Silom Supermarket — Attraction in Los Angeles

Probably I would've stepped inside here eventually anyway, but I came here several days ago because Bangkok Market on Melrose Ave closed in mid November 2019, and I wanted to check out the other nearby Thai markets, to look for some things and the type of things I used to find at Bangkok Market. I had been going to Bangkok Market often since the 1980s. So my review is mostly about comparing Silom market to Bangkok Market. Bangkok Market had a bright, welcoming great atmosphere, so here's my impression of Silom market from when I first stepped into it: the lighting was rather dim yellow light, the place looked like a large room in a warehouse, and the back of the store has a large entrance/exit to an interior parking, which, because it's covered from the sun, looks like the entrance to an underground parking, giving Silom market an underground cave feel. Which is very different from Bangkok Market. I didn't like that cave - like feel. Some might like it. Now, the place seems to be well-stocked with many Thai products. They have fresh fish and meat, more meat probably than Bangkok Market had, but Bangkok probably had more types of fish. They have a produce section, but not as much produce as Bangkok Market had. There were some juices I would find at Bangkok Market that I didn't find here, and there are some brands of juices that I didn't find here. I didn't find any Mangosteen juice, one example (Bangkok Market had Mangosteen juice, and from a Thailand brand, a very good juice). They had Basil Seed juice, but while Bangkok had the Thai brand Foco, imported from/product of Thailand, Silom market had only a brand of Basil Seed juice imported from/product of Taiwan (not sure which one is better). And I know how to search through different aisles in these stores, they don't put all the juices in one place; some are kept cold, some are in a different aisle, some are sold in large bundles at the other end of the store. So didn't find some juices I wanted to find. I miss Bangkok Market even more now. I was also disappointed by Bangluck Market. These markets on Hollywood Blvd are also not close to me. So now I'll mostly go to the Philipino market Tambuli on Vermont Ave near Melrose Ave, I like that place more than Silom or Bangluck and it's closer and I find some of the things I want there. But Bangkok Market was the...

At first, this store can seem overwhelming, especially if you are not accustomed to Thai cuisine or brands. But if you are familiar, then this place is heaven sent.

There is a meat section that carries cuts of pork, chicken and beef, alongside a fairly extensive seafood selection. Salmon, shrimp, tilapia, catfish. Decently priced, not sure if they are farm-raised or caught wild.

Their beauty aisle holds soaps, cosmetics, shampoos and hair accessories. Tons of hair dye colors. All sorts of herbal remedies and a huge selection of teas - both bagged, instant and loose leaf. I got a pound of dried rosella flower for $6.99.

Towards the back left is the fresh produce. Bok choy, brussle sprouts and Thai coconuts are readily stock. There is a small section for beer and sake. And a pretty large selection of ready made drinks with fun selections such as basil seed tea.

Favorite part about this store is all the homemade food. Hainan chicken with rice and sauce can be found right next to the checkout station for $8. You can find fresh coconut milk pudding with jelly for $4 near the produce. Lots of fried bananas, dried bananas, and bananas in general.

Parking is free for 40 minutes with at least a $5 minimum. Lot is located behind the store. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted with a $10 minimum.

If you have the time, go check out the Ganesh statue to the left of the store outside. Beautifully decorated, made me feel like I was in Bangkok...

Most of the products are imported from Thailand, so If you need authentic Thai ingredients this is the place to go. I was interested in the cultural experience of visiting this supermarket. I wanted to make a Buddha bowl and I was looking for different varieties of rice or unique genuine ingredients that would make for an interesting recipe. This supermarket has many different kinds of rice; red rice, brown rice, Jasmine rice, etc., but what I liked the most is that you can buy a small package of rice and try different varieties without over purchasing. In general, the supermarket experience can be overwhelming for a novice, if you don't know what you want or have a recipe in mind. If you are new to Thai cuisine, I would recommend that you look for a recipe so that you don't feel lost in wonderland....wondering what is what. I went with a friend from Thailand and that helped me navigate the supermarket. Overall, it's just fun to explore different cultures so if you want to keep it simple, just get their premade...