa’ (ยักษ์), another mythical guardian deity in front of the elaborate minor prayer hall.

White 'Yaksa' in front of the elaborate minor prayer hall, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Near the elaborate major and minor prayer halls are the monks’ living quarters, built in the traditional Thai-style.

One of the residential quarters for monks, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Another view of monks’ traditional living quarters and the bell tower, which are very well-maintained.

Bell tower and monks residence, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Here’s a view of a prayer hall inside one of the monks’ living quarters.

A prayer hall inside one of the monks' living quarters, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

I recently heard about Wat Liab Rad Bamrung from a Buddhist dharma radio program (in Thai), and decided to pay a visit to the temple to donate Buddhist amulets and religious icons to the temple’s Phra Maha Chedi Pho Suwan (พระมหาเจดีโพธ์สุวรรณ) which is currently under construction.

Phra Maha Chedi Pho Suwan under construction, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

The Phra Maha Chedi Pho Suwan (พระมหาเจดีโพธ์สุวรรณ) is being built by the temple to commemorate the 28 Buddhas who have graced the earth from the past (since the times of antiquity) up until the present, the latest being ‘Phra Samana Khodom’ (Siddharta Gautama).  Below is the shrine commemorating the 28 Buddhas inside the Maha Pho Suwan Chedi (stupa), which is still currently under construction.

Shrine dedicated to the 28 Buddhas inside the Maha Pho Suwan Chedi, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

As a testament to Buddhism’s openness and tolerance, the temple displays a harmonious blend of Buddhist, Brahman, and local animistic beliefs, which characterizes the vibrant nature of Thai religious belief.  Below is a stunningly beautiful shrine at the base of the Phra Maha Chedi Pho Suwan (stupa) dedicated to ‘Phra Rahu’ (พระราหู), a highly revered deity in the Thai Brahman belief system.

Shrine dedicated to Phra Rahu, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Also featured here are King Naresuan of Krungsri Ayuthaya (สมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) and King Taksin of Krung Thonburi (พระเจ้าตากสิน), both of whom are immensely revered in Thailand for their roles in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty during some of the most turbulent periods in Thai history.

Shrine dedicated to King Naresuan of Ayuthaya (left) and King Taksin of Krung Thonburi (right), Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

The following shrine at the base of the Maha Chedi Pho Suwan (stupa) is dedicated to ‘Phra Buakem’ (พระบัวเข็ม), a local deity who is believed to dwell in water, as evidenced by the shrine’s lovely lotus pond which surrounds the deity.

Shrine dedicated to Phra Bua Khem, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok

This shrine at the entrance to the Maha Pho Suwan Chedi is dedicated to another Thai deity known as ‘Than Thao Hiran Phanasoon’ (ท่านท้าวหิรัญพนาสูร).

Shrine dedicated to 'Than Thao Hiran Phanasoon', Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

In accordance with Thai Buddhist tradition, it is a common practice for people to donate religious relics to temples, which are meant to be stored permanently in stupas (chedis) for hundreds or even thousands of years, until the ‘right time’ arrives for the stupa to be opened by subsequent generations, far, far into the distant future.  Such religious items include the Buddha’s relics, various amulets, statues, beads, and other religious items.  In essence, it is largely up to the discretion of believers on which items are to be donated for storage in the new stupas under construction, which may range from various statues, old ivory, coins, or other small images/relics and amulets of various Buddhas.

Sample of religious items donated for storage in the Maha Pho Suwan Chedi, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

The ‘law of dependent origination’ is a basic tenet of Buddhism in Thailand, whereby all things are subject to change, and in what direction one heads is dependent upon one’s conduct in terms of body, mind, and spirit.  As one of the monks reminded me, it is essential to try our utmost in maintaining compassion, mindfulness and goodwill within ourselves.  This goes a long way in ushering peace, brightness, and happiness to ourselves and those around us.  The shrine below at the entrance to the temple displays a scene in the afterlife whereby souls are being judged by Phraya Yommarat (พระยายมราช), based upon the deeds they’ve committed during the course their lifetimes. This is meant to remind all of us that whatever we do in our lives will bear consequences later in this life and beyond (based upon the concept of ‘karma’).

Shrine dedicated to Phraya Yommarat depicting scenes of the afterlife, at the entrance of Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Another memorable scene: a rooster standing proud on the back of a visiting pick-up truck parked in the temple compound.

Rooster at the back of a pick-up truck, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Wat Liab Rad Bamrung is located in Bangkok’s northern Bangsue district, and holds special Buddhist prayer sessions and ceremonies on the evenings of Wednesdays and Saturdays, all of which are conducted in Thai.

An image of a cute novice, in front of a donation box, Wat Liab Rad Bamrung, Bangkok.

Happy travelling, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Krua Apsorn Restaurant, Bangkok.

