Hi everyone. I posed this question to Carol in the "where is Hanuman" thread that quickly disappeared (This is a question I originally wanted to ask Pook, and hence you'll see why).

I am looking for some upscale Thai restaurants in Bangkok (which are frequented predominantly by Thais themselves (or no westerners). I've eaten at several before and they are always excellent. I love street/mall food, but I'm a bit tired of doing so since we always overdo on every trip. If anyone has any suggestions I would be very appreciative!

Kurt

Why does it have to be upscale? (just askin') There are some really excellent 'average' places that working class Thais like. Maeng took me to one of them last April when I was there. It's on Ekamai. The name is Sabai Jai Gai Yang. If nywoman was posting here, she would vouch for the great Thai food (and no farangs) at this place. But not upscale.

The Samsen branch of Rosabieng has few foreigners visit. Although not really "upscale", it's quite a nice setting, with great food.

It's located across the street from the Samsen RR Station.

Hi Carol. I like the ambiance and food style of these types of Thai restaurants. Presentation of the dishes are nice too. I will attempt to try Sabai out when there if we're nearby. Thanks for the recommendation

Hi Curt. Thank u too for the suggestion. I realize Thai food is great on all levels, but I just want to indulge in something a little different . Take care.

Most "upscale" establishments will appeal to a demographic more economic than an ethnic. My brother-in-law, when entertaining clients, seems to frequent restaurants appealing to the international crowd, mostly 5 star hotel dining.

When chowing down with friends, he heads to much less pretentious eateries.

Hi Curt. Thanks for the info. I like the fanciness of the food style/taste. It's just something different, economics aside.

Curt- what are your bkk favorites regardless?

face on soi 38, sukhumvit.....

Thanks, Bob. I thought Face was predominantly catering towards tourists?

I have often seen groups of Thais at Face. But there are plenty of farangs who eat there, so it might not be what you are looking for, Mango.

I've never been big on fine dining. Although I like a nice setting, and great food, I don't care for all the other accoutrements. Besides, not being a drinker, a lot is lost too.

Right now, I would have to say my favorite "Bangkok" eatery might be Baan Rabieng Nam

Although they have a website, http://www.baanrabiangnam.com/ , it seems to be down for maintenance.

Map: http://tinyurl.com/baanrab

It's almost in Pakkred.

I agree about Face (but it is a good place anyway).

Thanks Kathie and Carol.

Awesome, Curt. I will try it out. BTW, I've spent a decent amt of time at your nice eats site. Well done

If you visit Baan Rabieng Nam for lunch, you can catch a taxi to the Nonthaburi pier and take an express boat back to civilization. At night, it private car or taxi.

I prefer lunch. Dinner can get crazy packed.

Although we have yet to have a bad dish, their rendition of gaengson is one of my favorites.

http://cheapeatsbangkok.com/photos/thai/gaengsom.jpg

I would hope Hanuman would return soon. He should know of actual upscale eateries aimed at Thai clientele. They might be good to know.

But, then again, would he want to expose them to foreigners? A dilemma ?!?

Guys, he won't be returning. His handle has been permanently de-registered from Fodor's.

As much as we'd all like him back, he's moved on to greener pastures.

One might hope for a reincarnation then, possibly as the 'monkey_god'?

Although he and I didn't hit it off, he has made many friends through this site and has a large following, looking for his advice and tips. I'm sure he enjoyed giving and much as they enjoyed receiving his insights.

This is exactly the type of question that truly needs his input.

Hey Curt. I actually sent hanuman an email, but he hasn't responded yet. I wonder what made him go the way of Colonel Kurtz since he was more or less a permanent fixture here. Perhaps he needs a vacation from this place....I've certainly felt that way before. BTW he would certainly be the person to ask about this.

site is partially up now

curt---what is your food page site??

yes face is western, but i also have seen many thais there....it is my impression that many affluent thais often eat in the 5* hotels, plus they have staffs who prepare fabulous meals for them...

we all hope pook will be back....i will work on him privately... the mgmt ticks him off however, and he is not alone

You may be right. We all need to step back and get perspective, from time to time.

I try to keep the internet and my personal life separate. I don't partake in GTGs or make other attempts to meet internet friends in person. It's not being anti-social; I just prefer not to mix the two.

I'm new to Fodor's. But, one thing I have noticed is that, with the exception of the "FODORITE LOUNGE", these forums are pretty much "peaches and cream".

I'm a real advocate of free internet. But, this is a private website, run by a commercial enterprise, promoting happy travels. They will be very leery of anything that might not be viewed as positive.

In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if this thread gets a little pruning because of straying from the topic.