A Journey of Food in the Capital’s Old Quarter There are no other cities in the world quite like Bangkok, also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, which translates to the City of Angels. To fully explore this urban melting pot of history, culture, and cuisine, one has to be adventurous, and this is exactly what 49 international delegates did on a recent Thailand MICE FAM trip. Within a matter of few hours, they were able to soak in the city’s leading landmarks and savour famous local menus while navigating the city’s many meandering streets.
The experience included a walking tour around Bangkok’s Old Quarter to discover the world-class cuisine, thanks to Bangkok’s scrumptious variety of street food. The first stop was Sae Pun, one of the 133 Bib Gourmand restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide Thailand. The place offers traditional chicken stew on rice, cooked authentically using a family recipe that has been passed on through generations. The delightful list continues to the Phraeng Nara neighbourhood to visit stalls selling pork meatballs and steamed garlic chive dumplings locally known as ‘Gui Chai’.
Traditional Thai tacos or ‘Khanom Bueng’ in Phraeng Nara are also a highlight. Originating from recipes from the Royal Thai Palace, Khanom Bueng offers both unique sweet and savoury fillings. Other delicacies include ‘Khanom Khai Hong’ - Thai-style doughnut balls that resembles swan eggs, the world-famous ‘Pad Thai’ dish from two renowned shops in the area, and not to forget the mouth-watering mango and sticky rice dessert from K. Panit, a Bib Gourmand store established in 1932.
The delegates refreshed themselves with iced tamarind sodas and coffee mojitos during a visit to the Craftsman Roastery, a 127-year-old European-style building. This building was once the site where the Royal Gazette was printed and has since been transformed into a heritage café, welcoming visitors not only for quality drinks, but for a glimpse of history. The wander around Old Town concluded at the riverside Sala Rattanakosin Restaurant that serves authentic Thai fare with a stunning view of the Temple of Dawn on the Chao Phraya River.
As Thai cuisine is such a huge part of the country’s identity, it was fitting to pair a day out exploring Bangkok’s Old Quarter that has its neighbourhoods imprinted with history. The next time you plan a meeting or an incentive trip to Thailand, why not add a walking tour into your programme, where delegates can embark on a culinary journey to discover the local Thai food legends and learn their stories in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand.
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