Blue Elephant, Bangkok
I owe a happy week and the start of my Thai cooking passion to this restaurant in an impressive historic building, its excellent cuisine and its inspiring chef, Khun Nooror Somany Steppe
Michelin-recommended Thai restaurant with a great cooking school
When I couldn’t leave the country in late November 2008 because Bangkok’s airports were occupied, I looked for a good cooking school to make the most of the wait. At first, I thought of the famous Oriental Hotel, but then Thai friends pointed me to the
Blue Elephant Restaurant
What a stroke of luck! For a week, I tried to get a glimpse into Thai cuisine, learn about the quality of the ingredients, and finally try my hand at cooking under professional supervision. It was an adventure whose effects are still felt today—as friends who enjoy my cooking can confirm.
Blue Elephant Cooking School
All the things you learn
T&K Seafood!
I love this restaurant!
Many years ago, when Bangkok wasn’t so overrun, I asked friends at "Bourbon Street", the capital’s best American bar and restaurant, where I could get really good seafood. Their answer: T&K Seafood in Chinatown. I’ll never forget that evening at the little corner restaurant with its packed grill. The food was fantastic and the prices were reasonable. These days it’s packed with tourists. It’s hard to get a table, so booking by phone is recommended (+66 2 223 4519)! I recommend reserving a table downstairs! Even if it’s a tight squeeze, the food makes up for everything!
Opening hours, specialties and directions
The seafood restaurant is open 7 days a week from around 4 pm. I recommend coming around 6 pm, when everyone is still relaxed and the queue isn’t too long ;)
Address:
51-469 Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong,
Getting there: A taxi is certainly the easiest option. But since you can easily get caught in traffic, especially in the early evening, I prefer to take the MRT (Blue Line towards Tha Phra) to Hua Lamphong Station and then take a taxi or motorcycle taxi from there.
Specialties: I love all kinds of shrimp and king prawns here. The Tom Yum Goong is sensational. The steamed fish in lime sauce is a dream! Just work your way through the menu!
Bourbon Street Restaurant Bangkok
Bourbon Street is a true institution. For many years, it has been hailed as the city’s best American bar and restaurant—an “American expats’ watering hole.” I love this place and really feel at home here! Many members of the US community meet here after work. Few tourists find their way here. Bourbon Street serves absolutely authentic, heavenly Cajun food from Louisiana.
Something special every day
Of the weekly specials, Tuesday evening is especially popular: the fantastic Mexican buffet. It’s worth making a reservation.
Events – the year’s real highlights
Bourbon Streets has some great events for American expats. It all kicks off every February with the Super Bowl. You’ll have to get up early for it (because of the time difference). Doors open at 5:30 am!! An unforgettable experience every year!
And then, at the end of November, Thanksgiving. With a wonderful turkey and all the trimmings!
Between March and May, Bourbon Street also hosts a fantastic charity golf tournament for
the friends of the Mercy Center
run by Fr. Joe, who has spent decades caring for the slum children of Klong Toey. Over the years, Doug Harrison has raised an incredible amount of money for this good cause. And the Mercy Centre deserves every baht of support! I consider Fr. Joe a good friend. He’s one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met!