If you’ve ever been around the end of Ekkamai on any given night, chances are you’ve seen that street food setup on the corner of Ekkamai and Soi 23 alongside the exit that heads to Petchaburi Road. It seems to always be popping off. That happens to be Nong Khai Chim Chum Korean BBQ, a Thai-style, Korean BBQ restaurant.
The concept is a bit convoluted, so allow me to explain the premise first. Around 15 years ago, Thais began travelling overseas more with places like South Korea being popular. There they partook in new food experiences, such as the omnipresent Korean BBQ restaurant. Now this was before every mall in Thailand had at least three similar eateries, so entrepreneurs bought some equipment, staked a claim to sidewalk space and gave it go.
Thus, the Thai-style, Korean BBQ restaurant was born. These places are still popular in Thailand since they are usually cheaper than the mall BBQ joints. Additionally, they also serve the other street food options people here love like Som Tam and spicy salad.
Which brings us back to Nong Khai Chim Chum Korean BBQ. In case you are wondering about the name, Nong Khai is the northeastern Thai province that borders Laos and the owners are more than likely from this part of Thailand. Chim Chum is Thai for dip dip. They call it dip dip because you take your grilled meat and dip it in a chili sauce.
That’s basically all there is to this place. It is just grilled meat dipped in chili sauce. You can add it to some sticky rice if you want. The menu has other items in case you want side dishes. If you like street food places and grilled meat, you will probably like this place.
The location is kind of cool with Wat Pha Si in the background. Ekkamai Soi 23 also has a husky that roams around the neighborhood with a pack of soi dogs. Nong Khai Chim Chum Korean BBQ opens around 6pm and doesn’t close until late. Do note that the restaurant is not open on Mondays.
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Recommendation
Meat. The specialty at here is supposably pork intestine, but I wouldn’t try it. They have a few different beef and pork options to put on the grill. That is, after all, what you’re there for in the first place.
Price
It is pretty cheap, although a bit more expensive than your run-of-the-mill street food stall. You can eat and be full for about THB150-200 per person. This is not a buffet style BBQ.
Getting there
Nong Khai Chim Chum Korean BBQ is located on the corner of Ekkamai and Soi 23 alongside the exit that heads to Petchaburi Road. Some street parking can be found along Soi 23 but it can be hard to find most nights. A motorbike from BTS Ekkamai will cost you THB30.
