A 2-Dollar Michelin Plates Award street food Yentafo in Bangkok

Thailand is notoriously famous for its super cheap and delicious street food, ranging from hot dishes like Pad Thai and "Moo Ping" (grilled pork skewers) to mouth-watering dessert like mango sticky rice. If these dishes are the reason why you love Thai food, then this "Yentafo" I'm about to introduce to you will surely impress you.

Yentafo, a Thai-Chinese dish of pink noodle soup

Nai Uan Yentafo (นายอ้วนเย็นตาโฟ)

What exactly is "Yentafo"? It's a Thai-Chinese dish of pink noodle soup served along with seafood, which can also be served with other topping options such as spinach and Chinese tofu - alternatively, you can ask for a vegetarian option if you'd like. In case you are also wondering why the soup is pink, the pinkish colour actually comes from the fermented curd broth. I know that doesn't sound so pleasant, but don't let that fool you.

Yentafo is commonly spotted around Bangkok, be it in Thai restaurants or along the street. Since it is not as touristically famous, finding a good one is definitely a mission. I never liked Yentafo, but this shop changed my mind.

Having been around for more than 50 years, Nai Uan Yentafo now has 4 branches around Bangkok, with its first original branch located near the Giant Swing "Sao Ching Cha". I actually grew up eating this as one of my favourite dishes; my parents would always drove all the way to the main branch (before they expanded their branches) when I was little just to satisfy my appetite.

Look at that naughty face - not so hangry this time

In 2017, Nai Uan was awarded Plates Award under the Michelin Guide for its high quality ingredient and deliciously unique taste. Even better, a regular bowl only costs 50 baht ($1.50)! Now, if you don't want to miss out on one of Bangkok's best food, come check it out.

Note: Lunch time at the main branch can be quite busy and it's quite difficult to find parking if you're driving.

Nai Uan's very first branch near the Giant Swing

Shop info: 41 Soi Nava Thanon Saochingcha, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok (Giant Swing branch)

Attractions and other food places nearby

You can make a day-trip to this area, and make it an adventurous day. Places to explore include:

• Giant swing

• Ko Phanich mango sticky rice

• Democracy Monument

• Golden Mountain Temple

• Mont Nom Sod - No. 1 Thai-style kaya toast and fresh milk

• Khao San Road - great for drinking and parties

• Grand Palace

• Thipsamai Pad Thai (I'll cover this in the next article)

Photography at the Giant Swing

One of best spots to take photos with the Giant Swing

Traditional Thai dessert Ko Phanich

Mango sticky rice lovers must come here (I'm actually not joking)! Just 5-minute walk from Nai Uan Yentafo, Ko Phanich has been around for decades and still remains one of the most popular choices for locals when it comes to mango sticky rice. Bear in mind the shop has no seating, so you can only buy the dessert and bring them to eat somewhere else. If you are not a fan of mangoes (just like me), you can go with coconut milk + "sangkaya (coconut jam)" instead.

Shop info: Map. The shop closes on Sundays.

Besides the Yentafo, this area has a lot to do for both tourists and local explorers alike. It could be a little tricky when it comes to ordering food if you don't speak Thai, but worry not, because most Thai people are usually very friendly and understanding especially towards foreigners.

Next up, stay tuned for my post on the legendary Pad Thai shop in Bangkok!

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