Hi - i've returned to the forum after a gap of some years and am thrilled that emdee is still posting his brilliant reviews. On out last trip to Bangkok some years ago emdee had told of a great restaurant strip, set amongst schools and houses a couple of stops from Saphan Taksin. We ventured down this area and had one of the best Thai meals ever. Now my question!! Where was it?? I didn't see any tourists around, and in fact at lunch time we were the only ones in the restaurant. The restaurant was fairly upmarket but not too pricey. i'm keen to go back to this area - if only I knew where it was... We head back in June. Emdee - I hope you know what I'm talking about. Cheers.

Hi Wenrobbo,

I'm scratching my head, but I'm guessing that you are probably referring to the following, which was originally posted on the old forum on June 3, 2004. If it is not this one, it could be a small soi that runs down to river that not many people know about and which contains some really good eateries, however, there are no schools or houses in that little soi, which makes me think that Pramuam Road is your answer.

By the way, it is not so secret any more as the last time I went down that road in the evening (about nine months ago), there were plenty of "farang" dining in the various establishments.

MY SECRET STREET
This is maybe not so much of a secret for locals and old Bangkok hands, however, for the tourists, or more particularly first timers, you won’t have heard of it, and it is not mentioned to the best of my knowledge in any tourism books on Bangkok.

Many refer to Silom Village or Convent Road as prime examples of places where good Thai can be experienced, and for the most part they are right. However, you will pay “tourist/farang” prices in these areas.

No, my tip is Pramuan Road which runs from Sathorn Tai to Suriwong Road in the Silom area.

Take the BTS on the Silom line and watch all the tourists alight at Sala Daeng for the Silom eateries, but you will stay on and alight at Surasak, which is two stations farther on. Take the exit on the right hand side and walk back towards Pramuan Road which is on the left some 200 metres or so from the station.

This road is favoured by the Thais, and features many elegant Thai restaurants, all of them priced lower than Silom Village/Convent Road.

There are so many eateries that to mention any would be an injustice to the unmentioned. This then is “my secret street”, and I promise that you will not be disappointed. You will eat some of the best Thai cuisine in the Kingdom and you won’t pay a king’s ransom for it either.

Just walk along Pramuan and also down the side Sois, look through the windows of the various restaurants and if the scene looks good, just poke your head inside the door and inquire about the availability of a table. The most popular eateries will be packed every night, so going to Pramuan early, rather than later is also a good tip.

Owing to the fact that this particular road is popular with the locals, the food will definitely be authentic in all ways, including the incendiary devices also known as bird’s eye chilli.

Just tell the waiters “Porn kin aharn pet mai dai, krup” which is Thai phonetic for I can’t eat hot food, and the food will be modified accordingly.

Stick to the beer as previously advised or G&T and you will be able to dine in this road of superb eateries more than once during your sojourn in Bangkok. But don’t spread the word too far, or it will end up like Silom Village!!

Emdee - you're a total gem! that's definitely it. I'm looking forward to trying it out again. Thank you!