Why Choose a Food Court in Bangkok
During my visit to Bangkok in October 2022, I found myself being a bit more cautious about where I ate. With the changing regulations in Thailand, I felt less comfortable grabbing food from random street stalls. To ensure peace of mind, I decided to stick to larger shopping mall food courts and well-known restaurants for my meals. It turned out to be a great decision, as these spots offer a clean, comfortable, and stress-free environment, especially during off-peak hours when the crowds are thin.
Location and Accessibility
Mahanakhon Cube is incredibly easy to reach. It is directly connected to the BTS Chong Nonsi station, making it a perfect stop if you are traveling along the skytrain line. It’s also quite accessible from areas like Shangri-La Bangkok—just a short four-stop ride from Saphan Taksin station. The building itself is quite versatile; I noticed it houses a branch of the well-known Let’s Relax spa, though I didn’t get a chance to try it myself this time.
Dining Experience at Mahanakhon Cube Food Court
As soon as I stepped into the food court, I was struck by how pleasant and stylish the space felt. Because I arrived slightly outside of the peak lunch rush, it was quiet and very comfortable.
One important thing to note is the payment system: the food court operates on a pre-paid card system. You’ll need to charge a card with credit before you can start ordering your meals at the various stalls.
Menu Highlights: Fruit Som Tum and Grilled Pork
I decided to try a few local dishes from the stalls available:
- Fruit Som Tum (Phed Phed Hey): I ordered the fruit som tum (tam polamai) for 120 THB. When asked if I wanted it spicy, I confidently said yes—being Korean, I thought I could handle it. I ended up regretting that choice! It was quite spicy, so I’d recommend asking for a milder version if you aren’t looking for a heavy kick of heat.
- Grilled Pork (Kruwn by Phed Phed): To balance the meal, I grabbed some grilled pork (moo yang) with sticky rice for 150 THB. It was a satisfying and delicious combination.
Beverage: Cha Tra Mue Thai Coffee
After seeing someone walking around with a drink from Cha Tra Mue, I had to track it down. I found the shop located on an upper floor of the building. It was spacious, clean, and surprisingly quiet. I ordered my favorite Thai coffee and brought it back down to enjoy with my meal. It was the perfect way to round off a simple, happy lunch.
Practical Tips
If you are looking for a spot that is clean, modern, and not overly crowded, I highly recommend checking out the Mahanakhon Cube food court. It’s a great one-stop destination where you can eat, drink, and even find a massage nearby. Plus, its direct connection to the BTS makes it an ideal base for moving on to your next Bangkok adventure. While I skipped the observation deck this time, I’m already looking forward to potentially staying at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon in the future.