Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Moldy Rutabaga]

Hello all

I'm going back to Bangkok & nearby on a short package trip with my family next week. I'd like to pick up some international or western groceries while I'm there, like salad dressings and spices and things like that. God forbid Koreans try a sauce other than red pepper.

The last time I was in downtown Bangkok, I looked in vain for a supermarket. They must be hiding somewhere. Can anyone familiar with the city recommend a western-style supermarket?

Ken:>

[plattwaz]

There are LOADS of Carrefours in BKK. They are usually in shopping malls - like the many branches of "Central" for example.

As far as downtown Bangkok goes, I can't tell you where many of them are. I'm thinking I remember one at the Nana stop on the SkyTrain, but that's a stretch for me to remember back that far. We lived way out in the west end of the city and I know where there are loads out there, but it's a bit far from downtown. If you can get yourself to a mall, there will be a Carrefour or similar supermarket.

[jajdude]

Yeah I vaguely recall a decent store near the Nana or Siam stop. But there are some good dept stores anyway. I think some Japanese ones are good. Not far outside BKK I saw some Hypremarkets like "Big 8" And "Tesco (Lotus?)" that sold some good stuff. Anyway shouldn't be too hard to find, or ask a few people there.

[Patong Dong]

Between Ploenchit station and Nana, and beside The J.W. Marriott , around Sukhumvit Soi 2 there is a supermarket downstairs (next to a great Lebanese restaurant) that carries a lot of good western items.

[desultude]

[articulate_ink]

Villa is the name of a supermarket chain in Bangkok that specializes in imported (mostly Western, with stuff from Japan as well) food. The flagship store is on Sukhumvit near one of the skytrain stations, and there are several other locations around the city. I was there a couple of months ago and was completely blown away by the selection.

Also check out the supermarket at Siam Paragon. It's like being back in North America.

[Zark]

To find the best selection of quality Western food in Bangkok take the Sky Train to Phom Phrong station - at the Emporium Shopping Center. Up on the next to top floor is a "MarketPlace" supermarket (top floor is Sfx Cinema). In my opinion, one of the best supermarkets in the country.

The Sky Train station has an exit right into the mall. In the mall there are two sets of escalators - go down to the other end of the mall and take those - when they enter a floor that looks like a VERY upscale food court - you are there. Turn left off the escalator and walk around behind the escalator to find the supermarket.

If you can't find what you want there - go back out to the Sky Train station - straight across to the other side of the street. Exit to the LEFT and walk along the side walk for about one short block and you will find the Villa Supermarket (mentioned earlier) - and they have everything from Crystal Light to Fudge Oreos . . .

Between the two places - if you can't find it - you don't want it.

[tiger fancini]

They have Tesco lotus, possibly even a sainsbury's too... if u get in a cab and ask for tesco lotus you should be fine - just remember to insist that the driver puts the metre on!

[Zark]

Taxi drivers here are bit limited in terms of understanding English.

Ask for "LOTUS", as the chain was known before Tesco bought into it.

Thais are not so familiar with calling it Tesco Lotus. But, be prepared to not be understood.