The Best Eats in Kuala Lumpur Are Served on Plastic Bowls and Metal Trays…
Being based in Bangkok, Thailand with so many countries and cities I can choose to visit frequently, here are some reasons why I chose Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia as the place I go time and time again.
Many murals are located all around KL…
Because Kuala Lumpur always has a special place in my heart. The history, the culture, and the food combined together create one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
Where else in the world can a guy like me with a big appetite get authentic Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and of course Malay cuisine in one location? And sure, inevitably foods will get crossed and the result is simply magic.
I haven’t been to the country of India yet. I haven’t even really had the chance to explore China yet either. Coming to Malaysia gives me a taste of both. The best of both worlds.
A good photographer friend and I came across this wedding at a Hindu temple…
Chinese, Malays and Indians generally get along living together and praying together not far from each other. And it all began in the 1800s when the tin mining industry boomed and hordes of workers were needed to work the mines and then some to sustain the booming population.
It is common to find Hindu Temples within short walking distance to Chinese Temples. Where ever there are devout worshippers there are hungry stomachs.
This Chinese temple is across the street from a Hindu temple near Jalan Petaling Street…
The Food – It’s What Pulls Me Back To Kuala Lumpur Every Year
I know this is going to sound really crazy. Okay maybe not. If you ask me why I travel to KL every year multiple times my answer is for the food.
It’s that simple. When I tell the local Malays that I love their food their eyes light up. Because they know firsthand what I’m talking about. Like a secret handshake into a secret club. They too share the sentiment, that the food of Malaysia is a national treasure.
Delicious options at a Nasi Kandar style restaurant in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur…
But there’s one particular food that I enjoy. And one style of restaurant that I enjoy very much serving what I love. And that’s Nasi Kandar.
Intro to Nasi Kandar
This style of restaurant has its origins from South India which is why you will find a heavy Indian influence which is what I like and enjoy so much. Curries are what I love so much! More about Nasi Kandar below.
These types of eateries remind me of the local pizzerias back in the old days of New York City. It’s where you go to grab some quick bites and chill with friends.
Nasi Kandars are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The young, the old, and everyone aged between can be seen sitting around, having their meals, and conversing with friends. Smoking in Nasi Kandars is allowed but because there are no windows and plenty of oscillating fans I’ve never been inundated with secondhand cigarette smoke.
Now if you want me to put a finger on what I like to eat the most at my favorite Nasi Kandar joint I’ll let you know. It’s something that I can’t get enough of and something I eat every single morning and dream about every night before I go to bed in KL.
Roti Canai and Chicken Curry
My breakfast in KL, every morning. The quintessential roti canai (2 pieces) with a bit of curry chicken and hot teh halia (hot ginger tea with milk)…
I pride myself on being a simple man with simple tastes with a huge appetite.
Sometimes I stay in KL for up to a full week. For my entire stay for breakfast, I eat roti canai, curry chicken, and hot ginger tea with milk. Even the waiter recognizes me. As soon as I park my ass on a chair all I have to say is “the usual please” and a nod from the waiter is the confirmation I needed to know that in a few minutes, something yummy is coming to fill my tummy.
Roti is a simple unleavened flatbread and a popular breakfast choice for the locals who typically eat it with lentil curry called dahl.
What’s the secret ingredient in Roti? It’s the copious amounts of ghee, an Indian clarified butter and lots of it is used to make roti. And I prefer my order of roti canai with delicious curry chicken.
The combination is amazing. The roti when freshly made is so soft, fluffy, and chewy at the same time. The ghee is the real key. Chicken for some protein and curry spice combined with the warm roti is a dream combination.
Been eating at this restaurant in Bukit Bintang since the first day I visited KL ages ago…
You can find roti canai and curry chicken all over Malaysia but I always go to Restoran Arraaziq located in the heart of Bukit Bintang for breakfast.
The Basics of Nasi Kandar Restaurants in Malaysia
Nasi Kandars are all over KL open 24 hours serving food and tea to the hungry masses…
Nasi Kandars are the greasy spoon dives where you’ll find construction and office workers eating together at any time of the day since they are open 24 hours.
Rice dishes at Nasi Kandars cost about 10RM to 15RM depending on how much food is on your plate. Rotis with curry chicken and a tea beverage will set you back about 10RM.
