Samsen Villa - Phyathai — Restaurant in Phaya Thai Subdistrict

Mixed Feelings at a Once-Favorite Family Spot

I’ve been visiting this restaurant since I was a child. It used to be a place filled with good food and even better memories—a classic spot for family gatherings.

Over time, I stopped going regularly, but I’d occasionally return for nostalgic reasons. Unfortunately, things have changed.

A few years ago, I took my kids there after school around 5–6 PM without a reservation. It was busy, and while they did seat us, the owner—an older lady—made us feel like we were a burden. We were told, “That’s what you get for not booking,” (ไม่ได้จองมาก็ต้องไปนั่งตรงนั้นแหละ) and were placed at a poorly located table. It left a bad taste, but I tried to overlook it because I genuinely liked their frozen beer and the location is convenient for me.

Fast forward to tonight, July 16, 2025, around 9 PM. I went with my teenage son. A young, skinny male waiter, though not very fluent in Thai, had a great attitude and was extremely polite. That was a rare bright spot.

However, when I picked up the triangle menu stand on our table, the very sharp cracked plastic edge cut my finger badly enough to bleed. I initially brushed it off, but the pain worsened. I informed an older waitress, who seemed confused and quietly stashed the stand away. I told her it should be thrown away for safety, but nothing further was done.

Later, I noticed that several of these menu displays at other tables were also cracked and damaged—posing the same risk to other customers.

We ordered the Samsen Villa Authentic Fried Rice (ข้าวผัดสามเสนวิลล่าสูตรโบราณ), which in the menu photo featured prawns on top. When it arrived, it looked like sausage fried rice. We asked if there were prawns, and a senior-looking waitress (in a black suit and glasses) came over, pointed with her finger directly into the dish, and said, “Here they are.” I was stunned—pointing and touching food like that is completely unacceptable.

I mentioned my injury from the menu stand to her, hoping she’d take it seriously. Instead, she laughed.

To be fair, the food wasn’t terrible—just average compared to other options nearby. But the unprofessional behavior, lack of empathy, and safety oversight were enough to make me want to rush through the meal and leave.

Yes, their frozen beer is still a highlight. But a restaurant that claims legendary status can’t live on reputation alone. Service and care for customers matter, too—and sadly, this place no longer delivers on either.

And just so you know, as I’m writing this review, my cut still hurts.

I truly hope the management takes this feedback seriously—because no amount of nostalgia can make up for a place that makes its customers feel...

After an appointment my friends and I decided to come here for lunch because there was nothing around the hospital that we were at so we decided to come here. This is one of the top 10 authentic Thai restaurants in Bangkok so we thought why not let’s give it a try.!

There were five of us, so we ordered quite a few dishes, and they were all so good! 😊 I definitely have to come back for their frozen beer which they’re famous, for we didn’t get I had a meeting shortly after this lunch so I couldn’t go to my meeting inebriated.

We had a deep squid dish with a spicy sauce. It was a Michelin star, and there was also another one that was a Michelin star that was a curry with sea pond snail.🐌 I wasn’t aware that there were snails there, but anyway, they were quite chewy, but the flavor of this dish was so incredible. I can see why I was Michelin star. ⭐️

My favorite was the banana, flower salad, spicy salad. It was so good and rest of the dishes were really good the green curry with pork, Was really tasty. The minced pork balls were really tasty the morning glory with prawns. The rice, of course was part of the dishes and gosh there was so much that we had ordered. I don’t know, but it was very filling but very very tasty

Deserved. We had mango sticky rice. Of course it’s known this place but we also also tried durian in with sticky rice and it came warm in the milk which was quite different. I really do like the taste of Dorian if you can get past the smell..👃

Banana fritters with the cream was excellent. Also, the taro in the milk was light sweet so that was also very nice.!

Definitely highly recommend this place for its food. The service could be improved a bit, but they were quite busy at lunchtime, and I can see why they were many Thai’s This is a favor amongst the locals!

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Brought my family here for dinner and was thoroughly impressed. Even before entering the restaurant, the staff provided excellent care. Despite arriving during a rainstorm, the restaurant staff was helpful and attentive to customers.The interior atmosphere is decorated in traditional Central Thai style, creating warmth and a homely feeling. The Thai music from the 70s era playing in the background perfectly complements the atmosphere, making us feel relaxed and entertained.As for the food, I must admit it was delicious. The seasoning was perfectly balanced with authentic flavors that didn't disappoint. The staff service was excellent, paying attention to every detail.I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for great-tasting Thai food with a wonderful atmosphere and warm,...