Things to eat around Grand Palace Bangkok
About Grand Palace
Grand Palace Thailand was established in 1782 at the order of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. It served not only as his residence but also site of administrative office. However, by 1925, the Royal Family and the government made their move to other residences. It is now used for royal ceremonies, state functions and obviously, as a tourist attraction.Source: Wikipedia and Grand Palace official website
Tips!
Do look out for special dates/events. You can check the schedules on their official website beforehand. I was there on 5 Dec and it was the day the locals were celebrating their late King’s (Rama IX) birthday anniversary. The whole area was packed with Thais, dressed in yellow*.It was so crowded that I missed the entrance to the Grand Palace. I walked right passed it without even realising. I ended up circling the perimeter of the Grand Palace… almost twice. FYI one full loop is almost 2km.
Was just a bit confused (still am...) as it was stated in the website that the Grand Palace was closed for the day but somewhat, somehow, I managed to make my way in, for FREE. It usually cost 500 baht for foreigners to enter.
*I later learned that yellow was the birth colour of the late King (Rama IX).
Another thing to look out for would be dress code. Unless you’d like to end up purchasing additional fabric/clothes to cover up, no sleeveless shirt nor shorts are allowed. This applies to both ladies and gents.
Food Trail
I’ve managed to carve out a list of food places, close enough to the Grand Palace. Disclaimer, I had the list but I didn’t manage to visit them all. Some were closed by the time I get to the stalls, specifically the 5th and 6th. So do be wary of your timing.
(1) Khun Daeng's Vietnamese Noodle
GPS coordinates:13.762384, 100.493768
Taste: 4 out of 5
To be honest, this place was purely a coincidence. I was famished and just needed a place for lunch. Walked past it, saw a crowd and decided to give it a go. The shop name was in Thai and I obviously had no idea they were serving Vietnamese Noodle.Taste: 4 out of 5
The soup was rather starchy, not in a bad way. Soft bone sausages were definitely something. Peppery with a subtle crunch.
I reckon there were some local twist to the dishes but of course, who am I to comment. I’m neither Thai nor Viet.
(2) Home Cafe Tha Tien
GPS coordinates: 13.745987, 100.491253Taste: 1 out of 5
Rating seems high enough in TripAdvisor, so why not? I ordered a Pad Thai but barely finished it. Only had a few mouth and was quite disappointed.
Not worth visiting for the food, simply based on that 1 dish I’ve tried. Did not even take a photo. It was that bad. I suspect the only reason it had gotten high reviews on TripAdvisors was its' close proximity to the Grand Palace.
(3) Pattonga Cafe
GPS coordinates: 13.761469, 100.499503Taste: 3 out of 5
This place serves fried Chinese doughnut 油条 with a twist. You can opt for the savoury option, to have it with roasted chilli paste and shredded pork floss. Or if you like it sweet, you can opt for the classic style, drizzle it with condensed milk.
Anything with condensed milk is to die for, at least for me.
There were some other items on the menu that looked rather interesting but it's always a bummer when my stomach has limited capacity.
(4) KimSia
GPS coordinates: 13.759186, 100.498988
Taste: 2 out of 5
I found this place through Time Out and thought I should give it a try. It took a great deal of effort trying to locate the stall especially because I couldn't find the panel that says "KimSia". I mean if anything, it'd be in Thai and I would't even be able to read it.
Tucked in the alleyway usually means it's authentic. Hence, it'll be yums? Not quite. Personally thought it was just mediocre. Like any other fishball noodles soup really.
Taste: NA
Similarly, I found this place from Time Out. However, by the time I got there, they were already closed. I suppose the opening hours listed in Time Out was accurate after all.
But then again, who am I kidding?! I was already so full by then.
Taste: NA
Another one sourced through Time Out. This I thought... maybe 1 stick of meat balls, I should be able to still ingest this. I'm not sure if I should be relieved but same story, they were already closed by the time I got there.
Perhaps if you guys've got the chance, check out Kauy Tiew Lord Song Kraung and Thongchai Meat Ball for me, would ya?
Taste: 2 out of 5
I found this place through Time Out and thought I should give it a try. It took a great deal of effort trying to locate the stall especially because I couldn't find the panel that says "KimSia". I mean if anything, it'd be in Thai and I would't even be able to read it.
Tucked in the alleyway usually means it's authentic. Hence, it'll be yums? Not quite. Personally thought it was just mediocre. Like any other fishball noodles soup really.
(5) Kauy Tiew Lord Song Kraung
GPS coordinates: 13.761227, 100.498392Taste: NA
Similarly, I found this place from Time Out. However, by the time I got there, they were already closed. I suppose the opening hours listed in Time Out was accurate after all.
But then again, who am I kidding?! I was already so full by then.
(6) Thongchai Meat Ball
GPS coordinates: 13.760088, 100.498902Taste: NA
Another one sourced through Time Out. This I thought... maybe 1 stick of meat balls, I should be able to still ingest this. I'm not sure if I should be relieved but same story, they were already closed by the time I got there.
Perhaps if you guys've got the chance, check out Kauy Tiew Lord Song Kraung and Thongchai Meat Ball for me, would ya?
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