To Thailand – Biyahe ni Josemanuel

Jose’s 10 Best Street Food Moments

Published on November 20, 2016March 22, 2024 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

Ok, dahil kain lang ako ng kain lately, I thought of shortlisting some 10 memorable street food moments and lamons from my recent biyahes around. Nothing super fancy, basta yung mga casual, simple at cheap pagkain lang; nonetheless, authentic pa din. Walang cheeseburger dito ha? So here goes. Enjoy. =)

1.) Pho, Ho Chi Minh (2013): Nung binubuo ko pa lang this compilation, first that came into my mind was the Pho I had from a modest sidewalk set up eatery named Bum Bo Hue, along Bui Vien Street. Sobrang sarap, sobrang fresh ng sangkap, very pretty looking, it’s actually unforgettable. Pho is a traditional beef (or chicken) broth soup ng Vietnam na madaming leafy herbs, usually cilantro or fresh mint. Iba din arrive nya compared sa other Asian soup. Super nice din nung lady owner, that she gave me kakanin. A big bowl was around 50,000 dong ( around $ 2.5 usd, 100 pesos ). This may not be the cheapest, but it was highly recommended by the hostel staff. Typical sa Ho Chi Minh yung naglalatag lang sa sidewalk ng tables and chairs, lalo na pag gabi; sobrang Vibrant ng place.

2.) Authentic Pad Thai, Bangkok (2013): Though madami naman masarap na Pad Thai everywhere, iba pa din when you get to enjoy a freshly cooked set along Rambuttri o Khaosan Road. As such, deserving to ng spot dito sa compilation. Pad Thai is an authentic Thai noodle dish that is mildly sweet and mildly tangy (from its tamarind-based sauce), and usually topped with peanut and drizzled with lemon. This one in the picture is a vegetarian set. Tofu lang yun gamit. around 59 Bhat (100 Pesos)

3.) Poh Piah, Singapore (2013): This may be ordinary for some, pero sobrang na enjoy ako sa Poh Piah na nakain ko dun sa SG. Poh Piah s a Fujian/Chaozhou-style fresh spring roll that is sweet,peanuty and medyo crunchy inside kasi magulay. This is also common in Taiwan, Malaysia and Thailand. This one on the photo was around 2 Sgd.

4.) Curry Mutton Balls, Kolkatta (2014): Ito ung first meal ko sa India, kaya memorable kasi sa labas lang to ng public market kasabay yung mga locals, kaya sobrang authentic ng feel. Sobrang flavourful din ng dish na ito. Wag na kayong ano, mahilig talaga ako sa curry. This was only 25 Rupees (Around 25 Pesos), may kasamang Paratha (Indian bread prepared on a griddle, and lightly oiled).

roti — Roti bread with some curry. My First Street food in India

5.) Masala Omelette Sandwich, Delhi (2014): Simple lang, super cheap ,like 25 Rupee (around 25 Pesos) pero sobrang saya ko na dito. Masala is a traditional Indian spice mix. Di ko ma explain ano lasa nito. Alanganin curry, alanganin cumin, basta very pungent. May fresh Onion pa at Coriander combined with the omelette. Overwhelming for some, pero sarap na sarap ako. Common to sa Pajar Ganj. 2x ko to breakfast when I was in Delhi.

delhi masala omelette — Masala Egg Omelette Sandwich . A cheap street food , prepared while you wait, which was good because you get to see how its done. (think fairly clean street food)

6.) Kusum Mutton Roll, Kolkatta (2014): Nabasa ko to noon kay Migrationology.com. Its basically like kebab, only that the grilled mutton stuffing is somewhat curried, and is wrapped with a Paratha (Indian bread prepared on a griddle, and lightly oiled) and walang garlic sauce/white sauce for this; just red onion, onion stalk and light chili sauce. Mga 70-80 Rupees per piece.

cusum roll — the super yummy Kusum Mutton Roll in park street Kolkatta, mentioned by Migrationology.com as one of his 25 best street food in the world worthy of travel. and indeed it is.

7) Souvlaki, Athens (2015): Souvlaki is Greece’s version of Beef Kebab. This one in the photo is from a famous eatery called ‘Thanalis’ in Athens, which is known to serve good wraps. Souvlaki is somewhat more comparable to India’s Kusum Roll, kasi the wrapper is prepared almost the same way. Mas madami lang anik anik itong sa Greek like tomato, red onion, and may potato fries pa, tas may white sauce. Around 3 Euros (150 Pesos) pero generous naman sa size.

