
Soi Polo Chicken is really beyond words, but since I can’t hand you chicken through the monitor I’ll give it a try.
Soi Polo Chicken is a northeastern style Thai food restaurant located on “Wireless” Road in Bangkok, Thailand. They serve a variety of regional Thai dishes with an obvious focus on… Chicken. And not just any chicken.
Normally you’ll find great Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) on the streets of Bangkok. Soi Polo offers a “Gai Todht” (Fried Chicken) but with a twist. The whole chicken is fried with and coated with fried garlic. The garlic is almost better than the chicken itself and can I enjoy snatching handfuls of it while others at the table are distracted. Complimented with the house sticky rice, dual sweet and spicy sauces, and fresh Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) this is a treat that can’t be missed in Bangkok.
The story I’ve been told is that Soi Polo started its life as an unassuming street stall on Soi Polo (it’s not actually Soi Polo in Thai but that’s what it says in English under the real name). At the end of this narrow street is the exclusive Royal Bangkok Sports Club and Polo Club. Soi Polo began servicing the patrons of the sports club and workers in the nearby embassies and offices. Prices were low, food was great, and soon Soi Polo was expanding. They added an indoor shop location and soon after another and another. Now the shop takes up most of the left side of the street (with Lumphini Park at your back).
Thankfully prices have remained low, with a whole chicken coming in around 90 THB or so (3 USD). I’ve had meals for 8 and not spent over 20 USD for the whole thing. Be careful coming at peak times such as the weekday lunch rush and after-work dinner hours or you might not find a seat in the one air-conditioned location.
Don’t expect a faux traditional Thai house here or really anything with style. The plates are oddly mismatched in style and size, silverware will bend if you strain it too hard, and don’t even visit the bathroom if you’re not comfortable with the squatty potty style bathroom. You’re coming here for the food and nothing else. It’s probably why the prices remain low. If the atmosphere bothers you too much and you speak a little Thai you can also order it for delivery.
Soi Polo Chicken is a perfect example of sometimes not having to spend more to get more. It rivals the most expensive meals I’ve enjoyed in Bangkok or anywhere else really at a fraction of the cost. It should be a featured stop for anyone who values fresh, authentic flavor when in Bangkok.
A few Soi Polo Tips:
- Come hungry and with a large group. The food offered here tastes better family style – with salty, spicy, and sour dishes complimenting and enhancing the tastes in other dishes.
- Be sure to try the Chicken (obviously)
- Try the northeastern sausage
- The Som Tam is excellent and they even do a version with blue crab legs!
- Eat the chicken with sticky rice and don’t be afraid to use your hands – that’s how they eat it in Issarn.
- If really adventurous and you can eat spicy, definitely order up the Yam Pla Duk Foo (pulverized catfish with mango chutney) my personal favorite Thai dish.
Location:
137/1-2 Soi Polo (near Lumphini Park and the Suan Lum Night Bazaar)
Hours:
7am-10pm
Contact and Ordering:
02 655 8489
6 comments
Thai Style Grilled Chicken and Som Tam – Hai Somtam Convent says:
Dec 28, 2009
[…] who’s ever talked to me about dining in Bangkok knows my passion for spreading the word of Soi Polo Chicken. You’d think that’s the only chicken I ever eat in Bangkok. As much as I’d love […]
Pay on Results SEO says:
Jan 9, 2011
This is an awesome restaurant which I order from often. The chicken is some of the best in BKK and the Som Tam is spot on. A must visit thai style restaurant that you should not miss. I’ve just ordered and can’t wait!!
Comfort Thai Food at P Kitchen Sukhumvit Soi 18 Bangkok says:
May 6, 2011
[…] declared it excellent saying that it was just like eating in a real Thai kitchen. Between this and Soi Polo they marveled at these Americans who seem to be able to find the real deal Thai food in […]
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner « missmonalee says:
Jul 12, 2011
since my Singaporean soul sister told me about Soi Polo Chicken and linked me to this review I’d been dying to try it out. The opportunity came when our friend came back in town !
Highlights from Accidental Epicurean | Accidental Epicurean says:
Sep 12, 2012
[…] peppered with pepper harvested from nearby fields, and my all-time favorite Thai food meal – Soi Polo fried chicken in […]
pay on results seo says:
Jul 3, 2013
oh yes chicken and somtam. This is one of the most authentic thai issan meals you can eat I love it so will look forward to checking out soi polo, thanks