After the largely disappointing crab feast at Nhong Rim Klong in November 2018, i told myself i wouldn't bother spending my money at other similar establishments in Bangkok.
To think i would break my promise so fast! While researching for my itinerary for April 2019, i came upon this restaurant that had yet gained much attention from tourists. It has a rather interesting name as i could draw exact references from words in English and even Chinese; Here Hai.
Before reviewing the food, it's important to let you know how you can get to the restaurant. It's literally a hidden gem as there's no mention of the restaurant's name (unless you understand Thai) when you are standing outside the shophouse!
Access is from the back of the coffee shop on level one and you have to climb the stairs to level two! Don't be shy; just brazenly walk in to the back and i guarantee you can find a staircase on your left.
It was 11 am and i thought i was early for lunch! The small eatery was already packed with diners and there were so many food delivery drivers waiting for the food. I was asked to leave down my name and return an hour later.
With an hour to spare, i am honestly tied on where to go as i totally didn't expect this. My eyes widened with happiness when i looked across from the shophouse; a building with Don Don Donki!
[Fast forward to an hour later] no seat and we had to wait for about 30 minutes before a table was released for us! Menu was easy to read with English and Chinese translations; you know what that means? It means it's getting popularity with foreign travellers!
The wait for food took us no less than an hour! As there were just Alex (with his tiny stomach) and i, there's a need not to over-order and i guess the above three dishes (all tagged as must-try on the menu) would be sufficient.
Insane Crab Fried Rice - when i see the word "insane", i am guessing it means there would be an abundance of crab meat, just like Nhong Rim Klong's version. Well, it does contain a lot of crab meat but key difference was how good the plate of fried rice was at Here Hai!
The wok-hei essence was so strong here; i don't think it's an exaggeration to say that it had been deliciously encapsulated in every single rice grain! Mix in the spicy yet appetising green chilli from the saucer to perfect the fried rice!
Stir-Fried Mantis Shrimps - stir fried with garlic and pepper, i was a bit hesitant to get these as i saw the kitchen staff took out a frozen bag from the styrofoam boxes. But, it's a must-try and i had waited too long to give this a miss!
My first time trying mantis shrimps and boy were they fascinating; the taste was a bit on the pungent side although the addition of garlic and pepper did lift the palatability to the extent i really did enjoy them and would have loved to order more!
Cabbage with Pork Lard - this surprised me as the pork crackling indicated on the menu refers to the amazing amount of crispy pork lards topping the stir fried cabbage! I was totally on cloud nine then as people who know me well would be aware i love my crispy pork lards!
And do you know it's ranked eighth on the 100 most nutritious foods compiled by researchers, according to BBC? Anyway, aside from the crazy sprinklers of pork lard, the cabbage tasted almost like it came out from my mom's kitchen! Those who have had the fortune of eating the stir fried cabbage from my mom would know it's da best!
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Gosh, i ended all my food reviews with an exclamation mark! However, i am not going to change it as i sure was impressed with what we had at Here Hai. And to think that i initially thought we might not be able to finish all the food.
Address
112/3 Ekkamai Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea,
Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110,
Bangkok, Thailand
Location Map
As above.
Facebook Page
Line
QR as above. I think i would make a reservation via this app the next time so that i don't have to wait so long! If i can order to my hotel, i think that would be another great plus.
Menu
As above.
Pricing
Insane Crab Fried Rice - 340 baht
Stir-Fried Mantis Shrimps - 380 baht
Cabbage with Pork Lard - 80 baht
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