Our first day in Bangkok was truly memorable, thanks to our gracious hosts, Chef Luke Farrell and Paricha. Chef Luke, an acclaimed British chef known for serving authentic Thai food in London, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for Thai cuisine. Paricha, a dedicated foodie with a keen eye for discovering hidden gems, used her local expertise to guide us on an adventure that promised a genuine taste of the city.
We began our journey at Wat Hom Kret in the Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom, a serene Buddhist temple that provided a peaceful backdrop to our first culinary stop. Just near the temple, we dove into the world of Boat Noodles, a beloved traditional Thai dish typically served in bowls from a boat.
The Tom Yum Muu Deng Noodle quickly became the star of the show. It was a delightful combination of noodles in a rich, flavorful broth, accompanied by an array of condiments and toppings like dried chili, garlic oil, dried shrimp, sprouts, pork skin, and bouncy meatballs. We also sampled several variations, including Sen Lek Haeng Tom Yum Muu Deng (dry noodles), Bahmi Nam Muu Deng (yellow noodles in soup), and Sen Yai Yentafo Muu Deng (wide rice noodles in pink sauce). Each dish offered a unique blend of flavors and textures, highlighting the diversity of Thai noodle soups.
Next, we made our way to the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a bustling area brimming with vibrant colors and lively vendors. While the market is a bit touristy, its charm lies in the floating boats overflowing with fresh produce, local crafts, and a variety of street food delights. The atmosphere was electric, and it was fascinating to watch vendors skillfully cooking and selling their goods directly from their boats or stalls at the riverbank.
At the market, we indulged in some classic Thai treats. We savored Khao Niew Mamuang, a delightful dessert made with glutinous sticky rice served alongside juicy ripe mangoes and rich coconut milk. We also enjoyed Kai Satay, chicken skewers marinated in a blend of curry powder, coconut milk, sugar, and salt, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy peanut sauce. Another highlight was Khanom Bueang, crispy, taco-like crepe shells filled with coconut cream and topped with either sweet egg yolk strands or shredded coconut—a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
After soaking in the vibrant energy of the floating market, we visited Wat Phet Samuth Woravihan in Samut Songkhram. This temple, known for its serene atmosphere and stunning architecture. After exploring the temple grounds, we sampled Khao Krieb Wow, a thin and crispy roasted snack made from sticky rice and sugar—a simple yet satisfying treat.
Our final stop of the day was the iconic Mae Klong Railway Market, renowned for its unique setup where vendors line the train tracks and swiftly retract their stalls when a train passes through. This lively market features a mix of local produce, seafood, and street food, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast. We concluded our day with a refreshing Thai Milk Tea, a sweet and creamy beverage made with tea decoction and condensed milk, perfect for cooling down after a day of exploring.
From floating market to railway market, our first day in Bangkok was filled with incredible flavors and unforgettable experiences, all thanks to our fantastic hosts and the vibrant culinary culture of this city.
