A Hidden Gem Worth Returning To – Kao Piak Sen, Bangkok
I rarely visit the same restaurant twice while traveling, but Kao Piak Sen completely earned a back-to-back visit. This charming spot offers a seamless blend of soulful home cooking and thoughtful, elevated presentation.
On my first visit, I indulged in the dessert with waffle, ice cream, and coconut — a rich, satisfying treat that perfectly balanced sweetness and texture. It was the kind of dessert you dream about long after the plate is cleared.
The next day, I returned with a friend, and our shared meal confirmed that this place is the real deal. We ordered the Vietnamese fried spring rolls, savory crepes, grilled pork with lemongrass, and the minced pork with lemongrass. Each dish was seasoned with precision — bold yet balanced flavors that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations. The cooking has the warmth and depth of a grandmother’s kitchen, but it’s plated with a subtle elegance that speaks to refined taste, without any of the pretense.
Service was equally impressive: intuitive, kind, and unintrusive — the kind of hospitality that makes you feel welcomed and genuinely cared for.
Kao Piak Sen is a rare find in Bangkok: comforting, stylish, and deeply flavorful. I’ll be thinking about this meal for...
Read moreKhao Paek Sen at Amarin Gaysorn: A Lao-Vietnamese Feast in a Basket
If you’re craving a fresh, hands-on meal packed with herbs, textures, and bold flavors, Khao Paek Sen delivers just that. Nestled in the stylish Amarin Gaysorn complex, this cozy spot brings Lao-Vietnamese comfort food to central Bangkok.
The DIY platter is the star, featuring tender Vietnamese-style pork sausage, delicate rice noodles topped with crushed peanuts, crisp raw veggies, and an abundant bouquet of fresh herbs. Accompanied by both a creamy, nutty dipping sauce and a punchy red chili sauce, every bite is customizable and full of contrast. There’s also thin rice paper tucked in for rolling your own fresh spring rolls.
The quality of the ingredients stands out. Herbs like coriander, dill, and mint are bright and generous. The prep is neat, and the presentation in a woven basket gives it a rustic charm that’s still very Instagram-friendly.
Service is efficient and friendly, and the restaurant’s vibe is relaxed, perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner with friends. It’s a great introduction to Lao-Viet flavors if you’re new, and a solid fix if you’re already a fan.
Don’t miss: the house-made dipping sauces and the fun of rolling...
Read moreA friend liked this place so we decided to try. Maybe our expectations were a little high, having tried quite a few vietnamese restaurants in BKK thus this one really fell short.
Decor wise the restaurant is pretty quaint and bright, but the booth cushion while comfortable, isn't cut right, ie it doesn't seem to match the size of the table, so you might be seating on where two cushions meet, which is uncomfortable.
Service staff took a while to give us the menus, and there were no smiles from the hostess. Two of our mains arrived before our spring rolls and the last main took a very long time. Service is relatively generous but I found the soup lukewarm, when I believe it should be piping hot. Taste wise, I found it sweet, and nothing spectacular TBH.
The moment we were done, the hostess immediately proceeded to clear our table quickly, even though there were empty tables around, and we were contemplating dessert. However, given this experience, we decided to go next door instead. Might probably be our first and last visit for now, at least until...
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