Methavalai Sorndaeng, Bangkok

Just a short walk away from the backpackers hostels at Khao San Road and the City Hall building at Thanon Dinsor Road is this Bangkok institution.

This restaurant overlooks the roundabout at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road where the Democracy Monument stands.  In other words, to get to the restaurant, look for the Democracy Monument, then walk around the roundabout.  You should find the restaurant.  The restaurant has a white façade and is the prettiest thing surrounding the roundabout.

Though the décor is a tad old-fashioned, the restaurant offers a good alternative against the rowdiness (and sometimes cheapness and heavy tourist emphasis) of Khao San Road.  This restaurant seems clean, organised and is a good place to sit down for an adult meal.

The food is competently done and good value for money. I tried the appetiser Fried Yam (Taro) Dumplings (140 baht). This is a classic Chinese dish.  Very crispy on the outside, warm soft mashed yam (taro) on the inside.  There is nothing ground-breaking about the restaurant’s rendition of this dish, just classic, comforting food, which is good enough for me.

I also tried the Steamed Squid with Garlic, Chilli and Lime Juice.  Attention!!!  This dish is seriously hot, even for someone who likes spicy food like me.  I couldn’t finish it—it was just too hot.  Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised at the very generous amount of squid.  The squid was also fresh.  If it wasn’t so hot, I would have finished it, for I loved the lime juice.

A plate of white rice costs 30 baht. 

Remember to add 10% service charge and 7% tax to your bill.

78/2 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. +66 (0)2 224 3088. Open daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.