Bang For Your Buck in Bustling Bangkok

 

Cheap Eats Alert! We can't talk about Bangkok, without 📢 proclaiming our love for Terminal 21, high-end mall at Asok BTS station, namely their super affordable and delicious food court on the 5th floor Pier 21. 

After sweltering in the heat and humidity (one of the hottest days reached 41C 🥵) commuting from one region to another, we decided to stay put in Bangkok and escape daily into the AC relief malls. First off, the shopping centre is impressive- the concept is like arriving in an airport, each floor is themed with a destination- Tokyo second floor, Istanbul next, San Francisco on the 5th, and the artistic displays and store fronts express this. 

Pier 21 known for its street-food-style dishes sold at incredibly low prices 😍. Many meals cost as little as 30-50 baht (Cdn$1-3) — a fraction of what you’d pay at nearby restaurants. No inflated tourist prices! Unlike food courts in other high-end malls, Terminal 21 is Bangkok’s best-value dining spot. And the quality is excellent, the variety is incredible! 

Pier 21 lunch and dinner over a few days (top left clockwise): 

1. Khao soi curry noodles with dim sum buns and siu mai

2. Choice of three and rice- bamboo shoots, stir fried pork, veg vermicelli and egg add-on

3. Seafood noodles and gravy, papaya salad with fried chicken 

4. Fish maw soup with pork blood and quail egg

5. Rice with meat and veg mix

6. Crispy oyster omelet

7. Pad Thai with shrimps

8. Wontons and crab noodle soup

9. Shaved Ice dessert with 5 mix- my fave 😍 

The vision behind Pier 21's affordability was that of Anant Asavabhokin, the businessman for Land & Houses, one of Thailand’s leading real estate companies. Anant wanted Terminal 21 to be a place where everyone- students, office workers and low-budget travellers can enjoy a good meal at a fair price. The mall charges food vendors low rents, allowing them to keep prices low while maintaining quality. This approach aligns with the founder’s belief that a shopping mall should be more than just a place for high-end spending — it should also serve the community by offering accessible dining options. 💓 it ... Aye aye to that 🤗! 

Back a week, and missing the cafe culture, affordable eats and the electric Asia vibes! Thailand, we will see you again Khap Kun Ka 🇹🇭💕🙏 But...

Next sharing about vibrant and exciting Hong Kong as our initial two day stopover and 1 overnight return to wrap up our travels, and boy do I have lots to show and tell!