Bangkok, Thailand: Best places for an afternoon snack in Siam

Mont Nom Sod has been offering the sweetest of comfort foods to Thais of all ages for almost over half a century. The store has humble origins that saw the original Mr Mont and his father running the business from the back of a modest pickup truck, selling coffee and sweet toast that has gained massive popularity through word of mouth amongst students and working folk. The menu has since expanded to include various sorts of puddings, sweet rolls, flavoured fresh milk (living up to its name, which literally translates to Mont’s Fresh Milk), and dips. The iconic steamed bread with pandan dip, as well as the buttered sugar toast, are unmissable treats that we recommend you wash down with nom yen (Thai pink rose milk). You may even buy a 0.75-litre bottle of your drink of choice to take back home, along with a loaf of freshly baked bread.

Mont Nom Sod, MBK Center 2nd Floor, Phaya Thai Road, Pathum Wan, Wang Mai, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 02 611 4898

Straight across from the Chulalongkorn University Building, this semi alfresco store entices passers-by with the scent of freshly cooked khanom krok (ขนมครก; traditional Thai pancakes). The full array includes meaty khanom kroks, small pancakes, pancake rolls with your choice of savoury or sweet fillings, and also pang jii (แป้งจี่; Thai style flapjacks). Treat your sense of smell to the warm fragrance of the batter melding with the flavourings to take on its solid-cooked form, and revel in the sizzle of butter greasing the hot cast-iron moulds. Outside of the afternoon, no matter the time of day you are visiting, rest assured that you will get to sink your teeth into a piping hot batch, as the cakelettes are made on-the-spot daily and non-stop.

Siam Pandan, Siam Square Soi 9, Opposite Chula Book Center, Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 86 563 1690

More than just a breakfast item, the sunny side up egg takes the starring role at EBOMB. A runny-yolk fried egg is gently draped over all the savoury mains. Go ahead and stick your fork down the middle, and watch the glossy yellow flavour drip over and soak into the delectable meats wedged between the slices of crunchy thick toast. What's more, the adorable yellow, egg-themed storefront gives students a cool background to ‘check-in’ at on their Instagram stories. Fried fare and granita smoothies are also available.

EBOMB Egg Sandwiches and Fries, Siam Square Soi 7, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 98 959 5599

Following the success of its first branch in Chiang Mai, this charmingly decorated dessert café has brought its delicious dishes to the heart of Bangkok. Cheevit Cheeva has a speciality in bingsu (팥빙수; Korean shaved ice flakes with toppings) but elevates this K-wave hit item by bringing new twists, and making the ice chips out of fresh milk. Eaters who want to sample a uniquely Southeast Asian take on bingsu can order the bua loy (บัวลอย; traditional Thai mini rice balls) with salted egg syrup, or the mango and sticky rice iteration, whilst those who prefer the classics should give the golden injeoulmi flavour (인절미; Korean sweet rice cake in powdered dried beans) a try.

Cheevit Cheeva, Unit #SS 1011, 388 Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 85 362 9461

For those who take their coffee seriously, Gallery Drip Coffee is an affordable yet high-quality option. As one of the cafés that spearheaded the drip coffee movement in Thailand, rest assured that they are responsible for every single bean—all of which have been roasted to perfection. Coffee related workshops and talks are also frequently offered. After a delicious cake and an equally amazing cup of coffee, you could take a walk around the BACC to admire the various independent craft shops and get acquainted with local contemporary art on display.

Gallery Drip Coffee, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama I Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Reminiscent of flaky savoury pancakes from Chinese cuisine, this street snack is a portable and addictive snack item to enjoy around town. Currently, there are three batter filling options on offer including radish, taro, and the original chive. The popular Sino-Southeast Asian breakfast item chwee kueh (水粿; steamed rice cake with preserved radish) is also available.

Guichai Tissue, Cart Promotion Zone in Gourmet Market, G/F, 991, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 94 491 6629

This tiny food booth-store-unit hybrid presents a fresh take on the beloved Japanese street food item—takoyaki (たこ焼き). Photogenic, albeit in an odd way, the signature inky jet-black batter poses a kooky visual complement to the meaty baby octopus tentacles that hang out on display. Try pairing it with an onsen egg to enjoy the unbeatable flavour of a luscious yolk, or amp up the umami by trying some with salted egg cheese cream drizzled over. What’s more, they don’t skimp on the fillings or toppings!

TAKO TAKO, Siam Square, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 97 154 5555

More so eaten as a wrap than as a crêpe—according to traditional French definitions at least—the “crêpes” put up for sale at Crepe’s-Par-Choey are best illustrated as an edible pocket of deliciousness. Made-to-order, the (only ever so slightly) sweet batter is spread out onto a circular cooktop to get firm in the middle, with a browned and crunchy outer edge. Your choice of sauce and fillings are then spread all over the middle while it's still over the heat, then wrapped up and served in a paper cone for your easy eating. Popular combinations range from shredded pork floss with ham and chilli paste to Nutella with banana.

Crepe’s-Par-Choey, 1/F Siam Square 1, 991, 1 Rama Road, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | (+66) 22 559 9947