I am very sad to have to write this review as I have in the past had quite a number of fun evenings and delicious meals at this restaurant. Alas, today all that positivity was taken away from me due to the shear arrogance, indifference, and downright contempt demonstrated by the staff. I wanted to take three of my Thai colleagues out for a Somtam lunch to say Thank you for some great work they have done. I arrived with confidence as I know the food is good and it is a nice place. We sat down at 11.40 at our pre-booked table and ordered a number of dishes....... After 5 minutes - Drinks arrive After 10 minutes - Sticky Rice arrives After 35 minutes - Somtam arrives and one of the other dishes (a soup) that we ordered After 50 minutes - No sign of the Chicken Wings or Beef despite asking several times and being effectively given the cold shoulder I spoke to the person who seemed to be the Manager and as I was talking he just took a phone call and basically blanked me. I waited patiently until he finished the call and then he just ignored me again! We then canceled the dishes so had a wholly unsatisfactory meal consisting of less than half the dishes we ordered. We could not stay longer as we had to return to the office as we had already been away for over 1 hour. So we paid, received absolutely no apology or even the slightest flicker of concern about treating customers in this way. THIS IS NOT PROFESSIONAL AND IT'S NOT ETHICAL.
I will not go back; which is frustrating as the food is actually really good.
I know mistakes happen and this place is busy but a "sorry about that", or a "please accept a discount as we messed up" would have been fine. A great shame that myself and my colleagues had a disappointing lunch but more so that in the "land of smiles" where service is normally exemplary: we experienced nothing more than an absolute disregard for human decency...
Read moreA Local Gem Worth the Buzz (and Maybe a Short Wait!) Madam Somtum lives up to its reputation as a true local favorite, and after tasting their authentic Thai cuisine, it's easy to see why. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially during weekday lunch hours when the crowds attest to its popularity. While the portions might lean towards the smaller side, the flavors are anything but. Each dish bursts with that genuine Thai taste we all crave – fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious. And they certainly don't skimp on speed; the service is impressively quick, making it a great option even if you're on a tight schedule. The ambiance is enhanced by the soothing strains of classical Thai music, creating a pleasant backdrop as you enjoy your meal. With seating available on three floors, they manage to accommodate quite a few diners. For those looking for an authentic spicy kick, the "medium" level with 3 chillies offers a satisfying warmth that most adults will find enjoyable. However, if you're spice-shy, don't hesitate to request the 1-chilli "mild" option – they're happy to adjust to your preference. Convenience is another big plus. Madam Somtum is incredibly easy to reach, located just a short 3-minute stroll from the Ploenchit BTS station. In short: If you're looking for a truly authentic Thai culinary experience favored by locals, Madam Somtum is a must-try. Just be prepared for the lunchtime buzz and embrace the smaller portions as a chance to sample more of their fantastic dishes. Highly...
Read moreAlthough the menu board is in Thai and you are supposed to order by filling out a slip of paper, they also have an English menu. I ordered som tam Luang Prabang style, which I had never tried until today. To me it seemed similar to traditional som tam Thai, without peanuts, and with papaya shaved into thin strip rather than strings. You can add 4 shrimp for an extra 40 thb. Portion size was average, good for one person but not enough to share. Prices are good for this style of sit down restaurant. Total bill for salad with shrimp, plus sticky rice and a bottle of soda water was 160 thb. I knocked off one star on this review for staff performance. They weren't rude or unfriendly, they just seemed oddly uncomfortable with my...
Read more