Suea Non Kin

Fortunately, its hidden location is not an issue for Suea Non Kin, where strong flavors are served with little fuss. Though nestled in a labyrinth subsoi of Sukhumvit Soi 31, this two-story house is fiercely beloved and often fully booked. Show up without a reservation and you might end up (like us on our previous two visits), sitting at a tiny table in front of the house, accompanied by a flock of fake ducks. The décor sees an eclectic mix of comfy vintage sofas, low-rise tables and decorative bric-a-brac. Living up to its moniker, there’s even a giant, orange tiger sculpture crouching in Suea Non Kin’s (literally “Tiger Sleep Eat”) garden. The atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed as young entrepreneurs and creative types unwind over potent cocktails (try Tiger Down). Once seated, the friendly and attentive staff bring you a complimentary basket of biscuits while you peruse a menu mostly made up of pub grub, wich just cries out to be washed down with alcohol. A small selection of western dishes is on offer, but we say skip the deep-fried, cheesy mashed potatoes and pesto salad and opt instead for the fiery Thai dishes. Start things off lightly with crispy kiew pla Tha Chalorm (deep-fried fish wontons) or the no-frills yet yummy stir-fried cabbage with fish sauce. The crowd-pleasing khai jiew kak moo is a tad oily, but the fluffy omelet is chock-full of crackling pork, which adds a crunchy texture. If you can take the heat, then the spicy and sour tom phu kong (with pickled cabbage and fall-of-the-bone pork ribs) and the yam horapha nuea krob (beef salad with sweet basil leaves) burst with flavors. We also like the tender grilled rib eye, served with super saap jaew dip. To accompany the toothsome grilled squid, the kitchen whips up its signature thua tad sauce—a delicious blend of traditional spicy and sour seafood sauce and crushed caramelized peanuts. While the food is not earth-shattering, the prices are surprisingly affordable considering you are in the heart of Sukhumvit. Besides, it’s easy to have a pleasant evening in a restaurant with a lively no-attitude vibe and full of people enjoying themselves. Corkage B300.