A true Bangkokian would have already been to Central Embassy by now (and studied the fancy control panel of its toilets). For a mall that houses Chanel, Gucci and Hermes, it may come as a surprise that it does offer a food court, albeit a slicker-than-average one with Eathai. Featuring four zones, Street Food is dedicated to selected stalls, Krua 4 Pak offers regional food from outlets of well-known restaurants, Talad Eathai has snacks, cooking ingredients, spa and souvenir products, and Issaya Cooking Studio doubles as a cooking school and the kitchen of Issaya-Patisserie, which is on the fifth level. Like FoodLoft, you’ll be handed a ticket to be used within the 5,000-sqm area of Eathai and charged on your way out. Unlike your standard food court where you eat inches away from others, Krua 4 Pak offers a spacious and airy feel, thanks to the large windows and high ceiling. It is divided into four zones, according to Thai culinary regions. Each zone is nicely decorated to reflect each region. You can sit underneath big umbrellas at the northern zone, for instance. The crowd we saw during our visit was mostly Thais.
Eathai
Thai
Central Embassy, LG/F, 1031 Phloenchit Road 10am-10pm 02-119-7777
THE MENU
Representing the north is Khun Mor’s Cuisine. Khan-tok (B380) set for two is like a compilation album with mostly hits and a filler or two. Gaeng hang lay is definitely the star with pork that almost melts in your mouth and an aromatic broth. The northern sausage explodes with herbal fragrances and juiciness. The chicken wings are crisp and tasty but are a tad too pink in the middle. Khao soi nua (B180) offers Australian beef sirloin that is pleasingly chewy. The yellow noodle soaks up the aromatic curry that is slightly too sweet. Go south at Baan Ice where Kua kling with minced pork rib (B180) offers some crunch and heat. Not all southern-style dishes are tear-inducingly spicy and Stir-fried sato beans with glass noodle, pickled garlic and shrimp (B230) is an example. The noodle is well paired with bits of egg and beans that offer slight bitterness. Kai Yang Korat keeps its Isan dishes authentic. Tam si pak (B150) may look like the result of a som tam auntie putting the day’s leftovers in one mortar but it’s very flavourful (if you’re OK with pla ra). Besides the usual ingredients you’d find in som tam, there are also hi-so items i.e. mussels and prawns. Another exotic item (for Bangkokians) is Nam prik pla ra set (B100) from White Cafe, where veggies go well with the spicy-but-savoury chilli paste. However, we find the shop’s Khao pad nua kem (B160) a bit odd as the rice grains stick together.
INSIDER TIP
You may want to refresh your palate after the strong flavours of the meal at tea vendor Alardin Cha Chuck in the Street Food zone. Watching the tea-maker twirl without spilling any liquid on anyone is worth your money and a show in itself.
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
There are props worth taking a snapshot of, such as a colourful soda drink vendor, hawker’s baskets and a shop on wheels. Don’t drink the soda from the jars, though. They are just for show.
VALUE & VERDICT
While there are also other interesting eateries on the third, fourth and fifth floors of Central Embassy, Eathai is still a good option when you want affordable eats after shelling out for a Prada bag, or better yet, a casual meal where you and friends can share dishes from different regions of Thailand. Just be careful not to get any drops of pla ra on your designer bag. G
