This is my personal opinion, of course. After spending 1200thb trying various items, I have concluded that, for food at least, this place is neither worth the time nor the expense. The place itself is pleasant enough though: nice warm lights, upbeat music, plethora of stalls (although many sell similar items).
Tl;dr There's only 1 shop, I think, that sells beers. But boy, what a selection! You can eat someplace else, but swing for an exotic import beer. Or local. Whatever.
I should have guessed it when the greeters all called out to me in Mandarin. Or that the "locals" who ate there didn't speak Thai. Or that the ones manning the stalls looked like they were still in school. Maybe I was on vacation and was consciously reminding myself to try new experiences.
But the food, good grief, the food tastes like it's been cooked by a collection of people who have been given a job out of pity rather than for their talent. The place isn't cheap, but the food tasted like everyone can't wait to quit this underpaid job, go home, and doomscroll TikTok.
The most expensive non-seafood item, the ribs, were tender and the meat slid off the bone. However, despite the sauce, the ribs tasted like it's been in the freezer for a month. It was passable, and fingers-crossed, the rest of the food I ordered would surprise me yet.
The kebabs (from the same stall) were slightly better, but avoid the beef, unless you want to taste the bitter years of hard bovine labour before the cow was turned, unceremoniously, into that tough leather jerky in your cardboard tray. In comparison, the pork and chicken kebab tasted better, although I wasn't sure because the benchmark set was that low a bar.
Another stall nearby sold some kind of stir-fried baby octopus (that they call squid). It wasn't half bad because the sauce itself was nice. The half that was horrible was that the baby octopi were probably cooked en masse when there was still daylight, and then the whole gang was dumped on the tray to wait patiently, goodness knows how long, until some tourist or drunk comes along and buys it. After all the farang wouldn't know any better and the drunk couldn't taste any better.
And then, from the same stall, the fried battered prawns - which looked deceivingly scrumptious, until the first bite. The prawn was unshelled when battered, the meat was flavourless, and horror of horrors, the texture was mushy. Every morsel of joy from the 9 Circles of Hell was condensed into that one bite. You can tell: the now-shelled prawn doesn't even resist as your teeth sinks into the swampy mire that was once a succulent lifeform.
Onward still, another stall that displayed those curious alien-like octopus tentacle on a skewer. I bought them thinking they would be a delicious joke to tease the wife with. Unfortunately, the joke's on me because now I had to finish them or else I'd have wasted money. To be fair, it was a lot more tender than the overcooked baby octopi, but underneath the thin tangy sauce, I could still taste the murkiness of the water in the pail it spent the last hours of its existence in.
Am I being dramatic? Possibly. But after spending 1200thb, I feel a burning desire to warn myself never to come back here. Except maybe for a beer. The beer guy was...
Read moreJodd Fair Bangkok is a vibrant and popular night market in the heart of the city. Located near Ratchada, it has quickly gained popularity as a place to explore local street food, shopping, and entertainment. Here’s a review of the market: Food: Jodd Fair is known for its wide array of delicious street food. From Thai classics like pad thai, som tam (papaya salad), and grilled meats to more modern options such as bubble tea and international snacks, there’s something for every taste. The market is perfect for food lovers, with fresh, flavorful options at affordable prices. Shopping: Aside from food, Jodd Fair offers a variety of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. You’ll find trendy fashion items, local handicrafts, and unique pieces that reflect Bangkok’s vibrant street culture. It’s a great spot to pick up affordable clothing or souvenirs while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Atmosphere: The market has a lively and bustling vibe, especially in the evening when it gets crowded. With colorful neon lights, music, and the aroma of street food filling the air, it offers an energetic and fun atmosphere. It’s a great place to hang out with friends or family, enjoy the entertainment, and experience the local culture. Cleanliness and Layout: The market is generally clean and well-maintained, with wide walkways that make it easy to navigate through the stalls. The layout is organized, making it convenient to explore different sections of the market. Value for Money: As with most night markets in Bangkok, the prices are reasonable and offer great value for the food and items you get. The market is perfect for anyone looking for a casual, affordable outing. Location: Jodd Fair is located in a central area of Bangkok, making it accessible for both locals and tourists. Its location near major shopping malls and public transportation adds to its convenience. Entertainment: The market often has live performances or events, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the experience. It’s a fun place to stroll, listen to music, and enjoy some street performances while you shop and eat.
Summary: Jodd Fair is a fantastic night market in Bangkok offering a great mix of street food, shopping, and entertainment in a lively atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a casual, affordable evening out with a taste of local culture. Whether you’re there for food, fashion, or just to wander, it’s definitely worth checking out if...
Read moreOn the evening of August 25th, 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Jodd Fairs, a lively night market located in the heart of Bangkok’s Rama 9 district.
This market is a newer incarnation of the famous Ratchada Train Market, which relocated here after the original site closed down.
Jodd Fairs boasts over 600 stalls, making it a paradise for food lovers and shoppers alike.
One of the most intriguing stalls I encountered was the insect snack booth, offering a variety of crispy critters that are surprisingly popular with both locals and tourists.
Another unique and somewhat daring food experience is the stall where you can try swallowing live squid—a trend that’s been gaining a lot of attention on TikTok.
The market also features a wide array of other food options, from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the sheer variety of stalls, has quickly made Jodd Fairs a must-visit destination in Bangkok.Originally launched in November 2022, Jodd Fairs has become a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
Its clean and well-organized layout, along with its convenient location just a short walk from the Rama 9 MRT station, adds to its appeal.
The mix of food, fashion, and unique stalls like the insect snacks and live squid has turned this market into a bustling hub of activity every evening.
Overall, Jodd Fairs offers a fantastic night market experience with plenty to see, eat, and buy. Whether you’re hunting for unique street food or looking to shop for trendy clothes and accessories, this...
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