Originally Posted by frappant

Took a trip out to Siam Paragon mall. Had read some travel blogs touting the ones in all the big malls.

It looked like a food court you'd see at many malls in the US. There were places whose names I didn't recognize and there was a section where the signage was only in Thai. But otherwise a bunch of international fast food and fast casual chains as well as some sit down places where people were waiting.

Prices were high too, about Western prices. Should have been the case but I recall reading one account where a young woman said she had a meal for about $4 and it was better than any Thai food she'd ever had in the US or Europe.

I walked around the whole basement level, didn't really see anything that I wanted to spend on. I know that there were places around my hotel which were nice sit-down places, clean, well-decorated and a couple of courses would be a fraction of the prices listed at this food court.

So maybe these travel bloggers are hyping things or maybe I missed something?

My favorite meal was this place near Wat Pho. I walked around 1 PM and places were full. Saw this one place which had maybe 6-10 people waiting. Windows were wide open and the menu was limited but you could see what people were eating. Was about a 20-minute wait and they brought you this little aluminum bowl of ice, for you do cool your forehead down. I didn't use it but thought it was quaint.

Food was good, well-reviewed on Google Maps, Pad Thai Kratong Thong, just across from the western side of Wat Pho.


Oh I would add that I didn't like the food halls in Singapore either. Those are raved about as well and I walked to one in Chinatown there and I saw few open tables and many were piled of uncleared bowls and dishes. I think it was a little too authentic for me. I guess I'm fine with the Americanized menus of Asian cuisines rather than the authentic stuff you see certain patrons get, using Chinese menus.