The Place: Samai Sukh is conveniently located at the foot of BTS Saladaeng. Two aunties man the cooking stations, while the younger servers run around to take orders and serve drinks. This shophouse eatery is not a place to go if you want privacy as it is packed tight, especially at lunchtime, and loud. There is extra seating on the second floor, but you are allowed to head up there only when there is not a single chair left downstairs. Expect to share a table with strangers.

Selection: Chicken rice is immensely popular here. Though the accompanying soup is a tad too sweet, the rice is not too oily and the chicken quite tender. If you prefer something hot to go with the balmy weather, there are chicken noodles on offer as well.

Must-have: Though the khao mun gai is good, the popiah are better. Chunks of fried tofu, plump bean sprouts, cucumber, shredded omelet, mushroom and slices of Chinese sausage are wrapped in a paper-thin wheat flour crepe. Chopped cashew nuts add a nutty and crunchy texture, while the thick tamarind sauce is pleasantly sweet and tangy.