A weekend in Bangkok

My much awaited Bangkok trip with hubby and relatives finally pushed through a week ago. It was a first for all of us, visiting Bangkok that is, and it has further strengthened my love for Thai cuisine.

My love affair with Thai dishes started when we offered Thai cuisine classes at my workplace a few years back. Chariya, our Thai - chef/teacher opened our eyes (and our palates)to the unique flavors of thai food. Featuring various tastes such as sweet, sour and spicy, Thai dishes will always have a soft spot in my taste buds and together with Spanish cuisine, these two remain to be my two most favorite cuisines of the world.

One of the rooms of our 2-bedroom suite in Grand Diamond Hotel

We were billeted at the Grand diamond hotel within the Pratunam area. We all agreed that it is the best area so far, what with all the malls surrounding us and the abundance of the street food right across our hotel. To me, It was love at first sight. It was as if I was sent to food heaven, presented with all the delicious and interesting food finds - my jaw literally dropped upon seeing the wide array of Thai dishes there for the taking, both savory and sweet. From 10 to 60 Baht (Php15 to 90)you can enjoy their offerings right there by the sidewalk or take with you wrapped in styro containers.

The sweetest coconut you will ever find is right at the heart of Bangkok!

Exactly what we did for 3 days over lunch and dinner, we bought almost everything we could find. My "Servesafe" hat forgotten, at least for the duration of our stay, I bravely tasted the grills, pahd thais, halo-halo, curries, sausages, drinks and other crisp-fried seafood and nuggets found in their food carts. Be ready with the fact that the food handlers use bare hands in preparing your food. In fact, I noticed that this is not only limited to food cart peddlers, but even in restaurants and hotel establishments as well.

Various viands: I couldn't help but notice how beautifully garnished these items are; not bad for street foods

Of course, Bangkok is not just about food, shopping is just as enticing. With malls all over the place, plus, with the thousands of stores found in their weekend market Chatuchak, one is sure to find everything and more. Donned in our most comfortable shopping outfit, we walked a few blocks towards the Skytrain Rachathewi station, and took a comfortable ride to Mo Chit station which costs 40Baht (about Php60).

Colorul Batik and Thai Silk dresses and costumes are abundant and readily entice the ladies in Chatuchak

Chatuchak reminded me of Divisoria Mall, with its stores the size of the stalls found in the Divi Mall and Mall 168, but are arranged in a one-level sprawling lay-out. While there, to haggle is very much encouraged. I couldn't help but notice that the prices were much too "touristy" (meaning, a bit pricey), given that we were all so aware of the prices of some of the familiar items back home. What struck me though would be more food finds and the "carinderia" experience within the premises, during the much needed break after all that shopping.

Javanese Iced Tea fancifully poured by an Indonesian along the Chatuchak main road

Phad thai in a Chatuchak carinderia

We didn't care much about the tours the city had to offer, but we did book ourselves a half day city tour which was enough to cover three of the city temples. We saw the reclining Buddha, the Marble temple and the Solid gold Buddha. We were amazed at how intricate the temples and shrines are, but what was more amazing is the number of tourists you see in each of these destinations. I was quite saddened by the fact that I know the Philippines also have a lot to offer and yet, I don't see this much visitors there are back home. Too bad.

Nevertheless, Bangkok is a must-see place for the foodie and shopping addict in us. Though our stay was short, it was pleasantly sweet (and busy) and also provides us a reason to go back for more. Soon.