I’m going to safely assume that Nasi Kandars are cheaper as you head further out of central Kuala Lumpur
So as you can see, if you want cheap but oh so good eats go to a Nasi Kandar. The portions are generous and the price is very affordable. Like I mentioned already these restaurants are built for the working class.
Nasi means rice and Kandar means balance. Back in the day street hawkers used poles balanced on their shoulders with buckets of rice on one end and on the other end an assortment of meats and curry sauces. They served the local population of the time that helped build the city if not Malaysia.
Rice biryani with fried chicken, sautéed vegetables, and some curry sauce…
Dining at a Nasi Kandar might be intimidating at first. But down to its basic core, it is simply a fast food restaurant. There might not be menu boards with prices but most of the restaurants I’ve been to have menus with English.
Cleanliness could be a concern while dining at these greasy spoons. Most of the foods are cooked ahead of time and not heated throughout the day. Because of the Malaysian weather food won’t get too cold and stays room temp most of the day.
However, most Nasi Kandar restaurants have microwaves. I’ve eaten at a lot of Nasi Kandar restaurants all around the KL area and I’ve never been sick once.
Nasi Kandar restaurants are great for fast food 24 hours a day…
Never seen rodents or roaches at a Nasi Kandar. Oddly enough not even fly. I’m in KL mostly around August, November and February. I’m sure there are pests like most major cities around the world have but perhaps these restaurants are good at keeping them at bay.
But if cleanliness is your concern you can head over to Pavillion Mall’s food court in the basement level. Look for Food Republic. Food will cost more but it’s a clean place to enjoy this type of food.
I’ve never been sick eating at a Nasi Kandar but if you’re worried about the squirts, then try the food court at Pavillion Mall for a safer setting…
Ordering and Paying for Your Food at a Nasi Kandar
In essence when it comes to dining at Nasi Kandar, if you’re going for the rice dishes you either order it at counter where you pick what you want and a server scoops it up for you.
Or you scoop up your own food typically starting with the rice first. Confused? I thought so. But it’s not complicated. See the photo below.
If you see an open area like this at a Nasi Kandar this means self service…
If it’s an open area like the photo pictured above then you can go and scoop up your portions. Some places are self-serve. You can usually tell if the food area is open.
Notice the microwave in the top left corner. Make use of it if you’re scared of getting sick and squirting out from both ends while huddling on the floor in the fetal position of your hotel room.
Some waiters will gladly assist in case you don’t know what’s what. But usually, it’s chicken, beef, mutton, and fish on the bottom shelves. There’s no pork as these restaurants have Muslim roots. The servers will also help you chop up fried chicken for easy eating.
Vegetables are all on the top shelf. Just in case some strict vegetarian will complain that the meats are fouling the veggies. You all know who you are.
At Arraaziq rice dishes is not self service but they usually give a lot on a plate…
Once you get the hang of self serve you’ll be fine like you’re at a buffet. How much to scoop? That’s up to you but I can honestly tell you be generous to yourself because from what I see the locals seem to pile stuff on their plates like there’s no tomorrow.
It goes with out saying don’t be a jack ass and fill your plate with so much food you can’t finish. And it’s obvious the waiters will charge more per plate if they see you piling up a storm of food on your plate.
Once you sit down with your plate of food a server will ask if you want anything to drink. Sodas, teas, water, smoothies you name it they’ve got it. Once your drink is brought to you a waiter usually writes down the price of your food on a receipt and tucks it under your drink cup or plate.
Now there’s more foods served in Nasi Kandars then simply rice, curries and roti. They also have a mix of Malay and Chinese foods also that are cooked to order so you can order it from their menus.
Most Nasi Kandar restaurants give out handwritten checks. Some give out magnetized cards with the amount you owe. This is the bill for buttered naan, tandoori chicken, and hot ginger tea with milk…
You can eat with your hands like the locals mainly do. Or you can eat with the forks and spoons provided on the table. For the rice dishes and also the roti canai I use a fork and spoons. If you want to go semi-native, all Nasi Kandars have wash basins to clean your hands.
Nasi Kandars are great restaurants to indulge in naan and tandoori chicken. They serve buttered, garlic, cheese, and of course plain naan. And the tandoori chickens are heated right up to order.
Chewy buttered naan with tandoori style chicken…
Okay, so I could be considered one sick individual. I eat roti canai with chicken curry every morning. I like eating buttered naan with tandoori chicken just about every night. And don’t forget the hot ginger tea with milk to wash it all down.
