The latest addition to Ratchapreuk Road is Food Villa, just opened at the end of January. Similar to Or Tor Kor, the market houses endless stalls selling all sorts of food in a nice, clean setting. Expect cheaper vegetables, traditional Thai desserts and more. It’s got a small food court inside and there’s ample parking. There’s also a free shuttle from BTS Bangwa.

 

 

A further drive away from town will take you to the Ratchapreuk branch of Mangkud Cafe, whose sister at Patravadi Theatre has sadly closed down in 2013. Come here for beautifully crafted and decorated Thai food, like the recommended miang kam anchan and local desserts.

 

 

 

The area is already home to several trendy cafes. At The Bloc community mall, you’ll find Think Cafe (086-555- 8789 Open daily 10am-8:30pm), which does super-cute desserts like its Panda Cake, which comes with strawberry, ice-cream and a small panna cotta (B175). The mall’s also home to the recurring Container Market, which brings together dozens of stalls selling lots of minimalist-style products. Also check the adorable Simple Day Cafe (085-370-6367. Open daily 2pm-9pm), which specializes in gelato, cookies, macarons and Japanese hot cakes. It's one of Bangkok's best ice cream shops. 

 

Buddy Boys' Diner

 

For a rollicking retro experience, the American-style Buddy Boys’ Diner (089-926-4220. Open daily 1pm-11pm) serves massive pork burgers and buffalo wing servings, although service is a little questionable. The Met Bangkok Bistro (33 Ratchapruek Rd., 02-432-2983. Open Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-midnight) serves up Thai-fusion dishes with draught beers amid an industrial chic setting that wouldn’t be out of place in Ari.

 

 

As far as out-of-town community malls go, Crystal SB is one of the best around—as the weekend traffic attests. Here, there’s a slightly less crowded branch of Sushi Hiro (2/F, 080-088-8226) to enjoy premium sushi at discounted prices (check their Facebook page). Meanwhile, you can try Japanese fusion rolls at the new Okami Sushi (3/F, 02-102-5656) or European food at Salt//Pepper (1/F, 098-853-9635).