A vendor selling produce at Or Tor Kor market, one of the highest quality wet markets in Bangkok. Photo by: Stephannie Liu
by Ben McCarthy
In the third and final week of a series in which Nyacker Ben McCarthy presents and advocates for Bangkok as a travel destination, Ben guides you through Bangkok’s best markets — what to eat and how to get there.
Visiting Bangkok’s Chatuchak and Or Tor Kor Markets
Most people staying in Bangkok on a weekend will inevitably visit the Chatuchak weekend market (often called the JJ market). The market is a happening, filled with food vendors, clothing stalls, pottery shops, and much more. While it can be sweaty fun to browse the market for a couple of hours, it’s not the best place to grab a bite. Much of the food is overpriced, mediocre tourist fare. Except! There are a couple of good places (which come Lonely Planet recommended): Falontalop is an Isaan (northeastern) style place that serves up some killer fried chicken. The stall is number 319 and does not have a sign in roman lettering. Try the fried chicken, Som Tam (papaya salad) and laap (minced meat salad). Make sure you eat with plenty of sticky rice, northeastern Thailand’s staple grain.
But I’d especially recommend Or Tor Kor market (pronounced aw taw kaw). Or Tor Kor is arguably Bangkok’s nicest wet market and is located just across Kamphaeng Phet road. The market is spotlessly clean but still maintains the air of a traditional Thai market. If you are interested in Thai food (or just food in general), browsing the market is a lot of fun and offers a unique glimpse into daily Thai life and cuisine. The prepared food section has some delectable options that you’ll see locals picking up. You will seldom see more than one or two tourists at the market and will almost always have a good meal. If you are in the area make sure you check it out.
Various Nam Prik’s or chili “relishes/pastes” for sale at Or Kor Tor market.
Photo by: Stephannie Liu
Pad Kra-Prao Muu or pork mince stir fried with holy basil, a classic Thai dish often eaten for breakfast and usually packed with chilies.
Photo by: Stephanie Liu
Roasted duck, noodles and wontons served with a tamarind based sauce and duck broth at Or Tor Kor market.
Photo by: Stephannie Liu
The fried chicken and Som Tam at Fontalop in the Chatuchak market, make sure to eat with Khao Niew (sticky rice).
Photo by: Stephannie Liu
Getting There
There are two ways to get to the Chatuchak and Or Tor Kor markets via public transport. The first being the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station. This will take you directly to one of the entrances of the Chatuchak market but is not as close to the Or Tor Kor market. The other option is the MRT to Kamphangphet Station, which will put you at another entrance to the Chatuchak market and also across the road from the Or Tor Kor market.
