Hong Sieng Kong — Restaurant in Talat Noi Subdistrict

Talad Noi (small market) has always been an artsy-fartsy place for not only tourist to visit, but also for curious locals alike. This area just south of Chinatown is well known for traders of second hand car parts. Often, you will find greasy engine parts, gears and everything that seemed to have been ripped out of Optimus Prime stockpiled high in front shophouses. This is a historical site of sorts packed with century-old buildings. Modernization had set in and comes in the form of trendy refurbishment done to the weathered torn structures. Several sophisticate eateries and cafes had sprung up along the fringes of Chao Phraya River, Hong Sieng Kong being one of them. Don’t be fooled by the shopfront coated in a vibrant dark blue that seemed small. On entering the aluminum framed doors, inside is a vastness of space adorned with heaps of antiquity. The compound stretches all the way to an open space shaded by trees beside the riverbank. There are corners here and there for one to explore. And in each section, both downstairs and up, a kaleidoscope of artifacts. There were quite several tourists here. They stumbled in while visiting the immediate surroundings which is widely known as a place for self-guided walking tour. Meals can be had here and so can alcoholic beverages. Many were seen here for just coffee and snacks like we were. And needless to say, everyone was snapping pictures left right and center. If you are coming by car, parking is in a secret spot next to a Chinese temple known as Chow Sue Kong Shrine. Driving through the narrow alleyways, one will never expect to find a parking lot here. They charged THB 30 per hour which was fair play. We also visited the temple. Do not worry if you are lost in tradition, the temple staffs were very friendly and walked us through exactly how many incense to burn, what deity to pray first and what to do next. It was a culturally enriching afternoon we spent...

An absolutely beautiful place to chill and relax for a sunset tea session. They have the free option of an indoor open seating, glass room seating, and my personal favourite, the riverside seating.

The riverside seating is an open space seating right in front of Chao Phraya River, where you could have a beautiful view of IconSiam which is diagonally across to the left. To the right, at the correct timing, you could enjoy a beautiful sunset with your love ones.

The architectural design of the establishment is kind of laid back and historical maybe? It is a place which instantly bring stress away from you and relaxes your mind, as you venture through the walkway. My wife and I stayed for 2 hours, but I wished it could have been longer.

There are alot of photo points and furnitures as backdrop, to make your trip Instagram worthy.

Getting here is abit of a hassle though, as the lane where the restaurant is tucked in, is very narrow for most vehicles. If you are lazy, coming by a tuktuk or motorbike is the best option as you could definitely alight right in front of the restaurant. For cars, you could still arrive here. But you will most probably have to alight in front of the temple and walk approximately 2 minutes to the restaurant. However, the overall experience at the restaurant will make your walk worthwhile.

There is also a live band station available, but I'm not exactly sure when there is performance.

Now, for the grand highlight that amazes me. The toilet. 😂😂 First time in my life after 39 years, did I ever came across a toilet which have an air conditioner affixed in it. So if the weather is hot, do consider going into the toilet?? 😜😜

Anyway, this place is not halal certified. But for Muslims foodie, you can still drop by for mock tails, soft drinks, bottled drinks, coffee, pie, tart, cake.

The service staffs are...

This used to be my fav place in Talad Noi but I‘m super disappointed with their new policy. I don’t think I will come back again anymore.

Over the past two years, I’ve been a regular here, often bringing my loved ones to enjoy the nice atmosphere and share good moments. But recently, it feels like this place has become overly commercialized.

A few days ago, I visited here with my friend and he wanted to take a seat inside cuz the day was super humid and hot. Once I got into the shop, the staff came to me and asked for an order so I asked back whether it has a table for 2 indoor. But the staff said she was not allowed to let me know the table situation.

I asked if I could simply check if there was an empty table inside, but she refused, saying no one is allowed inside without ordering first. I was honestly dumbfounded.

I explained again, politely “We’d like to sit inside, and before we order, we just want to know if a table is available. If there is, we’ll order. If not, we’ll go find another cafe.” But she kept repeating, “Sorry, you can’t go inside without ordering.”

At that point, I just left. I wasn’t even sure if she understood what I meant.

I fully understand your intention to prevent tourists from just taking photos without ordering. That’s totally reasonable. But you should be more thoughtful and considerate towards your actual customers.

Right at the entrance, there’s a big sign in four languages saying, “You are allowed to be here when you order 1 drink per person.” It never used to be like this.

I understand your policy, but you shouldn’t make loyal customers feel unwelcome.

I attached some pics I took here before. Bye bye my place.

it’s now more hectic, crowded, touristy, and unwelcoming than...