Dear Fork,
It's been a while! I'm now on the other side of the globe since my last update. Back in Bangkok for good after almost a decade and yes, I'm so ready to try everything. There are so many new restos and wow, how can I keep up!? :D
Well, today let me tell you about this used-to-be a hole in the wall spot for Northern Thai food, called Hom Duan. The name of the restaurant means mint leaf which has the herbal scent to the characteristic of Northern Thai food. Located in Ekamai, just a few minutes walk from the BTS skytrain. It became so popular, they relocated to a bigger space. This place was packed for during lunch because of its good food and affordable price, but it runs like a canteen-style restaurant, so the service turned very quickly.
I managed to get pretty much all of the essential/popular Northern Thai dishes. Look at all these yummy looking dishes, so goooooood. From Gaeng Hunglay (Northern style pork curry), Nam Prik Noom (Thai green chilli dip), Nam Pad Kai (Pan-fried fermented pork with egg), Sai oua (Northern Thai sausage), and Kao Gun Jin (Pork and pork blood rice) etc.
Nam Pad Kai
I loved the Nam Pad Kai. It was just perfect with rice. Sour and spicy fermented pork combined with the sweet flavor of the sauce and egg makes this dish so flavorful.
Khao soi Gai
First thing that comes to mind thinking of the Northern Thai food...Khao Soi Gai - Egg noodle Curry with chicken topped with deep fried egg noodle for the crispy texture. Kao soy curry tastes like yellow curry but not as thick. Squeeze in some lime and mix in the onion and you're good to go! *Slurp!
Gun Jin
It was my first time trying the Gun Jin, and woah, this thing was delicious! It's jasmine rice mixed with lemon grass and pork blood, wrapped in banana leaf, then steamed before serving. Imagine eating fried rice, it's simply just like that! Then the fun begins, unwrap, and mix the fried garlic, dried chilli, lime and onion, and voila! #yummy
Sai Oua
Always good to have some Sai Oua and Nam Prik Noom whenever I get the Northern food. The herbal sausage goes so well with the chilli dip. Nam Prik Noom is one of the staple Northern dishes. It serves with pork rind and cucumber to dip with.
Kanom Jeen Nam Ngieo
One of the most recommended dishes here is their Kanom Jeen Nam Ngieo. This herbal soupy menu is so comforting. It has pork, pork blood with vermicelli, topped with clilantro. The soup is lightly flavored with tomato, and Nam ngiao paste, just heavenly.
This restaurant is highly recommended for those who crave for Northern Thai food. The price is very reasonable, especially for it being in one of the most expensive locations in Bangkok. I'd give it 4/5 for Hom Duan! The parking is maybe a little hard to find during peak hours but, there's Parklane community mall on the opposite side of the street, where you can park.
Hom Duan
Address: 70/2 Soi Ekkamai, Sukhumvit 63, Klong Tan Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Business Hours: Mon - Sat 9.00am - 10.00pm
Tel. 086-347-8747