BANGKOK AMAZING GOURMET
.Khao Tom Fifty Fifth (a.k.a. 55 Pochana)Khao tom means rice soup in Thais, and khao tom shop usually serves up spicy Thai salad and Thai-Chinese dishes to go with the rice soup (or plain rice) and a bottle of chilled beer.55 Pochana is sitting on the mouth of Soi Thonglor, on Sukhumvit Road toward Ekamai. I have no idea when was this busy and famous (at least in the high-so Thonglor community) shop house style khao tom eatery opened for the first day and how it earns the heart of Thonglor queens and clubbers. At least I am one of the 55 Pochana regular for 15 years, at that time I 'roamed' and later lived in the area. My regular visiting hour was 1am to do my supper with a friend, who just finished his duty in the hotel. At 1am, sometimes we couldn't grasp our table if we were being slow and polite. This devil khao tom eatery was packed from 7pm until they close at 4am. Simply because the food is good and the price is right.
Last week, I placed 55 Pochana a revisit. The shop is still that popular despite of the economic downturn, packed with patrons from the neighborhood. Servers are still quite laid back. Owner is still coughing toward patrons while they asked for the bill. The food, authentic and those yum (Thai salad) and tom (spicy soup) that burn your tongue, still serves with good quality. During the dinner we ordered seven dishes. Started with Yum Hoy Krang (spicy Thai salad with herbs and slightly cooked cockles), and Or-Suan (sizzling pan fried oysters with flour and eggs). The cockles were fresh and the yum tasted fiery hot enough! Followed were Tom Kom (spicy soup with local herbs and prawn) and Stir-fried Clam in spicy Holy Basil and Chilies; both of them pungent hot and ultra aroi (delicious). To go with a dish of Seafood Fried Rice, we preferred the simple Stir-fried Morning Glory and Steam Eggs; and both were satisfying. The bill, at Baht 640, good value!Khao Tom Fifty Fifth ****Sukhumvit Road, corner of Soi ThonglorWattana, Bangkok 10110Tel.: 02.391.2021Open daily 7pm - 4 amPay (food only for two): around THB 600* Both air-conditioning dining room and sidewalk sitting are available.
