Bangkok - Dinner at Somboon Seafood always feels familiar to me. I’ve been here many times over the years, and it has long been one of those dependable Bangkok institutions — famous, busy, and unapologetically bold in flavour. This visit, however, came with a small but very welcome surprise: they now accept credit card payments. In a city where some long-established restaurants still prefer cash, this was a genuine relief and set a positive tone for the evening right from the start.
Location: Opposite Huay Kwang Metro station
I was shown to the 2nd floor of the restaurant and settled in quickly, surrounded by the usual lively atmosphere — clinking plates, energetic servers, and the hum of diners enjoying their meals. While Somboon is best known for its seafood, I decided to begin with a vegetable dish: Yod Mara, which refers to the tender young shoots of the bitter gourd plant. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the meal.
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| Bitter Gourd stir fry |
The Yod Mara was stir-fried beautifully with chilli and garlic, striking a wonderful balance between bitterness, heat, and savoury depth. The natural bitterness of the shoots was gentle rather than overpowering, and the chilli-garlic combination added a rich umami flavour that made the dish incredibly moreish. Paired with a bowl of steamed rice, it was so satisfying that I finished the entire plate before the main seafood dish even arrived — always a good sign.
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| 400g river prawn |
Soon after, the star of the dinner appeared: a 400g river prawn. Plump, glossy, and clearly fresh, it looked every bit as indulgent as expected. Somboon is known for treating its seafood with respect, allowing the natural sweetness of the ingredients to shine, and this prawn was no exception. The brain of the prawn taste like rich butter. The flesh was firm and juicy, with a clean sweetness that needed little embellishment. It felt like a reward after polishing off the vegetables so eagerly.
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| mango sticky rice |
Despite the richness of the meal, there was still room for dessert. I ended the night with mango sticky rice, a classic Thai favourite that never disappoints. The mango was ripe and fragrant, the sticky rice soft and slightly chewy, and the coconut milk creamy without being cloying. It was a comforting, familiar finish — simple, balanced, and satisfying.
This dinner at Somboon Seafood reminded me why I keep coming back. Sometimes, it’s the familiar places that offer the greatest comfort — especially when the food arrives exactly as you remember, if not better.
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