Can you blame me? It’s so good. But so bad for my waistline.
The cost, 11.80RM for all 3 items or about $3US bucks. Here’s another dirty little secret. Although the portions are quite generous, if one night I am particularly hungry I’ll head to another Nasi Kandar just a short distance from this one and order another set of naan and tandoori chicken.
Just take your bill up to the cash register to pay, it’s as simple as that. No need to tip the servers…
So, pretty much all Nasi Kandar serve the same stuff but for myself, some tasty naan and tandoori chicken can be found at Restoran Mohamed Nazar Curry House in Bukit Bintang.
The Other Options…
And there are so many. I just touched on the tip of the iceberg of Malaysia’s food culture. But to keep this post short I recommend trying out Chilli Pan Mee which I wrote about here.
If you’re short on time and you don’t want to run around like a headless chicken in search of some good eats in Kuala Lumpur then might I suggest heading over to Lot 10 in Bukit Bintang.
The Lot 10 Malls Hutong Food Court is a must visit for all the best KL has to offer in one clean eating area…
I’ve eaten in some fancy restaurants in my lifetime. And I can tell you if I played the “Last Meal Game” I wouldn’t say it would be had at a fine wine and dine restaurant with expensive porcelain plates and silverware.
I would choose to have my last meal where the food is served on cheap plastic bowls and large prison issued aluminum trays.
Eating at a Nasi Kandar – To Sum it All Up
Nasi Kandar menu prices range from very cheap to cheap. Rice dishes cost about 10RM with a meat and vegetable side. The most I spend is about 15RM and I’m a big eater.
Because this is Malaysia English is spoken. Not all wait staff speak English but someone working inside will be able to communicate with you.
For Nasi (rice dishes) go choose your selection. Find an empty chair and sit.
Forks, spoons, and tissues are provided especially when they know you’re a tourist.
A waiter will come for a drink order. Once the drink is delivered to you a total will be written down and handed to you. If it’s a magnetic card your total is stored in the card. Don’t lose the handwritten bill or the card.
To pay, go straight for the cashier, you’ll usually see a sign or simply a cash register. It’s typically cash only.
There’s no need to tip at Nasi Kandar restaurants. Unless you really really want to.
A Popular 3 Star Hotel Along the River Kwai Kanchanaburi
This month my wife and I decided to head over to the province of Kanchanaburi for a week. One of Thailand’s most well known scenic and natural province. Kanchanaburi’s center is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes drive (143.7 kilometers) from Bangkok proper. Which qualifies it as good as anyplace in Thailand for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Big Mango.
Most of all we were looking forward to our stay at the (แคว ธารา ริเวอร์ไซด์ วิลลา) Kwai Tara Riverside Villas in the district of Sai Yok. We heard so much about it on various media outlets so we decided to go check it out for ourselves. The Kwai Tara is well known for it’s quiet serene location, right on the meandering Kwai Noi river or River Kwai.
Many hotels and guesthouses along the River Kwai, but we chose to check out the Kwai Tara Riverside Villa…
Even though I’ve been in Thailand for many years I’ve never really traveled around Kanchanaburi. Just through it and never stopped over to check out the area. And I am aware of it’s history and the area’s claim to fame or infamy, the Kanchanaburi Death Railway. Plus the bridge which was the basis of 1950’s action drama movie, “The Bridge over Kwai”.
During this trip I’ve booked two other hotels in Kanchanaburi to do a comparison. And I can confidently say Kwai Tara Riverside Villas is the best hotel in the district of Sai Yok, or at least amongst the three we’ve stayed in.
On the Road to Kwai Tara Riverside Villa
Lots of road construction along the highways leading to Kwai Tara Riverside Villas…
These days it’s just so much easier finding your destination with google maps. We went during the weekday and didn’t expect a lot of traffic. But some areas were still congested due to road construction as of writing. By the time you’re reading this I’m guessing most of the major road constructions are all finished.
Kanchanaburi province is growing thus the need for more roads and wider highway lanes are needed.
Overall, it was a very easy to find the Kwai Tara Riverside villas because highway signs are clearly marked. But I have to admit the last few kilometers to the villas could get a bit tricky so make sure you’ve got plenty of battery on the phone for google maps.
