Bangkok, Chang mai and Ko Samui

[foodieBruce]

Spending about 12 days split mainly between these three locations. Looking for great, off the beaten path, spicy food for my trip. Open to all suggestions, though Thai food is the main focus.

[erica]

Curt the Soi Hound turned me on to Lek Seafood in Bangkok. I was the only tourist eating there on the night I went earlier this year. Yet it is easy to get to--just under the Chong Nonsi Skytrain station...

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/702417

Although Chote Chitr is hardly unknown, the kitchen there gave me one of the best meals I've ever had in many years of Asian travel--this was about two years ago but I imagine it is still stellar.

But there are SO many fabulous places..you need to do a serious search here...

[Curt the Soi Hound]

Although we haven't been for quite some time, Lek is still getting good comments.

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If you're up for adventure, you might try Krua Apsorn. The fun way to get there is by bus. Catch the #16 bus from in front of Siam Square, or the 505 from in front of Centralworld. Tell the fare collector "Dusit". The buses will both head a long ways on Petchaburi Road, eventually turning right on Samsen Road (3~4 kilometers). Shortly after the turn you'll pass the National Library. This is where you signal to stop and exit. There are also always taxis.

They also have a branch on Dinsor Road, but we've never been.

Google Krua Apsorn for many write ups. It, too, hasn't been spoiled by its press popularity.

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A short walk from Centralworld, you can find Kaiton Knao Mun Kai - chicken rice. It's at the corner of soi 30 Petchaburi Road. There is a "clone", midway between Ratchadamri and Soi 30, but pass it by. Khao mun kai is the Thai version of chicken rice. Its typically spicier. Take the chili sauce and spoon it over the dish.

Here's my map: http://goo.gl/yKtY

[erica]

Krua Apsorn was just written up in the NY Times, apropos of your last comment!

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/11/28/...

[Curt the Soi Hound]

"A far cry from the elegance of Bo.lan — but the food was just as nuanced."

Krua Aporn's appeal isn't it's shiny paint job. This place is about good food, not big face.

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Back to the original title, while in Chiang Mai, ask your hotel staff for a good spot for Khao Soy, a regional curry dish.

Here's a good food blog from a Chiamg Mai based expat: http://chanchao.fotopages.com/
Definitely download his travel menu.