Another reason I chose to stay in Thonglor is that it’s a hub for Bangkok’s Japanese community. Japanese food is my go-to when I want a change, and this was certainly the case after a couple of weeks of eating northern Thai and Laotian food which are very similar. There are many other Japanese eateries in the neighbourhood but I think these are some of the best…
Here’s my map.
Nirai Kanai (Intermediate A), 138/1ซอยทองหล่อ11 ถนนสุขุมวิท55 แขวงคลองตันเหนือ Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana
This attractive semi-outdoor restaurant (the name means ‘Heaven of Happiness’) is the local branch of a Tokyo chain selling Okinawan food, the distinctive cuisine of the southern islands of Japan. I’d had my first experience of it the year before in Ginza, during a holiday in Tokyo (post here), and really enjoyed it.
In particular I wanted to eat Umibudo again, a seaweed that looks like bunches of tiny grapes.
I had this with a selection of sashimi.
In Tokyo I hadn’t been keen on the draught version of Orion but the canned version of this Okinawan beer is okay.
I tried several kinds of Awamori (a rice distallate like shōchū) in Tokyo but wasn’t in the mood this time. Here’s a handy chart to help you choose one though.
A lovely spot, wish I could go again.
Kushikatsu Daruma (Intermediate B), 205 ซอย ทองหล่อ 9 Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana
This is the Bangkok branch of an Osakan chain that specialises in traditional kushikatsu (deep-fried golden oysters, tuna, prawns and vegetables in a breadcrumb batter).
I had a couple of Kushikatsu but went for more healthy choices as well like the Edamame steamed soya beans, cold tofu, assorted pickles, fried capelin fish, grilled skate wings and some Ikayaki octopus balls.
So nothing fancy, just good, simple Japanese food. I can’t get it in my home town so I make the most of it when I can.
Ramen Ajisai (Elementary B+) 125/1 ซอย สุขุมวิท 55 Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, www.facebook.com
A Japanese noodle shop selling tonkotsu ramen, my favourite, on the next block from where I was staying. I had their extra thick soya sauce tonkotsu twice and still wanted to go back again (B+).
You’ll need some gyoza pork dumplings and a cold beer to go with it.
And that was the end of my holiday in Bangkok! Time to head up north…