The last few kilometers leading to Kwai Tara could get a little tricky due to less signage…
Now if you’re considering staying at the Kwai Tara it’s best to self drive. It’ll be a whole lot cheaper than hiring a driver with a car. And you are going need your own wheels to get to restaurants and places to explore. Which there are a few and you’ll find out where we went below. Because I can tell you there’s really nothing to do at the Kwai Tara’s resort ground.
Though there is the Mahawangchang Elephant Camp directly next to Kwai Tara’s property. But we’ve had our fair share of elephant rides earlier this year when we went to Koh Chang where I made a review of the Emerald Cove Koh Chang hotel.
For my wife and I we consider this as a road trip just like we did it in Khao Sam Roi Yod. And the Kwai Tara is a good enough place to rest our heads, if not a bit overpriced.
This is the backside of the mountain villa rooms. You do get a good view of the mountains, but not so much of the river in these rooms…
We booked a floating house villa which at the time I paid about $130USD per night including taxes and breakfast. That is pricey considering it’s listed as a 3 star hotel. But there’s no gym and no swimming pool. And those were the weekday rates.
I guess you can consider jumping into the river if you choose to for a dip in which you are more than welcome to. And believe me, walking down and than back up from the floating houses could give anyone a quick workout.
These are the mountain view villa rooms which are the closest to the reception area…
But I got to say, the floating houses are big. It’s about 80 square meters with very high ceilings so you get this really nice spacious feel. There’s a private front with cargo nets you can stretch out on top while the river waters below pass gently underneath. It was quite nice. Though whether it’s worth the +$100USD price tag is up to ones personal bank account.
A Look at Kwai Tara Riverside Villa Floating Houses
These floating house style rooms are 80 square meters and uses two A/C units to cool the room…
The room’s size get’s the winning point plus having the river just footsteps out the sliding doors with a beautiful view of the river is the cherry on top.
It’s a sparsely decorated room with a fridge that is filled daily with complimentary sodas and snacks. Which is pretty much unheard of. There are not a whole lot of channels on the television and the Wi-Fi, if you need it is unreliable.
There was one morning where the electricity was shut off for nearly an hour and a half so the room got warmer. But luckily it kicked on just before afternoon when it gets hotter.
A big bathroom. Be sure to bring your own shower gel as the ones provided by the hotel is not enough…
As I mentioned earlier breakfast was included in the price we paid. Basically, you get two choices, American breakfast which is eggs to order, some bacon and ham. Then there’s the Thai option which is Khao Tom Moo (ข้าวต้มหมูสับ), rice porridge with ground pork. You can order multiple plates and the kitchen staff were more than happy to oblige.
Then there’s a table where guests can serve themselves cereals, toast, salads and juices. And that’s pretty much what we had the entire week for breakfast.
The breakfast area is located right by the hotels reception area…
There’s one thing I have to mention and I can’t really blame the hotel for this problem. And that is the flies.
As soon as the food ordered hits the tables flies seemingly materialize out of nowhere and started dive bombing my sunny side eggs and bacon. There are numerous electric fans set on high located throughout the eating area but even that was not enough to keep the pests away.
Maybe by the time you’re reading this Kwai Tara’s hotel management have figured out a way to solve this problem.
You can enjoy a view of elephants marching by in Mahawangchang Elephant Camp…
The Final Verdict
I really like to like the Kwai Tara Riverside Hotel. It’s great I think for a short visit. But I can’t really say I would go back again. But the reason also is there’s really not much to do overall in Kanchanaburi. And you really do need to drive about an hour just to find some nice place to eat or chill out at a café.
If you’re looking to be pampered then you might want to look elsewhere. They do have staff to help with your bags down the steep steps if you choose the floating houses. But after 8pm there’s no one at the reception desk for assistance until sometime sun up.
Everyday the hotel provides a free raft ride in the early evening and it was very enjoyable…
There are numerous time we’ve stayed at the same hotel property in Hua Hin like the Escape Hotel and La A Natu Bed & Bakery. We usually like to stay at our favorite hotels because we already know we’re going to experience great service and enjoy the going ons around the hotel’s location.
And because there’s nothing of real interest for us at least near the Kwai Tara there’s just not much reason for us to return again.
