Jay Fai & Surrounding Area

My plan for the afternoon was to dine at Michelin-starred street food stall Jay Fai. Helmed by its eponymous owner, Jay Fai wasn't on my radar screen when I lived in Bangkok. She rose to prominence when she was awarded a Michelin star a few years ago, and even more international fame followed when Netflix devoted an episode to her in its Street Food: Asia series. Up until November, I believe they were doing takeout only due to Covid. In early November, they put out a notice on Instagram saying they were taking reservations for in person meals. I immediately emailed them and snagged a spot. In fact, I secured this reservation even before I booked my flight to Thailand. I couldn't believe my luck!

I arrived an hour before my appointment, and noted that it was where I thought it was. Because Jay Fai wasn’t famous back in the 1990s, I walked past her stall many times in the past without knowing that there was a culinary gem inside. While waiting for my appointment, I explored the surrounding area - I walked over to the Democracy Monument, and then I walked around Ratchanadda Temple. The most interesting feature of the temple was an area with various stalls selling religious paraphernalia.

I arrived back at Jay Fai 10 minutes before my appointment. As my reservation was for one, I was hoping to find another solo person in the queue for people without reservations, and invite them to join me so that I could try more dishes. Alas, there weren't any people in line who were on their own. Even though I was early, I was seated immediately. Without hesitation, I ordered Jay Fai's signature crab omelet for which she has received rave reviews. I noted with disappointment that all portions were standard sized, and so I did not have the option of ordering a combination of several appetizer sized dishes. Because Jay Fai is the only cook and she cooks each dish to order, my omelet took 40 minutes to arrive. But, her signature dish lived up to its hype. Crispy on the outside, wonderfully rich on the inside, I savored every bite. At 1,000 baht (US$30!), this is probably the most expensive omelet I will ever eat, but it is one to remember!

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