Despite its hidden location which is well off the beaten tourist path, Krua Apsorn is immensely popular with local diners due to its authentic, traditional Thai dishes.  The place is mostly packed during weekday lunch hours, whereby reservations are recommended.  The term ‘Krua Apsorn’ translates to ‘Kitchen of the Angels’ in Thai, a deserving name considering the restaurant’s superb, spicy Thai cuisine.

Busy time at Krua Apsorn during a weekday lunch hour.

Krua Apsorn offers numerous excellent traditional Thai dishes featured by such renowned food critics as ‘Muk Daeng’ (หมึกแดง), Health Cuisine, ‘PriewPaak’ (เปรี้ยวปาก), The Manager (ผู้จัดการ) Newspaper, Daily News (เดลินิวส์) Newspaper, Thai Rath (ไทยรัฐ) Newspaper, Bangkok Post, and The Observer.  Below is a preview of some colorful Thai dishes featured in the restaurant’s menu.

Colorful menu highlights at Krua Apsorn.

One of the restaurant’s featured dishes which I strongly favor is the ‘Nua Poo Pad Prik Lueng’ (เนื้อปูผัดพริกเหลือง,Baht 350), which consists of large chunks of soft, tender crab meat stir-fried with strips of fresh, aromatic Thai yellow peppers.  This dish is considerably hot, yet pleasantly aromatic.

Large chunks of crabmeat stir-fried with strips of yellow pepper, Krua Apsorn, Bangkok.

Another traditional Thai favorite featured here is the ‘Kiew Wan Pad Haeng Luk Chin Pla Krai’ (เขียวหวานผัดแห้งลูกชิ้นปลากราย, Baht 100), or succulent Thai meatballs made from fish meat, stir-fried in spicy green curry with fresh basil leaves, crispy coconut blossoms and Thai eggplants.  This dish is truly spicy and aromatic, yet is not excessively hot by Thai standards.

Fish balls stir-fried in green curry with basil, coconut blossoms, and Thai eggplants.

Among my perennial favorites here is the restaurant’s unique ‘Khai Fuu Puu’ (ไข่ฟูปู), a thick omelette laden in the interior with plenty of crab meat (Baht 85), which is great when garnished with the Thai Sri Racha hot sauce.

Thick omelette laden with crab meat, Krua Apsorn, Bangkok.

Another recommended favorite at Krua Apsorn is the whole deep-fried sea bass, topped with a special aromatic garlic chili sauce featuring chunks of garlic, fish sauce, and fresh green and red chilies (ปลากระพงทอดราดน้ำปลาพริกสด, Baht 300-350).

Whole deep-fried sea bass in fresh chili, garlic, and fish sauce.

Moreover, my meal wouldn’t be complete here without my perennial favorite, the ‘Nua Puu Pad Pong Kari’ (เนื้อปูผัดผงกะหรี่, Baht 350), or chunks of soft, tender crab meat stir-fried with scallions and eggs in a rich, aromatic yellow curry sauce.

Crab meat stir-fried in rich, aromatic curry sauce.

For dessert, a must-try at Krua Apsorn is the restaurant’s homemade coconut ice cream (ไอศกรีมมะพร้าวหอม, Baht 25), which is made from authentic, refreshingly sweet coconut juice with strips of soft, tender coconut meat.  A cool, refreshing way to end a spicy Thai meal!

Refreshing coconut ice cream at Krua Apsorn, Bangkok.

The dishes mentioned above are only a few of the restaurant’s long list of recommended traditional Thai food on offer, many of which are great but are quite difficult to translate into English such as the ‘Storr Pad Goong’ (สะตอผัดกุ้ง), which consists of pods from a unique southern Thai vegetable stir-fried with prawns in a spicy sauce.  Krua Apsorn also offers ‘Aharn Jan Diew’ (อาหารจานเดียว), or single dishes for those who drop in to dine alone.  Extensive choices in respect to stir-fries, curry-based dishes, and soups are offered as well.  Below is a preview of the tasty options available.

Some recommended menu items at Krua Apsorn, Bangkok.

Should you be interested in dining at Krua Apsorn, the restaurant has three branches to choose from:

(1) Sam Sem Road, near Wasukri River Pier, Bangkok. (ถนนสามเสน ไกล้ท่าวาสุกรี)
Tel: 02-668-8788, 02-241-8528

(2) Din Sor Road, near the City Hall, Bangkok. (ถนนดินสอ ไกล้ศาลาว่าการ กทม.)
Tel: 02-685-4531, 080-550-0310

(3) Sanam Bin Nam Road, Nonthaburi. (ถนนสนามบินน้ำ นนทบุรี)
Tel: 02-967-1733, 02-967-1734

My favorite dishes at Krua Apsorn, Bangkok. And don't forget the whole deep fried sea bass in chili sauce, and the coconut ice cream!

