The Real Chef of Bangkok

We all know that Bangkok is a dynamic city of stars, culinary adventurers and shine. As visitors, we often rely on guide books that reveal restaurants that in many cases paid for advertising. But what we dont know are the hidden treasures of culinary marvels that the city of Bangkok has to offer. Forget TV for instance, as we have some guys that are doing a great job in discovering Bangkok cuisines on Youtube.

JAY FAI (ร้านเจ๊ไฝ)

Jay Fai (ร้านเจ๊ไฝ) is no doubt one of the most legendary Thai street food restaurants in Bangkok - some people are loyal fans, others say that it’s overpriced. It’s a Thai restaurants in Bangkok that I had been wanting to eat at for a long time, but never got around to it - partly because it is so expensive.

So finally one day for lunch, Ying and I drove over to central Bangkok to try Jay Fai (ร้านเจ๊ไฝ) for the first time. But really quickly, about the name.... In Thai, Jay (เจ๊) means a Chinese Aunty and Fai (ไฝ) means a mole, yes a mole.

What I can tell you first about the restaurant is that the owner is absolutely awesome. She wears ski goggles and a snow cap while she’s cooking, and she cooks over huge fire charcoal, fanning the flame as she expertly cooks. She’s also quite a character, and she loves to chat - so while I was filming she shared all about herself, and how her method of cooking her legendary Thai crab omelet ensures that it doesn’t soak up very much oil. It’s indeed the most amazing omelet you might ever see in your life.

Crab omelet (ไข่เจียวปู) - You can either order the 800 THB or the 1000 THB crab omelet, I went with the 1000 THB. It’s huge, but only uses 2 eggs, but it’s packed with shell-less crab nuggets. The omelet is cooked burrito style, and it’s massive. It’s a must-order when you eat at Jay Fai (ร้านเจ๊ไฝ).

Eating at Thai street food restaurants like this can be all about expectations. You have to go in knowing the prices are very high and you’re going to spend way more money than going to any other corner Thai street food restaurant. That being said, it’s a one-of-a-kind historical culinary legend of a restaurant in Bangkok.

Address: 337-261 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand