Shark Fins again?

This is not exactly a post I like to add here, but was driven more out of guilt after reading a newspaper story.

It reported consumptions in Singapore jumped for 182 tonnes to 470 tons in 2007!
What? How many sharks had to be killed? How about the rest of Asia?
Singapore is said to be among the top 5 shark fins importer.

It seem to be a 'must' in wedding diners.. with around 24,000 marriages registered last year.

Well, I have shied away from shark fins ever since I saw documentary of sharks thrown back to sea alive after their fins were cut off!

Sharks has been around for more than 250 million years if I remember correctly. Those in the trade acknowledge there are less sharks in the ocean to be hunted now. Are we, the Homo Sapiens, over doing it again, threatening species everywhere we go? Are we too smart for our own good?

In hind sight, I should have decline that meal at Yaowarat!

Don Wai Market

Don Wai market is about 27km west of Bangkok. Though I usually drop by when heading for Kachanaburi or Sangklaburi, it is still a delightful destination for a day trip from Bangkok.

My first trip there was 2 years ago, since then I had been back there a couple of times. So what's the attraction? It is a feast for both eyes and stomach; foods galore.. all sorts of Thai food!

A stretch of mostly food vendors, must be around 50 or so, form the bulk of the market. It is crowded on weekends as city folks flock here. Many vendors display photo of celebrities patronizing their store; must be very popular destination to locals as well.

Be sure you skip breakfast when you are heading this way.

I also find an excellent write up of this place at:
http://www.bangkok-daytrips.com/don-wai-market.html

Stewed ducks seem to be famous, judging by the amount of ducks sold!





















Many varieties of Thai curries!





















Thai deserts made into mini tropical fruits.. and colorful too!





















Large pots of soup!





















Thai pastries..

Shark Fins & Bird Nests in China Town

This friend from Singapore would usually go for shark fins and bird nest soups whenever he passes through Bangkok. To him it is value for money compared to HK or Singapore.

I refrained from ordering shark fins soup for a long time. But this time he ordered it.. that's my excuse!

If you are the same kind, then China Town is the place to go. You will not fail to notice restaurants specialize in these cuisines as you stroll the streets there.

Neon of Yaowarat (China Town) comes to life as well as street foods along the side walks.
















The restaurant I took my friend to; offers both shark fins and bird nest soup.
















Packaged Bird Nest in locked storage shelves in the restaurant and a glimpse of my friend through glass reflection.





















I must add here that other Chinese dishes here are very good too.

My favorite food corner at Thong Lor

There are several places I like in Bangkok for street food. These are clean and hygienic food stalls, popular and well patronized by locals.

One I frequented is at the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 38 at end of Thong Lor BTS station. This place comes alive only in evenings. So a place for late night meals, well past 2 am!


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The most popular are the porridge (at a shop) and the noodle stall; both my favorites of course. I brought most of my visiting friends here and they all loved it too. So you must check it out! Just observed which are the popular stalls and you are seldom wrong.

My favorite noodle shop is to the right of the walk-in alley. The corner porridge shop is at left.
















You won't mistaken the faces of these noodle stall brothers.
































Porridge shop featured in local English newspaper. Courtesy of Tui Tim, family of the next generation, who emailed.
















Each time I dropped by, they would send regards to my son, Chris, who visited Bangkok in Jan '06. How warm are these people!
















Only a simple good meal, but such an experience!

A lovely spot for simple diner in Bangkok

There is a little restaurant along the Chao Phraya river I enjoyed diner once in a while. It is right across the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) at Tha Tien Pier. I like to arrive before sunset and take an open air seat with full view of the temple opposite. It is also a busy time at the pier, watching people from all walks of life commuting on long river boats... office workers, students, monks, tourists etc.



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You can come to Tha Tien Pier by river boats from the pier beneath Taksin BTS end station. Just be aware there are two boat operators at the pier and I think only one stop over at Tha Tien Pier. So check before you buy ticket and hop on board.


















Ferry boats calling at the pier with War Arun in background.





















As the skyline gets dark, shades of color changes as lighting bring out the wonderful glow of Wat Arun.. simply magnificent sight to enjoy over diner.





















However over time I noticed a gradual reduction of locals dining here. Checking out the menu give a clue as to why. Prices has gone up perhaps due to more tourists patronage. But this time I didn't see many tourists either.. has they price themselves out? Anyway, I have no reason to complain about price yet. I just love the sunset scene here.

Another lovely view of the Chao Phraya river in the evening
















This time I arrived by road and walked in and saw this push cart advertisement on the way to the pier... nice cartoon, looks relaxing isn't it?
















What about the story of this lovely doggie? It sat outside a little store.. it's the ower's way from keeping it running astray! She smiled as I took the photo of her dog.. may be wondering why.





















There is also a souvenir store at the pier, not forgetting prices can be marked up for visitors!
The sight of a Buddha wood carving caught my fancy... it was labeled B40,000. Guess what I paid for eventually.. B8,100! I guess not all items are priced like that. Just wise up before you open your wallet, not to show you are too keen and prepare to walk away!