Happy Thai dining, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok.

The week-long Swiss Food Festival features lunch and dinner buffets prepared by Executive Chef Anexander Bez from Sheraton Davos Hotel Waldhuus and Executive Sous Chef Michael Ritz from Arabella Sheraton Seehof Davos, with a wide variety of delightful Swiss appetizers, hot entries, and desserts.  An extensive array of delicious Swiss specialties are offered throughout the week, and the dishes featured in this blog are merely a preview.

Swiss buffet at Taste Restaurant, Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Upon entering the buffer, these luscious oven-baked specialties immediately captivated my attention, which consisted of such hearty favorites as: the baked pasta with potatoes and cheese, baked potatoes with cured ham and cheese, baked polenta, and cheese fondue.

Oven-baked Swiss specialties in the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

My scrumptious favorite was the oven-roasted potatoes with cured ham and four cheese, which went along great with all the meat-based hot entries.

Oven-baked potatoes with cured ham and four cheese.

I was very pleased by the creamy chicken and mountain ham cordon bleu, a very rich and hearty treat that went along perfectly with my oven-baked polenta or roast potatoes with ham and cheese.

Chicken and mountain ham cordon blue at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

A terrific gourmet creation which I really loved was the aromatic herbed sausages with saffron rissotto and caramelized onion gravy.  The succulent meat sausage was infused with savory herbs, and combined superbly with the saffron risotto and onion gravy. In fact, I came back twice for this hearty, delightful treat!

Herbed sausages with saffron risotto and caramelized onion gravy at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

I was also delighted rich, mild flavor of this Swiss-inspired creamy pork stew whose unique name I forgot, but not the savory taste!

Swiss inspired creamy pork stew, a mild, savory dish at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

For me, any Swiss buffet would probably be incomplete without the luscious, ubiquitous cheese fondue with focaccia croutons which you definitely can’t miss. I loved it and went back for more and more!

Cheese fondue at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

The lunch buffet also featured an extensive array Swiss-inspired appetizers, which went away pretty quickly.

Swiss appetizers at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Below is the cheese station featuring some rich, tempting selections, whose sight makes me hungry whenever I look at it!

Cheese station at the Swiss Food Festival buffet, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Another highlight of the lunch buffet was the wide variety of delectable desserts on offer, such as this station of petite gourmet sweets.

A station featuring petite desserts, at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

I was delighted by the ice cream station below, whereby diners have a choice of adding multiple sweet condiments (dried fruits, chocolates, brownies, etc.) and sauces (chocolate, blueberry, caramel syrups) to the ice cream mix.

Ice cream station at the buffet, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

My recommended choice is the aromatic rum and raisin ice cream which is infused with tidbits of dried fruits.  The ice cream was awesome with the chocolate brownies added in, then topped with a sprinkling of chocolate syrup!

Rum and rasin ice cream with brownies and chocolate syrup at the buffet, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Still another dessert station offers several delectable creations such as the savory apple/cherry/raisin strudels, the decadent New York chocolate cake, and the delightful pumpkin pie.

Delectable desserts at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Here’s a close-up view of my perennial favorite, the savory apple/cherry/raisin strudels.  The crisp, buttery crust with light icing was a perfect combination with the aromatically sweet and sour fruity fillings.

The apple/cherry/raisin strudels at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Another delightful sweet was the decadent New York chocolate cake, which would have been a perfect combination with my ice cream mix!

Decadent New York chocolate cake at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit.

The rich, creamy blueberry cheesecake is also a must try.  I plan to have more of it when I return!

Blueberry cheese cake at the Swiss Food Festival buffet, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit.

And finally the delightful pumpkin pie, an all-time vintage favorite which I haven’t seen very often here in Bangkok.

The pumpkin pie at the Swiss Food Festival buffet, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

The Swiss Food Festival is held from June 3 to 12 at the Taste Restaurant, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, as per the following prices:

Lunch Buffet: Baht 990 net per person
Dinner Buffet: Baht 1,295 net per person

Please call the hotel at 02-207-8000 for reservations or further details.

For additional contact information please visit the following website:

http://www.westingrandesukhumvit.com/taste

Mascot at the Swiss Food Festival, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangok.

Hope you enjoy all these Swiss specialties and delicacies while the festival still lasts! Live it, love it!

Happy dining and travelling, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Lat (Ratasit C.)

Fortune telling gemstones and crystals at the Fortune Telling Fair held by the Thai Red Cross Society, at the Siam Paragon Shopping Complex.

If you’ve been in Thailand for an extended period, then it becomes apparent how passionate Thai society is in respect to the thrills and science of fortune telling, as was evident by the huge public response garnered by the recent charitable Fortune Telling Fair, which was organized by the Thai Red Cross Society at the Siam Paragon shopping complex.

The Fortune Telling Fair of the Thai Red Cross Society, at Siam Paragon.