But here are a few points of interest you might enjoy in Kanchanaburi, but as I mentioned quite a drive from the hotel:
Giant Tree Kanchanaburi or Giant Monkey Pod Tree Kanachanburi (just google it) is about an 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kwai Tara Riverside Villa.
Sringarind Dam National Park is about 2 hours drive from Kwai Tara Riverside Villa. It’s a scenic drive with plenty of restaurants and rest stops along the way.
A long drive up mountains and hill afforded us this beautiful view of Srinagarind Dam…
As I mention already during this road trip we stayed in several other 3 star hotels in Sai Yok. And Kwai Tara is hands down the winner in terms of hotel quality and uniqueness. I guess if I could choose one word to describe the Kwai Tara the word would be unique.
There’s sort of a new catch phrase in Thailand and it’s called the “slow life”. Well if you want a taste of the slow life or even just a glimpse of it then go check out the Kwai Tara Riverside Villa.
Nice Little Hotel in Seoul – Not Expensive but Not Cheap Either
The Nine Tree Hotel is located in Myeongdong. One of my favorite fun neighborhoods in Seoul. Not only can I find great Korean restaurants, but also the nicest affordable hotels in South Korea’s capital city of Seoul.
I found Nine Tree Hotel while doing a search for hotels in Myeongdong/Dongdaemun areas via Agoda.com. Seoul’s a big city with a lot of budget and mid range hotels so don’t worry you can easily find a place to stay within your price range. It certainly did for me.
The Nine Tree Hotel lobby is on the 3rd floor…
What I like about Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
The hotel is very close to a subway station. It is near Subway Line 4 and the closest entrance/exit is #8.
The hotel location is right in Myeongdong near a lot of good Korean restaurants, hip cafés and trendy Korean dessert shops.
For me it’s the perfect location for a walking tour of Seoul on your own. You can easily explore most of Seoul’s amazing palaces without spending money on train fare.
Nine Tree Hotel is located right next to Myeondong Station (Line 4), just a few minutes walk from Exit #8…
Standard Double Rooms are Small but Clean
I stayed in room 502, a standard double room…
On my most recent stay in Seoul at Nine Tree Hotel I booked a standard double room. It cost about $80USD a night with taxes included. Breakfast was not though.
Standard double rooms are around 16 square meters…
For me the important thing about any hotel I choose the rooms have to be clean. Nine Tree Hotel’s rooms, particularly room 502 which I stayed in was clean enough. Which was no surprise to me whatsoever. Korean hotels particularly in this price range are well maintained.
Clean toilet, shower and sink. Can’t ask for anything else…
The bathroom was not tight at all and had ample sink and shower space. I like the Japanese styled toilets, it was a nice touch.
Nice spacious shower…
Not Much to Complain About
The Nine Tree Hotel Myeondong quality wise is decent. But for $80USD a night some might consider the price a bit high. Because there’s no pool or fitness room. Every hotel I review I write up I try and choose some thing to really nit pick at.
Though essentially if you’re deciding to stay at the Nine Tree you’re pretty much really paying for a comfortable bed in one of Seoul’s most popular tourist areas.
One last tip while checking in make sure you ask for a room with a view on a high floor if one is available. Room 502 was facing an adjacent building. So ask for a street view if possible I believe a room high up will have a good view of Myeondong and beyond.
I came across my first ever bowl of Chilli Pan Mee when I went on a “Shutter Therapy” with Robin Wong. That was a few years ago. Since then I have made it a mission to get myself a nice bowl of traditional Malaysian Chilli Pan Mee in Kuala Lumpur whenever I’m there.
Chilli Pan Mee is a real working persons meal. It’s got carbs and protein all in a bowl. The eggless flour noodles are thick, yummy and filling. It’s got crunch from fried anchovies. Some extra savory tastes from the fried shallots and seasoned minced beef.
And depending on which restaurant you go or which area you’re in; Chilli Pan Mee is one of the cheapest meals in Kuala Lumpur.
This bowl of homemade spice is what makes Chilli Pan Mee so special…
But the real kicker on any proper Chilli Pan Mee is the nice poached egg. Wait, I take it back. The real kicker is actually the homemade chilli!
For me this kind of chilli is spicy, but not fiery spicy. You can add 3 or 4 heaping tablespoons and you’ll get that enjoyable heat. But it won’t burn your mouth to the point your eyes start watering and your nose becomes super runny.
You mix everything up with your chopsticks and spoon together and enjoy!
