Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! It’s Daniel, and today I’ve got a spicy tale from the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. I’m in the lively Ploenchit area, and we’re about to dive into a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant called Thai Niyom. This isn’t your typical street food joint; it’s more of a mid-range restaurant serving up some seriously epic dishes. If you’re wondering where all the great Thai flavors have gone as they’ve moved off the streets over time, Thai Niyom is the answer.
Getting There: I hopped on the BTS (Bangkok’s Skytrain), and Thai Niyom was just a stone’s throw away. Ploenchit is mostly known for its towering office buildings, but it’s also where Cartoon works, and he recommended this gem of a restaurant.
The Restaurant: Thai Niyom, tucked into a nondescript strip mall, is our destination. It’s got a cozy vibe, especially during lunch hours when locals flood in. On weekends, it can get touristy, but for an authentic experience, weekdays are the way to go.
The Feast: Cartoon and I decided to go all in. We ordered a variety of dishes that showcased the incredible diversity of Thai cuisine.
- Northern Thai Salad: A warm salad from Chiang Mai featuring organ meats like intestines, liver, and spleen. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an adventure for your taste buds.
- Southern Thai Stir-fry: This dish pairs eggs with local leaves, reminiscent of spinach but with a unique texture. It’s stir-fried with garlic, and the flavor is exceptional.
- Spicy Squid: A fiery dish with fermented shrimp paste, bird’s eye chilies, and kaffir lime. If you’re looking for a challenge, this one’s for you.
- Pork Belly Phad Phrik Khing: Crispy pork belly stir-fried in a Thai chili paste. The combination of sweetness, spiciness, and the crunch of beans is divine.
The Experience: As the dishes arrived, we couldn’t help but notice the insane amount of chilies used in some of them. Cartoon, my partner in spice, handled it better than I did. The squid dish was particularly fiery, with fermented shrimp paste delivering a unique funk.
The pork belly dish was a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, with the beans providing a satisfying crunch. We even cooled down with some Thai Long Beans when things got too hot.
The Verdict: Thai Niyom is a fantastic restaurant, scoring around 8-9 out of 10 in our books. It fits into the Bib Gourmand category, offering top-notch local cuisine without breaking the bank. If you’re in Bangkok, this place is a must-visit, but be sure to make a reservation because it gets crowded, especially during weekdays.
Worth It? Michelin restaurants in Bangkok are worth the experience if you’re a foodie or looking for a special culinary treat. Here’s why:
- Exceptional Quality: Michelin restaurants are known for their high culinary standards. The food, service, and ambiance in these establishments are often top-notch.
- Unique Dining Experiences: Michelin-starred restaurants often offer unique and innovative dishes you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a chance to taste creative and expertly crafted cuisine.
- Local Flavors with a Twist: In cities like Bangkok, Michelin-starred restaurants often excel at putting a modern twist on traditional and local dishes, offering a fresh take on Thai cuisine.
- Impeccable Service: Service in Michelin restaurants is known for being attentive and knowledgeable. You can expect a high level of hospitality throughout your meal.
- Memorable Ambiance: Many Michelin restaurants pay great attention to their interior design and atmosphere, providing a memorable dining experience.
- Culinary Adventure: Visiting a Michelin restaurant is like embarking on a culinary adventure. It’s a chance to try dishes you might not have considered and to broaden your palate.
However, it’s important to note that dining at Michelin restaurants can be pricey compared to local eateries. It’s an investment in a unique dining experience, so consider your budget and dining priorities when deciding if it’s worth it for you. If you’re a food lover looking for an extraordinary meal, Michelin restaurants in Bangkok can be a fantastic choice.
Conclusion: So, there you have it, our spicy adventure at Thai Niyom Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant in Bangkok. If you’re a foodie with a passion for authentic Thai flavors, this place should be on your list. And if you’re brave enough, try the squid dish – it’s a rollercoaster of spice and funk!
Thanks for joining me on this culinary journey. Until next time, keep exploring and savoring the world’s diverse cuisines!