This is a 2022 update of my earlier adventures to Bangkok Little India in Phahurat. And while my perception of the area hasn’t changed a whole lot, given that Indian influences really are not overly obvious, there’s a better range of Indian foods in the lower Sukhumvit area, and there are more intriguing Indian temples/shrines in Silom (Sri Mariamman Temple) etc. etc. But now I would happily recommend a visit to Bangkok Little India for two new reasons. Firstly, the convenience of the new MRT stations, then there is the revamped canal side night market at Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street.
How to get to Bangkok Little India (Phahurat)?
With the extension of the MRT lines, new stations now connect to Little India at Sam Yot MRT Station (as well as Chinatown at Wat Mangkon MRT station one stop before). From Sam Yot Station it is just a 2-minute walk to Ong Ang Walking Street (directions here) and you can literally see the canalside graffiti from the exit of the MRT Station.
Before this time we would have travelled to Hua Lamphong Station before taking a taxi through generally busy traffic to get near it. So now the nearest MRT station to Bangkok Little India is Sam Yot which is literally a stone’s throw from the main excitement of the area.
Talad Ong Ang Walking Street
I actually visited Bangkok Little India recently without actually knowing when I went to check out the new Talad Ong Ang Walking Street. Which I think highlights the subtlety of Indian culture in the area.
Anyway, Klong Ong Ang Walking Street is a newly polished canalside night market that came to life just after Covid lockdowns (late-2021) and it is by far the biggest draw to the area with domestic Thai tourists with lots of graffiti, art, street food, and in the evenings the night market and kayak hire on the canal.
Old Bangkok Little India and Sampeng Market
From 2013: Bangkok Little India is not really a tourist attraction. It is found in a hard-to-reach location and has little to offer tourists. No majestic Hindu temples or distinct Indian cultures to excite visitors. But, I guess if in the area, it may be worth checking out. The main attraction for Bangkok Little India is the busy Sampeng market a network of back alleys where locals peddle fabrics, textiles, gifts and accessories (Sampeng Blog here). If this is what interests you then Bangkok Little India is the place to be. Otherwise there is little else to do. Maybe call in at Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha (Sikh Temple)? Certainly not worth the trek across the city. Bangkok Little India (Pahurat) is found near Bangkok Chinatown on the main Phahurat Road (directions here).
Eating in Bangkok Little India
As expected you will find Indian food in Bangkok Little India, but not in abundance. With blogs saying things like the best Indian food outside of India, this couldn’t be more wrong. In comparison to the Mamak restaurants of Malaysia and Indian influences in Singapore and even next door in Myanmar – Bangkok little India doesn’t come close to any of them. For the best Indian food in Southeast Asia follow the British trade routes. Penang, Melaka, Singapore etc. For the best Indian food in Bangkok, I would even stick to Sukhumvit area (but maybe pay a premium). While food isn’t bad in Little India a trek from central Bangkok, it won’t be worthwhile. The best restaurant in Bangkok Little India is Royal India (North Indian cuisine) which now has branches across the city.
My guests love this part of Bangkok – look a little deeper and there is a wealth of interest here.
Wow uplifting report ! Yikes ! Still ok if younwant to buy indian spices or have a chai …maybe not for tourists who have limited time…but definitely ok to go if you live in bangkom and dont want to go to nana for indian food. Basically you can buy indian stuff and still not be surrounded by too many gross indians.
Tescos also have Indian spices. For Indian food go to Penang, Singapore, Yangon even, as they all have fantastic and authentic Indian food scenes. My favorite cities of the region because of it. Of course Indian cultures and Tamil are widespread along these parts of Southeast Asia, but they unfortunately never made it to Bangkok (although Bangkok does have a great Chinatown). Otherwise Phahurat is about as underwhelming as it was 5 years ago when I wrote this. Why bother try sugarcoat it. Note, I wasn’t going to comment but your “gross Indians” jibe is no more than a reflection on your own grossness. You obviously do not belong to the multi-cultural city you seem confident to comment on.
really love this side of Bangkok.