8.) Not so traditional Salami Pizza, Rome (2015): Di ko na maalala ung name, nahanap ko lang to sa tabi tabi eh. Sobrang nasarapan ako dito, among all pizza na natry ko dun. May fresh basil leaves to under the salami. 3 to 4 Euros per serve.

9.) Kimbap, Seoul (2015): Kimbap is like Korea’s version of maki/sushi… Only that feeling ko, theirs is more basic, fastfood-ish, and are usually stuffed with ham,egg, cheese and crispy vegetables.And like a typical Korean dish, may this one has a kick of Sesame oil. Common to sa mga subway hawkers around seoul. If you are not into the strong smelling fishcake and the spicy deokbokki, then this is your next best streetfood option in Korea.

10.) Hongkong Style Skewers (2015): Hongkong is also every man’s streetfood heaven. Lahat ng cravings mo on international levels, nandun nah sa streets nila; kaya deserving din to ng spot sa compilation. Among all skewers, itong bacon wrapped sausage ang favourite ko. Basta may bacon, I’ll rest my case. Lol

Bonus: Dessert, beh! =)
11.) Gulab Jamun, Delhi (2014) : Ito ang tunay na masarap! Jamun is a Solid Milk-based Mithai (Indian Sweets). Usually caramelized, minsan meron pang rose flavour, o saffron flavour… kaya nagiging kakaiba na ung taste.

20140327_125725 — Jamun Balls. deep fried sweet milk dough with caramel sauce. Yummy ! 15 INR for 2 piece !

12.) Belgian Waffle, Brussels(2016): Bilang sarado gana, sasali ko sa list this super pretty Belgian Waffle i had near the Grand Place in Brussels. Mejo chewy ung mismong waffle, ganun daw tlga ang authentic. Generous ang topping, and smothered with real white chocolate. Sobrang filling. This one is at 4 Euros, pero good for 2 na to.

Yun lang muna guys. Sana nagutom kayo =)

Bangkok Street Scene

Published on October 12, 2013October 18, 2013 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

Bangkok probably has the quirkiest and most interesting street scene in all Southeast Asian Countries. From its intricately designed palaces and temples, stretchy street markets and shopping districts, cheap tropical fruits and local cuisines, to extreme sights such as prank toys openly sold on sidewalks , deep fried insect delicacies , lots of out and loud lady boys, and all night long partying at Khaosan Road. Bangkok streets will never go boring .

I Stayed at Rambuttri Road, one of Bangkok’s backpackers area where affordable hostels and guesthouses are located, with price ranging from 200-400 baht (6-12 usd) per person. Rambuttri Road, is located in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin District and is a walking distance to the palace, museums and buddhist temples , and is also just 2 blocks away from the famous party street, Khaosan Road.

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Intl. Airport is 60 – 90 minutes travel by Taxi to the city center , and the city’s railway system do not reach Bangkok’s old district where most backpackers area are located . Metered taxi fare can go as high as 450 baht, per way (12 usd) . The most convenient way to get to Rambuttri Road and Khaosan Road from the airport is by shared taxi/van arranged by travel agencies, for 100 baht / person (3 usd) . Shared taxi/van are just outside the airport and the the english speaking tourist information center at the arrival area can talk you through this. Public bus may be cheap, but could be very confusing for first timers.

Below are some snapshots I took on my three days visit to Bangkok last September 2013 . It was my second time to visit the country so this time I just passed by the usual tourist spots. This trip was more on checking the city streets and enjoying what local Thais do and indulge on .

SAM_1292 — Pad Thai for Breakfast at a street side eatery along Rambuttri Road. 35 baht (around 1 USD)

SAM_1295 — Stir fried Thai Chicken, 50 baht (1.6 USD)

SAM_1323 — Wat Pho Temple is open 8am-5pm daily. I went just before closing time, around 4:30 and I did not pay the 100 baht entrance fee anymore.

SAM_1301 — 2 Baht boat ride, crossing the river to Wat Arun . The small Port is just at the back of Wat Pho(Reclining Buddha Temple)

SAM_1308 — View of Bangkok from the top of Wat Arun’s Central Stuppa .

SAM_1307 — View of Bangkok from the top of Wat Arun’s Central Stuppa

SAM_1314 — Various Skewers just outside Wat Pho.

Stunning View of Wat Arun at night, from the opposite side of the river

SAM_1343 — Sample of Thai Architecture – inspired building.

SAM_1378 — More Skewers along Rambuttri Road

SAM_1379 — Thai styleTaco , topped with coconut cream, and coco shreds.