The recent Fortune Telling Fair at Siam Paragon, which was organized by the Thai Red Cross Society, saw a steady stream of people entering to have their fortunes read by numerous famous Thai seers, whereby all proceeds (Baht 400 per reading) were donated to charities associated with the Thai Red Cross Society.

People registering and entering the Fortune Telling Fair held by the Thai Red Cross Society, at Siam Paragon.

The fair featured numerous famous Thai fortune tellers who employed such diverse techniques as Thai/Chinese/Burmese astrologies, tarot card readings, ancient Egyptian gemstone readings, ancient Rune alphabet readings, tree/plant leaf readings, hand readings, ‘uranium’ readings, psychic readings, crystal readings, ‘feng shui’ readings, and much more!

A scene at the Fortune Telling Fair held by the Thai Red Cross Society at Siam Paragon.

As an enthusiast in the science and techniques of fortune telling myself, I decided to attend the fair, and had my current situation read by 4 famous Thai seers using 4 different techniques of fortune telling, all of which were very interesting!

Myself (right) with a gemstone reader/specialist (left), in a book signing at the Fortune Telling Fair, Siam Paragon.

I began with a tarot card reading, whereby the person being read resets the deck of cards for 3 times, and then draws 1 to 2 cards using the left hand, one at a time, in respect to each attribute being analyzed.  In essence, a question is asked, and then 1-2 cards are drawn, one by one, in response to the question.  The fortune teller then does the interpretation/reading pursuant to the cards that were drawn.  The following is a short excerpt from my readings: This is a rejuvenating period in my life, and a time of transformation, for the better.  As a mindful, patient and rational person, I should also trust my intuition as I proceed.

A sample selection of tarot cards, at the Fortune Telling Fair, Siam Paragon.

The second reading that I received was the ancient Egyptian gemstone reading, whereby I had to draw 1-2 pieces of gemstones (from a bagful) in respect to each attribute being analyzed.  Each gemstone symbolizes an answer to a question being asked or an attribute being analyzed, and is interpreted accordingly by the fortune teller.  The following is a short excerpt from my readings: Green is my favorite color, and success is in store once I clear up my mind on what I really want and set my goals straight.  I also should try my hands in some creative, independent endeavors.

Egyptian Gemstones at the Fortune Telling Fair, Siam Paragon.

The third reading I went through was the ancient Scandinavian Rune alphabet reading, whereby I had to draw 1-2 stones (each inscribed with a Rune alphabet), one by one, in respect to each attribute or question being analyzed.  The Rune alphabets drawn are then interpreted accordingly by the fortune teller.  The following is a short excerpt from my readings: I have great creativity, and harbor a strong sense of independence.  I’m a quick thinker, who can provide great advices to people around me. This is a time of transformation in my life, and I ought to trust my sense of intuition as I proceed.

Ancient Rune alphabets at the Fortune Telling Fair, Siam Paragon.

The fourth and final reading I received was the tree/plant leaf reading.  In this reading, the client gives his/her birthdate and name in Thai alphabets.  In addition, the client is supposed to bring a leaf from his/her garden or can choose a leaf from among those already available on the table.  The fortune teller then does a detailed reading in respect to various attributes based upon key features seen on the chosen leaf, as well as calculations based upon the person’s name (in Thai alphabets) and birthdate.  Please note that this methodology entails a detailed analysis of key features evident on the chosen leaf, such as the length, shape, spots, rims, and curvature.  The following is a short excerpt from my readings: I love learning new things, and will be doing lots of travelling in relation to my job and endeavors.  It’s advisable for me to make good use of my creativity, language skills, and guiding skills.

Leafs I brought for my leaf reading, at the Fortune Telling Fair, Siam Paragon.

I found all of the above readings to be surprisingly accurate in many respects, given my circumstances.  Even more striking was the fact that there are several overlapping similarities among my readings across all of the four techniques mentioned above, which definitely can’t be ignored.  To me, this goes a long way in demonstrating how our internal states and energies impact our current conditions, which can then be interpreted using multiple techniques.  But alas, what all 4 seers agree was that the current readings are merely a reflection our current state, and all this is subject to change for the better (or worse) depending upon our state of mind, our conduct, the deeds we do, the karma we amass, as well as the decisions we make.  Therefore, the best advice is to always think positive, be mindful, be compassionate, and do what is right and morally good.

Another scene at the Fortune Telling Fair, held by the Thai Red Cross Society at Siam Paragon.

As the Buddha once taught over 2 millenniums ago, the purpose of life is to live mindfully/compassionately, and to do what is good.  With positive thoughts, our lives will always shine with brightness, regardless of our past or current ‘fortunes’.

Happy adventure and travelling, wherever you are in Thailand, and around the world!

Best wishes,

Lat (Ratasit C.)