Petchaburi Soi 5 Food Street

Come hungry and come with a plan to graze, because nobody eats one thing here. The stalls open at 4pm and by 6pm most vendors are set up along this narrow soi off Phetchaburi in Ratchathewi, selling omelette rice and rice boxes for 25 to 30 baht, grilled meats, mango sticky rice. It's a neighbourhood eating street rather than a tourist attraction, which is the appeal and also the catch.

The catch first: several people have flagged poor cleanliness and rats in the alley. That's not a rumour, it's a repeated complaint, so pick your stall with your eyes open and choose where you sit. If that puts you off, skip it. My honest read is that unless you're staying nearby, the trip across town isn't worth it when Bangkok has street food closer to wherever you are.

If you do go, one tip from a reviewer worth repeating: don't judge shops by their tiny fronts. At least one opens into a big room behind the facade. Ask, or just step in.