So much great information! I am not really looking for anything in particular, but do like the idea of wandering aimlessly, taking in the smells, sights, sounds, and flavors of the markets. I also love the tips about the Harnn products (never heard of them but love great smelling soaps and lotions) and I will definitely be picking up some spices and cookbooks! I have ordered the Nancy Chandler map and will also be checking out the malls and the mall food--hadn't heard of Mos Burger or Mo Mo Paradise yet....

FTTA,
Ignore the rantings about Mos Burger, these guys only have a tongue for the purpose of planting it in their cheek.

Mall food is all about the Food Courts. There are 2 in the MBK, one a little more upmarket than the other, but my all-time favorite is THE LOFT on the top floor of Central Chidlom shopping centre. Fantastic quality food from many different cuisines at mid range prices. Great atmosphere, live music on weekends, bypass Mo Mo's and head straight there.

How most of the food courts work is that you buy tickets or a prepaid card that can be used at any vendor and you get refunded for any unused portion. The Loft is slightly different in that they give each person a card without any credit and it is scanned at each vendor and then finally at the exit where you pay. Both systems work really well.

One good thing about most Japanese restaurants around the world: you get to see what the food will look like from the wax models in the display cases. So you know what you are ordering. As to whether the taste is consistent...Oishii so.

Shanek,

Oh... please don't take offense when we talk about burgers. I really believe that Mos Burger is one of the best burger and hot dog fast food joint in Bangkok

I agree w/Shane about Central Chitlom department store's food court, "The Loft." Definitely worth a try. Central store is right along the main shopping street. It is attached to the Chitlom skytrain station. Signage when you leave the train and come downstairs to the main level will tell you which direction/exit to find the store. Central is my favorite department store in Bangkok.
Carol

No offense taken Hanuman, I dont mind a burger occassionally myself but I generally keep away from it in Thailand as there is always a better and cheaper option if I want a quick meal.

I only commented so that the OP didn't take this recommendation too seriously.

I was completely serious.

My latest enthusiasm at Central World is a new chain called only, as far as I can ascertain: 'Cheap And Fast Japanese Food'. Which pretty well sums it up.

And I like to walk around in the supermarket downstairs at Siam Paragon. I like to look at the fruit. And, even though it's completely naff - I have been known to spend half an hour in the aquarium when they feed the sharks. I'm a classy dude.

Dogster, I love to browse grocery stores in foreign countries. I feel like it's a slice of everyday life (ok, for the wealthy at Siam Paragon, but I like to browse less expensive supermarkets as well). I love the gorgeous exotic fruits and vegetables, the fresh fish, and spices but I'm also always amazed by the gourmet and foreign food sections that often contain such delicacies as canned chili, ketchup, and the vivid yellow French's mustard that Americans put on hot dogs.

Wow I think we share the same passion of going to the supermarkets or gourmet markets in a city or country we're visiting. Often they are the only place open all night and when you have jet-lagged they are a great place to hang at the early hours of the morning.

Another vote here for foreign supermarkets. (think i will add the Siam Paragon onto my list for this November)

Smeagol, difinately visit Siam Paragon! DH and I also love to ramble around in foreign supermarkets. Fascinating!!! But then, I live in cornfield country in the middle of the USA. Our supermarkets here have meat and potatoes... (well, maybe a little bit more than that...haha)

I had to laugh when DH took his first trip to Europe, back in the late 70s, and I had to stay home. I was hoping to see some beautiful scenery photos (Switzerland, Germany) but what he brought home was pictures of FOOD displays in supermarkets! haha
Carol

Maybe we need to have the next Bangkok gtg in a grocery store!

Frequently the only thing I buy when traveling abroad is food and cooking ingedients from grocery stores. Last time I was in Tokyo in 2006 I filled a suitcase with nori, miso, furikake, tsukemono, Kewpie mayo, and other Japanese goodies that I cannot find in Kansas City. Tabemasho!!

I actually love going to various grocery stores in my own hometown to see what different items they might offer--I think I am going to love checking them out in Bangkok. Thanks for the idea!

the usa aggi man does not really like foreign food and often takes it home to his family straight from your suitcase...beware...

i love hamby....but in bkk???? maybe kobe, but is it real kobe or thai kobe? antique kobe...genuine... we have government papers for this hamburg...with a seal also..

Smeagol - where can you get a copy of Luxe guides? What are they?

you can buy them in some stores and on line look on their web and it can tell you stockists in your country (i live in the UK so am not sure where the are stocked in Australia) they do come quite quickly.
The are very small guides, no pictures, but i love their pithy humour and descriptions. Their walking/shopping tours are right up my street and i have used the guides for BKK, Sydney, Chiang Mai, Singapore, bought Paris and will use the one for HCMC and Hanoi when i go in November. The are handy to keep in your bag.

go to www.luxecityguides.com

Does anyone know how early CC market opens on a Saturday? I have a 1pm flight to catch so need to be back at The S-la by 10.30am really and was hoping to get a spot of shopping in at CC before that (yes i love shopping in BKK that much)

"CC" or "JJ" as in Jatu Jak market? If the later then it opens pretty early but the shops, especially the clothing shops, open at any time from 7.30 - 9.00.

FYI - http://www.jatujakguide.com/home/

Thanks Hanuman, yes i did mean JJ or the weekend market. I did read somewhere that you can go on a friday, because even though it's wholesale they will still sell to you, do you know if this is true?