Friends is part of the tourist-friendly ecosystem that has popped up around the Asia Hotel, composed of massage shops, tailors and souvenir stores. We can’t blame the locals for not supporting B280 tom yam kung, but it’s always a bit sad that nicer Thai restaurants have to target overseas visitors to survive. Not that Friends is hip or luxurious by any means, but its newish décor, wide dining room, and hefty wooden tables are a fitting and pleasant backdrop for a menu of classic Thai curries and stir-fries. And while the food is nothing out of the ordinary, the slightly high prices are compensated by the fact that they’re net and that portions are huge. You could do worse, for example, than a big bowl of red curry loaded with scores of fish balls (B200). It doesn’t taste particularly special or homemade but it is served with a small plate of deep-fried chunks of snakehead fish—a neat touch. A tad more impressive are the shrimps in tamarind sauce (B250); real tamarind flavors, five big shrimps, generous heaps of fried shallots and fresh coriander—too bad the shrimps are overcooked. As are the plump New Zealand mussels (B250), which end up rubbery and bland, only barely saved by the chopped lemongrass and spicy seafood sauce heaped on each one. One dish we can heartily recommend is the deep fried pork coated in toasted ground rice (B150), an addictive mix of very tender pork with a crispy exterior. Note that you may have to ask for nam pla prik (fish sauce with chili) as spice levels have been toned down for foreign guests; not that catering to tourists has been a winning strategy for Friends, given how deserted the dining room was on our last visit. At least you get the waiters all to yourself, allowing for diligent service. This place could be one to keep on your list if you really can’t get a seat next door, at the ever-popular Sushi Masa. The generous portions and space also make it a good pick for a large group of friends. Corkage B200.
