Central World Food Court

Where to Eat in Bangkok

There's no shortage of eating options in Bangkok. Eat in a roadside noodle stall and watch the world go by. Savour seafood at a local restaurant perched over the river; enjoy exquisite food from a swish hotel restaurant overlooking the city; or take a quick snack in a shopping mall food court. Whatever you choose, and wherever you are staying, you won't be disappointed.

Central World Food Court:

Unlike the Central Food Hall to which it is annexed - a supermarket offering foods from every far-flung gastronomic corner - the 200-seat C Flavour draws its inspiration from closer to home, serving a broad selection of pan-Asian foods at respectable prices. On the seventh floor of the newly refurbished CentralWorld, its 19 open kitchens grill, steam, boil, fry and sear fresh ingredients for a steady stream of ravenous shoppers - tasty, authentic fare the obvious ambition.

Modern, sleek interiors with comfy, functional furnishings give the bright, open-plan space an agreeable symmetry. Sleek orange chairs and utilitarian tables sit splayed across a wooden floor. A line of red arm chairs and leather sofas by the wide windows are suited to kicking back with friends in addition to just eating. The latter is best, giving you classic city views, temples and malls rubbing up against each other in the distance.

Thai Flavours

A 10-strong rabble of open-kitchens to the right fits under a 'Thai flavour' banner. Expect everything from steaming bowls of 'Kuay-Teow' (noodle soup) to traditional Thai curries, stewed pork legs to pan-fried noodles. There's also an a-la-carte kitchen that fuses Thai gastronomic traits - namely a sweat inducing kick - with international mainstays. Think spaghetti with tuna and hot basil. In the central food island you'll find spa foods, varied kinds of minced pork, satay snacks and, most enjoyably, a kitchen called Khunyai Thalab.

One of the unsung delights of the food court is being able to go eclectic, to indulge tummy temptations without prejudice or glances of disdain from the management. The motley mix allows you to do just that, with kitchens from Daikoku (Japanese), Winner House (Vietnamese), Old Malaya (Malaysian), Blue Light by Seefah (Chinese) and Taaj (Indian). Aside from tasting great, each dish is as elegantly presented as it is economically priced.

Sweet Temptations

If so inclined, round things off with something sweet. If not Bahn Moh's delightful sticky rice with sweet coconut and durian syrup (35 baht), then try a fruity fire extinguisher from Mrs Smoothie. A few slurps of Yo Yellow (peach, pineapple and yoghurt) or Mr Monkey (banana, strawberry and yoghurt) will ably sooth spice-seared mouths. Surfaces are clean, service ruthlessly efficient and a smart culinary credit card (a 1,000 baht license to gorge) politely removes any mention of money until departure. A classy addition to the city's food courts offerings.