If you’re curious about Thai food but not really sure where to start, then Ban Khun Mae would be an excellent choice. Ban Khun Mae is right in the heart of trendy Siam Square, but the restaurant isn’t trendy at all.
Located in a traditional Thai house, the restaurant serves consistently good Thai food in cozy, homey surroundings. The restaurant is particularly popular among tourists, but don’t let that scare you away, because Ban Khun Mae is most definitely one of those places, that you’ll keep coming back to and that you’ll love to show your friends.
You’ll find all the classics in the menu plus a little more. The food is spicy enough to leave no doubt that it’s authentic Thai food, but no so spicy that it will set the un-adapted taste buds on fire. The restaurant is usually busy, but not to the point where a reservation is needed. Even if there’s a line, it usually moves rather fast.
• The tum yum kung (hot and sour soup), the fried rice and the glass noodle salad with seafood are all dishes, which Ban Khun Mae makes to perfection.
• When I was there, there was a live performance by an artist playing a khim, which is a traditional Thai instrument with brass strings.
• Most dishes are around 150-200 THB. Portion sizes are decent, but you’ll probably need 2 dishes for a full meal.
Ban Khun Mae, Siam Square, Bangkok
Belga is a Belgian rooftop bar and brasserie located on the 32nd floor at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit. It’s a great place for beer and moules frites, combining a fairly causal …
Rung Rueang has been my favorite noodle shop ever since my first visit more than 10 years ago. It was my friend Annie, who told me about Rung Rueang, when …
On my last visit to Bangkok, I had such a great time I decided to extend my stay for a couple of days. I had been staying at Shangri-La during …
Benchakitti Forest Park is one of my new favorite places in Bangkok. The park is right in the middle of the city, but it is so nice and peaceful it …
When I walked out from my haul at Donki Mall, I noticed this neon lit pawn shop across the street. Now if you’ve been to Beauty & Essex in New …
Bangkok is a great shopping destination, and almost everything is cheaper than back home, that is, if home is Europe or the US. Just steer clear of international brands and …
Octave is the rooftop bar at Marriott Hotel in the chic Thonglor area. The bar is very popular among Bangkok’s expats, and if you’re not there right when they open …
Afternoon Tea at the Authors’ Lounge at Mandarin Oriental is one of the things you have to try, if you are visiting Bangkok. Leave your backpack and flipflops at home …
I arrived in Bangkok rather late, and before I got to the city and checked in at the hotel, it was way past dinner time. My hotel was on a …
Somboon Seafood is a very popular seafood restaurant chain in Bangkok. The original restaurant opened back in 1969, and their signature fried curry crab has turned into legend.
I flew with Thai Airways to Bangkok and it was a very nice flight. It’s been many years since my last Thai Airways flight, so I had almost forgotten how …
The first time I met Badminton was by the pool, where he was giving complimentary head and neck massages to the hotel guests. Banyan Tree has all sorts of complimentary …
