Garlic: Family-style restaurant known for crab omelettes
Although most visitors to Thailand will only rave about curbside food experiences – perhaps to show off how well-travelled they are – small family-run restaurants are nothing to scoff at. Garlic (ร้านกาลิค) is a family-style restaurant that’s been serving Thai food in Pracha Chuen (ประชาชื่น) for over 40 years.
Here’s why this neighbourhood favourite is worth a visit.
A neighbourhood favourite in Pracha Chuen
Image credit: @eakkawee via Instagram
Thailand is known for its banger street food stalls offering dishes at low price points, but that’s not all there is to the country. If you’re willing to look at medium price-point gems, then local neighbourhood family-run restaurants will serve you well.
Garlic is one such spot – located in Pracha Chuen, the restaurant has been in business for over 40 years. The current owner is the second generation to handle the business.
Bring a bunch of friends or family here to fully experience an authentic Thai family meal with plenty of sharable mains. Expect to pay between ฿150-฿400 per person, depending on the number of mains you order.
This neighbourhood favourite is well-known for its delicious seafood – especially its thick crab omelettes (ไข่เจียวปู, kai jiew puu).
Crab omelettes to rival Jay Fai
Image credit: @niwatpat via Instagram
If you’re a lover of crab omelettes, then it’s hard to not compare it to Jay Fai. While Jay Fai has more than earned her Michelin star, tasting one of her dishes comes with the hassle of waiting for hours.
Garlic is not Jay Fai, but their crab omelettes are still meticulously made. The omelette is fried in a searing-hot wok with a mould to ensure that it comes out thick. It’s a Thai-style egg dish, so of course the egg is super crispy on the outside. But because of its thickness, it’s also creamy on the inside.
Image credit: @fahfavfoods via Instagram
Other than the eggs, other recommended dishes here include stir-fried crispy catfish (ปลาดุกกรอบผัดพริกสด, pla duk krob pad prik sod), which is the chef owner’s favourite dish. This dish contains minced catfish meat fried until crispy, then stir-fried with garlic and chilli for a flavour that earns the restaurant its name.
Old-school decor reminiscent of English pubs
Image credit: @galic2496 via Instagram
Despite serving very homey Thai food, the restaurant is decorated as if it were an English pub .
Although the bricks, arches, and antique clocks might fool you at first glance, upon closer inspection, you’ll see that the decor has a ton of Thai-ness to it too. You’ll see old traditional Thai instruments hanging from the walls, as well as various old Thai newspapers.
The reason for this unique decor is simple: the original owner used to live in England. Upon his return, he wanted to open a restaurant and decorate it like the old English pubs that he loved.
Over the years, the restaurant has retained its unique fusion look while still feeling like a very cosy Thai-style family restaurant.
Enjoy a comfy meal with friends at Garlic
Whether you’re in the mood for excellent crab omelettes without the hassle of queueing for hours or just want a great family-style meal, Garlic is an excellent choice if you’re in the Pracha Chuen area.
Keep them in mind next time you’re looking for a mid-range option in Bangkok.
If you’re looking for other budget-friendly spots with generous portions, try Baan Khaek Moo Tod, which serves fried pork with rice. Or if you’re looking for your next hang-out spot, try Contento, which is a vintage-Italian eatery. Alternatively, create your Southern Thailand travel plans with help from our guide on our picks for worthwhile Southern Thai experiences.
Address: 44 Soi Chotiwat, Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800
Opening hours: 10am-2.30pm, 4pm-10pm; Daily
Contact: +66 8 9182 2640 | Google Maps
Cover image adapted from: @eakkawee via Instagram and @galic2496 via Instagram