No one can deny the immense popularity of Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok and while it stands, undisputed, as a shopping icon in the capital (ranking first on Tripadvisor), it lacks a personified representation.
Hence, it's strange when people talk about this local Thai market, they often would recall this Spanish man with a wide, charming smile and bubbly personality; Chef Fernando!
A well-known figure in the market; he charmed the ladies with his unabashed comments that cut cross different languages. Many scrambled to take photos of him even though i don't think he will mind if you ask to take a picture with him.
Especially if you buy what he is selling; which was in essence Paella. A traditional Spanish dish that hailed from the city of Valencia - it never fails to stop in my tracks whenever i am at Chatuchak!
The two huge pans, filled with yellow rice and topped with prawns, mussels, long beans, green peas, drumettes and red peppers, was captivating and the aroma was alluring!
For the past few years, i kept stopping myself to buy a serving. Why eat Spanish food when i am at a place where authentic Thai food prevails and at a much cheaper price compared to Singapore?!
In my recent trip, however, i couldn't ignore the temptation anymore and since my two travel mates were open to share; we decided to purchase one plate just to try.
Those who need a table to eat, like i, could make use of the bar right behind where there are low tables and chairs. There are fans but it wouldn't help much in that usual hot Bangkok weather.
Please note the above; for those who don't understand Chinese, it means you are required to buy a drink from the bar if you intend to sit. As it's too early for alcohol, we ordered just one bottle of mineral water.
I honestly don't have much experience with Paella and although i do enjoy the lightly flavoured rice with burnt bits and the tender, juicy drumettes; it didn't hit me as something out of the blue. For 160 baht, i thought it's not something i would order often given there were many food options in the Chatuchak market nowadays.
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Location
Section 8 of Chatuchak Weekend Market
Bangkok, Thailand
Pricing
Paella - 160 Baht a Plate
Check out my Bangkok itinerary here!
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