New Srifa 33
The latest incarnation of this fourth generation mom-and-pop kao tom shop is now conveniently located by the houses of ill-repute you may or may not be stumbling out of on Sukhumvit 33. With its air-conditioned, uncluttered premises and enormous tables, there’s plenty of room and cool air for your sweaty posse to unwind without stumbling over things. The picture menu also eliminates the inconvenience of trying to read in your sorry state. The delicious and greasy hoy jor poo (deep-fried crab dumplings with plum sauce) will satisfy your munchies and maybe even sober you up enough to drive, though for that we recommend the big plate (B250). While you’re waiting, go for their quick and fulfilling muu pad namlieb (fried pork with salted olives, B80) and the ever-dependable pla neung manao (steamed fish with lime sauce, B100). The ingredients are fresh, and the dishes consistently good, so no bad surprises when you’re feeling cranky. All in all, this is a late night gem.
• 12/19 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-258-2649. Open daily 5pm-4am. www.newsrifa33.com
55 Pochana
You may remember this place from our story, “100 Things to Eat Before You Die” (BK#211, Jan 25, 2008). It’s really that good! So before you hit the concrete from hard-partying, get a few plates of yam and Thai-Chinese goodness in at this noctural nook. Located on the corner of Soi Thonglor and Sukhumvit Road, it’s easy to find in the dark, which (let’s face it) is a pretty important criterion. Whether you sit on the sidewalk or in their air-conditioned dining room, you’ll be among your own kind (and by that we mean Sepia, the indie band that named a song after this humble haven for hellraisers). Open every day from 7pm-4am, this place’s clientele is comprised mainly of those washed up from Thonglor/Ekamai clubs. Seafood is the not-so-secret-ingredient in their super spicy basics: cockles, oysters, clams, prawns. They have it all.
• Sukhumvit Soi 55, BTS Thonglor, 02-391-2021. Open daily 7pm-4am.
Souvlaki Greek Grill
If Silom is your district of debauchery, Souvlaki offers a welcome change from Burger King. It’s a little fast-foodish on the first floor and a full-blown taverna upstairs. We recommend upstairs because the white-washed walls are easy on the burning red eyes, and the folk songs soothe the techno-throbbing head. The menu accomodates a range of appetites and budgets. You can opt for a no-frills, respectable souvlaki sandwich (B55-95, depending on the meat) stuffed with grilled vegetables and tzatziki sauce, or more elaborate Greek classics, like moussaka (layered minced meat casserole with bechamel sauce, B350) and lamb meatballs (B300). The pork gyro is fatty and beautifully char-grilled. Also great are the mezedes (appetizers) and accompanying dips and sauces, if you’re looking for something less heavy.
• Soi 4, Silom Road, 02-632-9967-8. BTS Sala Daeng. Open Mon-Sat 11am-2am.
Marina HK
Take shelter in this Hong Kong style tea house when even the late night joints have thrown you out, and you’re down to your last few satang. Eighty percent of the menu is under B100, and ninety-eight percent under B200. The menu is glorious, like a sunrise after staying up all night, ranging from congee (B38) to bbq pork ribs (B88 for medium) and roast duck (B128 for small). But if what you’re really craving is some Isaan grub, and Marina HK is the only place open for miles, skip to the end of the menu for some pleasant, Northeastern surprises. It isn’t earth-shattering, but the prices, menu and opening hours more than make up for it. After pigging out till the wee hours at this rare 24-hour spot, you might even be able to spend the night there. But that’s just a theory.
• 21/1-6, Siam Square Soi 1, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-1968. BTS Siam. Open daily 24 hrs.
Greenhouse
Fear not! Sukhumvit also has its own 24-hour option. It’s located at The Landmark Bangkok, so try to hold it together for two seconds and look respectable for the security guards. Your reward is a wonderland of Asian noodle dishes, and the best bowl of velvety congee (B150) the bleary-eyed world has yet to witness. The patongko (deep-fried dough, B65) is the other great draw, giving the experience a crack-of-dawn breakfast feel. Usually packed late into the night, this is a great spot to bask in the camaraderie of late night revelers freaking out over delicious food. Proximity to the BTS can be a huge plus if you are still eating come 5:45am.
• The Landmark, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404 ext. 1405. BTS Nana. Open daily 24 hrs.