There are many Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. And my friend Robin showed me a restaurant located in Chow Kit called Restoran Kin Kin.
Restoran Kin Kin is a dive restaurant that is popular with local Malays…
Restoran Kin Kin in Chow Kit
Address: 40, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of famous Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. Restoran Kin Kin in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit neighborhood is one of them. And this was actually the first restaurant I ever had my first bowl.
Afterwards I’ve tried several other places on my own. Many places came close to Restoran Kin Kin’s style. But it could never replace it.
Restoran Kin Kin is also very easy to find. You can get there by taking the KL Monorail to Medan Tuanku Station. The immediate area surrounding the restaurant may look run down to some but it’s quite safe.
A cook preparing a sheet of dough ready to be sliced into noodles…
I don’t think there is a menu but the staff inside can speak English and I know the owner inside can speak Cantonese and most likely Mandarin too.
But they know if you step foot inside you’re looking for Chilli Pan Mee. The real question is how many bowls you want to order.
And if you have a healthy appetite like me it’ll be more than one!
You can’t just have one bowl…
To me the portions are not too big. But one bowl is enough for a snack I suppose. So if you really want a full on meal I guess you have to order two bowls. Like most customers do. Every time I’m there when I look around Restoran Kin Kin customers usually have extra bowls on their tables.
Besides, a bowl of Restoran Kin Kin’s Chilli Pan Mee only cost 8RM. That’s $1.80USD a bowl. Also a small bowl of spinach egg drop soup is included.
And a Much Anticipated Visit to Suwon’s Fried Chicken Street (수원 통닭거리)
After my first ever Suwon day trip from Seoul last year I was so excited to go back as soon as I could. As much as I enjoyed exploring Suwon’s Hwaseong Palace (화성행궁) and its magnificent fortress, I missed out on a place I should’ve visited the first time. And that is Suwon’s Fried Chicken Street!
This year I had a chance to visit South Korea earlier than usual. And also my wife tagged along with me. It’ll be her first ever trip in South Korea. So I had to make it special.
With her in hand we headed back to Suwon for another day trip from Seoul. But will we be feasting on some of the best fried chicken this side of South Korea?
(Chi-maek) Chicken and Beer is a popular combination in Seoul. I got this from a restaurant in Myeongdong.
A Little Background on Korea’s Fried Chicken
First off in South Korea; fried chicken, which is usually enjoyed with a frosty mug of Korean draft beer is not unique to Suwon. Particularly in some of Seoul’s neighborhoods. If you randomly threw a rock in Myeongdong or Namdameun, chances are you’d hit a chicken and beer restaurant or “chi-maek” (치맥).
The fried chicken and beer combination is not just unique and famous in Suwon. What is unique however is that Suwon has a street dedicated to chi-maek restaurants with hordes of loyal local customers often waiting on queues to feast at their favorite local joint.
Now I have no clue about which chicken and beer restaurant is the best one in Suwon. So I googled and came across several travel blogs like this blog and on a few South Korean travel information websites. I quickly browsed through the info and found a lot of recommendations for the best fried chicken restaurants in Suwon.
It was only 5pm at Jin Mi Chicken and the restaurant was fairly busy…
As much as I respect other bloggers’ opinions I also like to do my own culinary explorations. There’s no secret to how I find good restaurants in unfamiliar territory.
I peek into a restaurant and if I see no local customers, I leave. If I peek inside and see a fair amount of locals I proceed. It’s as simple as that. It has always worked. Well most of the time…
Jin Mi Chicken Restaurant in Suwon
According to several travel bloggers, Jin Mi is the place to be for the best of Suwon’s fried chicken…
With a little detective work I deduced that that Jin Mi Chicken first opened back in 1981. Or rather I just read it from the store front sign. Anyways, it seems like many of the most popular fried chicken shops in Suwon all have a long history in the business of providing fried chicken to the hungry masses.
And what’s supposed to be unique in Suwon is the restaurants fry their birds outside where onlookers can smack their lips while waiting on queue.
Seasoned (sticky spicy sweet sauce) and unseasoned are the choices…
I did not see such a thing happening. But then again we were visiting in late November. And the temps was a chilly low 50°F (10°C) degrees with wind. Not ideal for frying chickens I tell you. So no surprise to see them frying chickens in a kitchen. But I can imagine the spectacle and fanfare of cooking outdoors.
