What is it?: In the Isan food hotspot of Rangnam Road near the Victory Monument, the choices are many, but in our mind, Isan Rot Det is perhaps the best.
Why we love it: Damn, there are so many wonderful open-air Isan eateries we could have chosen (and we fully expect to hear your hate in the comments, and we regret not having space to include Sabai Jai, Polo Gai Yang, Som Tam Convent, and all our other faves), and the experience is quintessential to life in Bangkok. After a few weeks abroad, what could be better than sitting down in the open air humidity, writing your order on a slip of paper, and ordering a few dishes with your favourite people? The som tam in its infinite variations (the tam khao pot with corn in particular) hits just right, the kho mu yang (grilled pork neck) is tender and well-marinated, and we’re particularly taken with the larb pla duk (catfish salad), which shows a whole new side of that much-maligned fish.
Time Out tip: For our visitors from overseas, once you hit Rangnam Road, don’t expect an English sign. It’s the one with the green and white interior, and most likely a buzzing crowd.