SAM_1380 — Grilled ripe banana (Saba Variety)

SAM_1382 — A store of Ready made – take out food.

SAM_1381 — Ready made food for take out. this is their version of Filipino Karinderia

SAM_1383 — Took a bus from Rambuttri Road to Pratunam District , where most malls are located . Bus is at 7 baht .

A streetside installation near Siam Paragon

SAM_1389 — Ronald Mcdonalds saying Sawasdee !

SAM_1392 — A salad bar in Siam Paragon. Yummy !

SAM_1393 — View outside Central World Mall in Pratunam

SAM_1420 — A Partying street side restaurant in Chatuchak Market with a Dancing cook and a DJ . They serve good cocktail drinks

More deep fried dumplings. Thai use more anise spice , compared to chinese , which gives it a very strong smell.

SAM_1397 — Meat balls , with a strong Anise smell .

SAM_1402 — Bus ride back to Rambuttri area during peak hours , 7pm

SAM_1403 — Night market near Grand Palace . They have portable pizza oven

SAM_1405 — Thai street noodles for 20 baht

SAM_1407 — Stewed pork legs with a very strong Anise Smell

SAM_1298 — Fried Bugs and insects. Thailand’s known exotic delicacy!

SAM_1296 — Fried Hoppers . Not strange for me since hoppers are also eating in the Philippines

SAM_1415 — View of the Bars along Rambuttri Road at night.

SAM_1416 — Khaosan Road Party Scene, tourists taking over the street

SAM_1422 — Transportation packages to other Thai cities

SAM_1428 — An interactive screen from one of the Malls

Cambodia – Thailand Border Crossing

Published on October 11, 2013January 9, 2014 by iamjosemanuel2 Comments

Siem Reap, Cambodia and Bangkok, Thailand are probably the two most visited and most interesting cities in Indo-China Peninsula , and given enough days, visiting these two cities in one vacation is possible since they are just around 5-6 hours direct travel ( 400 kms.) on lean days (not much immigration cue) , and border crossing is relatively easy.

There are several options when travelling to Bangkok from Siem Reap, depending on ones preferred time schedule and budget. Below are some of the usual options done by backpackers . Hope this would help.

The cheapest way is to have several transfers (Bus+Tuktuk+Train) which only costs around 16 USD , exclusive of Visas if required. See http://www.seat61.com/Cambodia.htm#Siem Reap for detailed Information.

Speedboats can also take you from one city to another for 35 to 40 USD, which is probably the most scenic and adventurous option that makes it worth the pay.

The easiest way to travel between these cities is with Nattakan Direct Bus Lines which has just been launched Feb 2013 . Be aware that some travel agencies in Siem Reap would recommend a different direct bus to Bangkok, when in fact you would still be transferring to another bus when you get to Thailand. Nattakan Bus Line is the only public bus recognized and allowed by government of both nations to take passengers directly between the two cities.

For convenience and to avoid touts and hassle , I took this Bus trip for 28 , USD , inclusive of AM Snack , Coffee , packed lunch and water. All passengers are given an ID for the trip.

SAM_0959 — The Nattakan Bus Ticketing Office where I purchased my Siem Reap-Bangkok Direct Bus one day in Advance. Office is located a few stores from KFC (the only KFC branch in Siem Reap )

SAM_0962 — Siem Reap to Poipet (Cambodian Border) – 2 hours travel time

SAM_0963 — Scene at the Cambodian Border . Bus drops you off at Cambodian Immigration, and will wait for all passengers just outside Thai Immigration in Aranyaprathet (Thai Border)

SAM_0965 — Cambodian Archway, with the immigration office at the right. ( Not really an office, more of like a counter where people fall in line) taking pictures are not allowed in any immigration offices.

SAM_0966 — Thai Entrance at Aranyaprathet , with the Immigration office at the left. This is just around 150 meters walk from Cambodian Immigration.

Bus full of Europeans. There were only 3 of us , Asians during the trip.

Do note that there are No Visa fees for Filipinos and and other Aseans when crossing these borders , and Thailand is kind enough not to collect minimal entry fees, unlike when entering Cambodia and Laos.

Thai Immigration is just around 150 meters walk from Cambodian Immigration, and you will notice large hotels and casinos at the Cambodian side. Gambling is illegal in Thailand.

After clearing with Thai immigration at Aranyaprathet , the bus loads up all the registered passengers , then head directly to Bangkok . No more bus stops since the bus also has a comfort room . Travel time took around 8 hours , including immigration stop overs and an hour traffic we got when we entered Bangkok.