The Verdict
Does Jin Mi Chicken serve some really good lip smacking fried birds? I dug in first on the unseasoned fried chicken to check out the coating. For my own personal taste, the coating is too thick. And it needed some seasoning like salt. Okay, granted a small plate of salt and pepper is provided and meant for dipping solves the problem.
A little bit closer look and you’ll see a neck and gizzards…
We also ordered a half plate of seasoned chicken which was supposed to be a spicy sweet sauce. It was sweet but it certainly wasn’t spicy. Good news is the chicken wasn’t dry. Overall, it’s not bad fried chicken. We still managed to scarf down the two plates. It’s just not what I had expected is all.
Final Thoughts
You’ll also see that the chicken bits are all chopped up. Not all pieces are recognizable like you’d see at Kentucky Fried Chicken. There will even be a chicken neck in there. Even a handful of fried chicken gizzards is thrown in for extra protein.
No one speaks English inside. However there is this big menu board on the back wall with clear and simple prices.
One fried chicken restaurant down and many more to try the next time I’m back in Suwon for another day trip…
We didn’t have any beer because it was early evening and the meal came out to 15,000KRW or $13US dollars. A 500cc of Korean draft beer cost 3,000KRW or $2.50USD.
So I tried Jin Mi Chicken, one of the city’s most well known fried chicken joints. Sad to say I’m not crazy about their fried Chicken.
But there are many more fried chicken restaurants in Suwon to try out of course and I will certainly be back again to check them out!
The Cicada Market – A Place You’ll Enjoy Even When You Hate Shopping…
But that’s just me. I’m a big grump when it comes to shopping. However I do love taking a stroll through any of Thailand’s famous night markets like Bangkok’s Talad Liab Duan. And certainly around Hua Hin’s Cicada Market. Which technically isn’t a night market. But who am I to disagree.
Now there really isn’t that much to do in Hua Hin (in my most humble opinion). So checking out Cicada Market at night is most likely on your to do list. It’s a highly recommended must visit in Hua Hin by travelers on tripadvisor.com.
My wife and I always make it our mission to visit Cicada Market every time we stay several nights in Hua Hin. Because it truly is a lovely market to stroll around even when you don’t plan on buying anything.
The best thing I enjoy about Cicada Market is eating all the street food I can get my grubby hands on.
When the weather is cool in Hua Hin, Cicada Market is a pleasure to walk around at night…
Cicada Market’s Location and Hours
This popular Thai night market by the sea is just south of Hua Hin’s city center. About 4.11 kilometers from the city’s equally famous Hua Hin Night Market.
There are many budget, mid and high end hotels in Hua Hin. I’ve stayed in many of them. If you’ve never visited Hua Hin before and this is will be your first visit, be sure to book a hotel near Hua Hin’s beach because it’s a lot more affordable then you’d think.
Here are some hotels I reviewed near Cicada Market:
The Escape Hotel (3 stars)- This hotel offers guests complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the market.
Ibis Hua Hin (2 stars and pet friendly) – 5 minute walk to Cicada Market.
Amari Hua Hin (4 stars)- 2 minute walk to Cicada Market.
Cicada Market’s operating days/hours are from Friday to Sunday, from 4pm to 11pm (cicadamarket.com).
Please note on Sunday the market closes 1 hour earlier at 10pm. Hua Hin Night Market closes at 1am.
The fact that they’re not open past midnight to me hardly qualifies it as a night market. Because it’s not. Everyone has been calling Cicada Market a night market.
Even Cicada Market organizers don’t refer to themselves as a night market.
Though I have to admit, the market looks beautiful at night with all the cool incandescent lights placed through out the market. It’s a real shame they can’t stay open longer.
There is also a small amphitheater where plays and even stand up comics can be enjoyed. I haven’t purchased a ticket to catch a show inside so I can’t provide too much information on that.
Cicada Night Market in Hua Hin is a must to visit while you’re in the area. It is open Friday thru Sunday from 4pm to 11pm…
What to Buy in Cicada Market
You’re going to see a common theme while strolling around. And that theme is art. Cicada Market is the kind of place where local Thai artists gather. Whether they be amateurs or professionals they come to showcase and perhaps make a bit of cash selling their art creations.
All kinds of modern art paintings are sold from contemporary to modern. Art lovers will certainly appreciate Cicada Market even more.
