Central Food Hall – the ultimate food destination

AMONGST Bangkok foodies, there’s little dispute that the revamped Central Food Hall in Chidlom deserves to be called the city’s ultimate food destination.

Bringing together the resources of a comprehensively stocked supermarket, an international restaurant combining the best offerings from Central’s leading outlets plus a line-up of highly rated independent vendors, all under the same roof, it is a brilliant idea appealing to a wide audience.

But unlike other venues, this is an all-in-one concept that works for the benefit of customers. Cooperation, not competition, is the name of the game here.

For example, diners can purchase fresh products like meats and seafood from the supermarket and have them cooked by the Food Hall chefs and served at the table. Only a small service charge is added.

You can also choose a bottle of wine from what is one of Bangkok’s biggest cellars and enjoy it at the retail price without corkage charges. Other items, including cheese and a wonderful assortment of tasty breads and cakes, can be similarly bought off the shelf and consumed at the table at the cost price.

At its heart is the restaurant, a food lovers’ paradise. It doesn’t boast a romantic candle-lit ambiance or overly attentive staff. And it’s unlikely to ever win a Michelin star - but Central Food Hall at Central Chidlom (to give its full title) most certainly deserves an award for being comfortable and contemporary as well as utterly unpretentious, genuinely international and outstanding value.

The street food outlets offer a choice of famous sweet and savoury favourites dating back through generations from popular local restaurants and the world famous Four Seasons for Chinese delicacies. Delicious pork skewers, Vietnamese meatball wraps, roast duck, secret recipe grilled chicken, deep fried pork and goose stew sit alongside an array of desserts and traditional coffee. Ordering is easy. You simply can take a seat, browse all menu items – no less than 550 items - on the tablets and pay at the table; or order at the counter with food being served at your table.

Individually themed counter-bars provide the foundation of the Food Hall’s dining experience. Ready prepared dishes like lasagna, beef stews, ribs, chicken and all kinds of popular local dishes are available in abundance at the Deli Bar. Signature dishes at the Tapas Bar by Uno Mas include
Lobster and Calamari Paella, while the Grill Bar serves delicious flaming Piri Piri Chicken and freshly prepared handmade (build your own) pastas and sauces, plus Australian steaks, and a large selection of burgers and sandwiches.

A bewildering array of sushi and seafood served with Hokkaido rice alongside live tanks of oysters and lobsters are the specialties at the Ocean Bar by Thammachart.

For a sweet treat, go for local favourites at Wanlamun, the luxury cake selection at Café de Tu, Franco-Japanese delights at DonQ or a taste of France at PAUL.