Seafood is a big hit in Thailand and the oyster omelette (more like a pancake) or Hoy Tod is one of the most recognisable form where seafood is presented in a basic but extremely tasty form. From the starchy Taiwanese version topped with pink sauce or Malaysia’s fluffy egg ones, I find that no one does it better than the Thais. To find the “best” Hoy Tod in town, I headed to Chinatown.
If you are a tourist, be warned because Chinatown is a place where massive rip offs happen (we got ripped off by the taxi drive and was dropped of along some remote street!). But determined as ever Yobi, ZS and I made our way to the popular Nai Mong Hoi Tod for some delicious Oyster omelette. The location is hard as to find but this is a google view. Its address is probably 540 Phlap Phla Chai Road.
Nai Mong Hoy Tod in Chinatown is small but their fame is unquestionable. Nai Mong Hoy Tod closes at around 3pm daily, and yet they were still busy when we got there around closing time. After a quick scan of their menu, we picked their two most populars Hoy Tod as well as a plate of crab fried rice. The owners' kids speak brilliant English with a badass accent so do not be worried of coming to this remote place for a yummy Oyster Omeletre.
For 80 Baht, this had to be one of the tastiest fried rice I have ever eaten. Its rice was so well fried that each rice grain was on its own. Not those gluggy ones or broken ones you get from those half-assed restaurants! Crab pieces were a mix of little shred and larger chunks of crab meat. Yummy!
The first Hoy Tod to arrive was the crispy mussel omelette and I reckon it was worth every bit of the walk!
Looking back at this picture, I still recall my mouth drooling at the sight of this beautiful Hoy Tod. Its was fried till golden brown with its crispy jagged edges teasing me visually. The first bite was always the best and this was no different. With a little chilli sauce, this was an oyster fritter on steroids! So yummy! Salty deep fried goodness with that bursty seafood flavour from the chunks of mussel flesh. Some people dislike floury omelettes and I am one such person. I could tell that some flour was added to a certain degree but nowhere near what other places put so it was pretty damn good :D!
The second one we shared was the crispy omelette topped with sautéed oysters with diced scallions in a oyster sauce.
OMAIGAWD this was so good. Super plump oysters graced the top of the crisp omelette. The oysters used here made the ones used everywhere look like cockles! Flavours were more balanced in this dish with the crispy omelette going really well with the saucy oysters. Great stuff!
Writing this post was probably an awkward experience for me because I never really liked oysters in the first place. But in Bangkok where oysters are incorporated and made into something amazing, damn it was hard to resist. Me eating Hoy Tod shows my confidence in the cooking in Thailand. This place was a clear winner for me. The crispy Mussel Omelette at Nai Mong Hoi Tod was really nice especially for first timers who are afraid of the taste shell fish might have. If you happen to be a seafood purist though, my second dish the Hoy Tod with sautéed oysters would be your best as the oysters were still really plump and creamy!
WenY
About eatBANGKOK
I am no expert in eating but I have no hesitation in claiming Bangkok is easily one of the top cities for eating. In this mini series called eatBANGKOK, I bring you what my homeboys Yobi, ZS and I ate through this bustling city. Everyone boasts to present the cuisine in this Royal loving city best so the quality of food here can quite easily get diluted. But are you really eating Bangkok’s best? This is WHAT, WHERE and HOW to eat Bangkok’s popular and hidden eateries. Keen on a Bangkok food itinerary? Look no further.