In the center of Cicada Market are a few small buildings that double as art exhibitions showcasing local art talent.
I came across this artists creating glass-blown art at Cicada Market…
You’ll also find handmade arts and crafts. Many are run by young enterprising Thai entrepreneurs. Need a bedazzled iPhone case? You’ll find it there. T-Shirts with unique graphic designs? You bet, you’ll see it there.
Amongst the arts and crafts is a family I came across making glass-blown figurines of animals. They can create a lot of animals with glass like giraffes, elephants, tigers and even all types of fish, right on site.
This guy is a master craftsman of glass figurines. His son is learning the art too…
And you can watch the process from start to finish. And it involves a blow torch. In my opinion nothing else is more entertaining then watching a guy wielding a blow torch to work at night. The glass figurines they create are also very affordable and a wonderful souvenir to take home.
Cicada Market is a haven for Thai artists in Hua Hin…
A caricature souvenir of yourself. Check. Many artists are available to paint a caricature of you starting at 300THB, depending on the size of the portrait. That’s a reasonable price. Plus you’ll be helping to feed a starving artist. Speaking about food…
The Food at the Cicada Market
When is it never about food?
Any self respecting market anywhere in the world has got to have an area where people can sit back and enjoy a meal.
I know there are people not keen on eating Thai food because they’re worried about consuming spicy foods. And we all know children are fickle eaters when they don’t recognize a food.
Cicada Market has a smorgasbord of international food selection. Don’t be surprised if you see Italian pizzas and pasta stalls selling next to a stall with American BBQ pork ribs and steaks. Even sushi is available. Halal food is also well represented.
There is a food court with an impressive array of Thai food to recognizable Western foods…
Cicada Market has quite a vast assortment of offerings. And because you’re in Hua Hin seafood is the specialty.
But I would skip the seafood inside Cicada Market because even though I know it’s fresh it’ll be more expensive. I know of a really good seafood restaurant right across from Cicada Market that I highly recommend. I’ll write a post on that restaurant really soon.
But if you find the seafood prices reasonable for your budget then go ahead and enjoy your seafood feast. Giant grilled prawns are available and sold by the kilo. A cook grills the prawns over a bed of hot coals while you wait and enjoy a nice frosty beer.
Lots of grab and go food are sold. But there is a big area with tables and chairs to sit down and enjoy your meals…
I haven’t really tried all the food in Cicada Market because I already have a couple of favorites nearby. But it’s a good place to grab desserts as there is a decent variety.
During peak hours, about 7pm to 9pm Cicada Market’s food seating area is filled to capacity so finding a seat could be difficult.
But with a bit of patience and perseverance you’ll eventually get a table. Plus standing over a seated table while glaring at the current occupants that have finished eating usually helps.
Western style food is hugely popular in Hua Hin and most certainly at Cicada Market…
The Atmosphere
Cicada Market is a fun place to just chill out. The atmosphere is non rushed and less crowded as other major bazaars and markets in Thailand, for example Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.
And because the beach is nearby you get this nice ocean breeze during the evening.
This kid is quite amazing with what he can do with empty bottles of beer…
In a way it’s one of the biggest attractions in Hua Hin. Which is why many hotels in Hua Hin with shuttle services offer rides to Cicada Market. And spending an evening wandering around there is a perfect way to end a night in Hua Hin.
Like I always say, Cicada Market has a great chilled vibe. It’s a great place for locals to hang out too. Even for local folks in Hua Hin there’s not much to do except coming to these places.
Many festivals take place on the grounds particularly during seasonal holidays like Songkran Thai New Years and especially Western New Years Eve for the big countdown.
Don’t Forget to Check Out Tamarind Market Too – It’s Right Next to Cicada Night
Tamarind Market opened right next to Cicada Market. It’s a totally separate and new to the “night” market scene in Hua Hin. It’s so called because of the location of the market is surrounded by tamarind trees.
However, because both are super close together I think most would think it’s Cicada Market the same. One big difference though is that there’s more local Thai food sold inside Tamarind Market.
Tamarind Market also opens a day extra and an hour earlier: Thursday – Sunday 5pm to 11pm
Cicada and Tamarind Market are both easily the best areas to spend 2 or 3 hours in Hua Hin.
Tamarind Night Market offers Hua Hin visitors more food variety and plenty of seating to eat…
