Krua Bang Ta Boon

Bang Ta Boon are located in western side of Thailand in Petchaburi. It takes about 3 hours driving from Bangkok. The origin of Ta boon came from local mangrove tree name which are abundance in the area. These area are also famous for salt farm and seafood which could be seen in the photos.

Bang Ta Boon are also famous for Bryde’s whale sightseeing which is an quiet interesting, crab industry and fireflies. Researching on these data makes me excited to revisit the place haha. Local business are ranges from seafood to making coal from Ta Boon trees which is famous for their long lasting heat coal.

First, I visit salt farm cafe which is a cafe next to a real salt farm. I would say luckily it is quite cloudy that day which makes salt field photography a more gray scale as I prefer. Since I visited on the weekend, there are lots of people in the cafe though and the cafe does not have any air-condition so make sure you prepare for that too.

Then I went for a lunch at Krua Bang Ta Boon. This place has been around for a long time and has been a popular destination for local and tourist alike. Their style are more on a casual though. There are a small market section in front of restaurant where they prepare seafood of consumption and delivery to other parts of Thailand.

Start with Som Tum Thai (Papaya Salad) for an appetizer. Well balanced sour, spicy and sweetness.

Here comes mute crab, shrimp and blue crab. It is just always a good time when you just have to dig in and get messy with seafood just to get those sweet sweet (not a typo lol) meat under those shell.

Mute crab might looks a bit lackluster at first. I would imagine tiny portion of meat similar to rice filed crab. However, this is just a smaller version of sea crab with their sweetness flavor. Plus they already broke down most of the shell and this just became on of my favorite menu around here.

A good quality blue crab is always one of the most popular menu to enjoy around here. Since there are seafood business around here which prepare and extract seafood for other areas, they had already broke down some part of the crab for our convenient. Just a touch of seafood sauce and you are good to go.

Spicy stir fried catfish is a good way to keep you appetite up. Mix with a rice to balance between spicy and sweetness.

Fried Sea Bass with fish sauce is one of most to go for menu in Thailand due to their portion and flavor. From my past experience, most of the places could provide you a decent quality one similar to this one.

Hoi Cho (dry fried crab meat balls) could be easily founded in sea side areas in Thailand. Originate from Chinese culture in Thailand. This one is alright but not impressive though.

Ended my meal with sweet and juicy shrimp topped with some spicy seafood sauce. I think Bang Ta Boon is an interesting tourist attraction with lots of places to discover and would be excited to revisit again just make sure to prepare enough heat protection too since it could be extremely hot around here

Unatoto

Nowadays Bangkok have been extremely hot which gave a clear sunny day vibe. One of tradition I remember in Japan is eating Unagi (鰻) in summer period since they believe Unagi improves health and heat resistance. Luckily Unatoto is located close by Bangkok in Sukhumvit 33/1 close to BTS Phrom Phong station.

This restaurant is a branch from Japan which serves affordable Unagi with a twist of Thai additional menu such as spicy Unagi Salad. Unadon and Unaju ranges from 1xx to 7xx THB as biggest Bikkuriju. The difference between Unadon (鰻丼) and Unaju (鰻重) could be observed as Unadon (鰻丼) are served in circular bowl when Unaju (鰻重) are served in rectangular box called jūbako (重箱).

They got me at “Unagi Tempura” >_<

Unagi Tempura [195 THB]

Unagi is a commonly found in Japanese restaurant. Unagi Tempura on the other hand is a rare sight since Tempura and Unagi Kabayaki techniques are considered as complicate cooking method in which each restaurant takes pride in their specialties. That is why I just had to try this one out when I got a chance.

Tempura are served crispy and light with a side of salt mixed with Sanshō (山椒) Sanshō is a deciduous aromatic spiny shrub or small tree of the citrus and rue family Rutaceae, native to Japan and Korea. Unagi provides a sweet and juicy texture inside combine with Tempura and little seasoning, I am quite satisfied with this menu.

Karaage Chicken [95 THB]

Resides on juicy yet not too crispy fried chicke with good seasoning. Would prefer more crispy one but that is just my preference.

Hitsuma Bushi L size [310 THB]

Hitsuma Bushi could be enjoyed by three different ways. First, plainly with rice and Unagi. Second, Mix with Negi and toppings and my favorite way by adding some soup making it similar to porridge.

Unagi are chopped into bite size pieces combined with clear soup makes an simple and relaxing meal. There is also a wasabi in case you would like to spice things up.

Finished my afternoon with beautifully decorated Latte art and petite size dessert from D’Ark cafe.

Krua Chum Sai

Recently I have been occupied with quarantine in Thailand which resulted in a lot less restaurant hopping. The bright side is that staying home gave me an peaceful opportunity to finish some unread books and hobby.

At the moment, Thailand are starting to recover from quarantine period and restaurant starting to reopen with new set of health regulations so I figured it is a good opportunity to support local restaurant and while doing what I love. For everyone struggling with the effect of this global phenomenal, I wish you, your family and all your good friends all the best and I sincerely believe we will emerge stronger than before.

Krua Chum Sai is a hidden gem of Thai traditional restaurant located in Soi Ratchakru near BTS Aree station. They also provide their own parking space. The restaurant has been opened for more than 30 years and the vibe is like a restaurant where your parents have reunion party with their high school friends.

Menu are mainly traditional Thai cuisine. Prices are ranges around 1xx-4xx THB which is reasonable for their quality and portion. What I like about this place is that they do some spicy food which located in tolerable level of tourist and still spicy enough for Thai taste.

Shrimp & Minced pork Thai style Omelet [180 THB]

Apparently this menu is their signature menu. The texture resides in fluffy yet not too oily side. Flavor wise quite balanced. Comparing to Omelet as a popular around Thai restaurant, this one could be classified as a simple yet impressive one.

Stink Bean/Pakria with Chili, shrimp and minced pork [250 THB]

This is the kind of love it or hate it one since Pakria gives a long-lasting smell to your breath after consumption so it is not an ideal menu for a special date. Some people love it and some people just keep avoiding it. Honestly, the stink bean is so light on this one, pretty good for someone trying out for this first time.

Shrimp paste Set with Fried Fish and Veggies – [220 THB]

Contrary to the previous menu, this shrimp paste are full of strong odor from fermented small shrimp. I did backed down on this menu.

Stir Fried Chili shrimp [250 THB]

Appearance could be super spicy and hot. However, the flavor resides on not too spicy and moderate salty flavor. Shrimp texture are also enjoyable.

Overall, I am quite excited I found this little gem. This place is a good fit for bringing seniors for a nostalgia experience still it is a good place to recommend to tourist for a spicy yet not too spicy experience.