Late Night Munching
I love Bangkok at night. I like the dark, I like the empty streets. I read Stuart’s account of his early morning wandering and realized how much I miss all those things that he sees. Every other nights, I used to sneak downstairs after midnight and just drive off. I would go browse the night bazaar at Lumpini Garden, or drop by an chill at a friend’s internet cafe. But most often, I go get my stomach filled. It became a habit and Bangkok doesn’t quite discourage it with all the great food you can find after sunset.
Top of the list is chicken rice at Pratu Nam. This place is on Petchburi road, under the overhead bridge (the one closest to Central World Plaza). I’ll tell you, the chicken rice here is the best you can get! Soft & juicy chicken, flavourful rice, tasty sauce. But the best bit has to be the soup. I don’t know what they put in there, hopefully not pod, but it is just wonderful. Chicken rice is not a complicated dish, but when you make it right, it can be really really good. The place is clean too, which is not something you cab say about many other great food in the city.
It is always full from mid day to closing time (4am), and especially so at my favorite time around 2am. You can have great chicken rice in a place full of people on the way home from clubbing. My friends never said no to that. ;) If you see waitresses in pink uniform, you have come to the right place.
I’ve been to the place you’re referring to and have heard of it’s reputation but didn’t really think that particular dish was as good as other places I’ve eaten it.
I’ve got no defense, except perhaps that the dish there is just right for our sweet-overloaded tastebuds. Did your thai friend like it?
I’ve been to a few popular places in singapore only to be disappointed too. :P
I miss Cao Mun Gai (The chicken dish you have pictured). Reading your entry makes me miss Thailand so much.