If there’s one thing that brings travelers and locals together, it’s the thrill of exploring a bustling night market. And when it comes to Bangkok, there’s no better place than Jodd Fairs Night Market to experience the best in street food, unique shopping finds, and endless laughter. Just last week, I took Karlye, Rylie, and my wife Michelle to Jodd Fairs Bangkok (also known as Jodd Fairs Rama 9), and boy, what a memorable night it was.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by an explosion of colors, lights, and the unmistakable sizzling sounds of food cooking on grills. If you ask me, it was the perfect mix of sensory overload. Karlye and Rylie were buzzing with excitement, and Michelle had that wide-eyed wonder that only Bangkok night markets can bring out. We started our journey with no plan other than to dive headfirst into all the delicious street food that Jodd Fairs had to offer.
Leng Zabb: The Spicy Star
The first food stop was the famous Leng Zabb spicy pork bone soup. Let me tell you—this dish was something else! Picture a mountain of tender pork bones stacked up high, swimming in a fiery broth filled with garlic, chili, and an incredible balance of tangy and spicy flavors. Even before I took the first bite, my nose was tingling from the spice, and my eyes watered a little just from the aroma. We all dug in, but Karlye and Rylie were the brave ones, each daring each other to handle spoonfuls of the spicy soup like pros. It was a riot of laughter and occasional gasps as the spice level took us on a ride, but in the best way possible. Michelle loved it, though she made sure to have a cold drink close by.
Crunchy Fried Tofu & Durian Lava Surprise
After cooling down from the Leng Zabb experience, we took a more mellow route with some fried tofu. Crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside, it was just the comfort we needed after the heat. I watched Rylie close her eyes in bliss as she munched away, savoring every crispy bite.
Of course, we couldn’t resist trying some of the more unusual offerings, like the Durian Lava. Now, I know durian can be controversial—some call it the “king of fruits,” while others just can’t get past the smell. But at Jodd Fairs, the Durian Lava was too tempting to pass up. Imagine a creamy, custard-like filling bursting out of a soft bun, with that distinct durian flavor that somehow balanced sweet and savory perfectly. Michelle wasn’t quite sure at first, but after one bite, even she couldn’t deny how delicious it was.
Gintako Octopus Balls: Street Food Fun
No visit to Jodd Fairs would be complete without some classic Gintako octopus balls. We stood around the little food stall, watching the chef expertly turn the takoyaki balls on the griddle, flipping them with finesse while adding bits of octopus, tempura scraps, and green onions. Karlye was fascinated, her eyes following every movement. When we finally got our serving—drizzled with mayo and topped with bonito flakes—we all agreed it was worth the wait. The octopus balls were soft, savory, and had just enough chew to make every bite satisfying.
Wandering and More Tastes
What made this night even more fun was how spontaneous everything felt. After our takoyaki adventure, we wandered from stall to stall, tasting whatever caught our eye. Rylie was especially thrilled when we found a stall selling coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell, complete with sweet toppings like sticky rice and roasted peanuts. We all shared a scoop, and it was the perfect cool-down after all the other dishes we’d devoured.
Michelle, ever the fan of grilled seafood, found a vendor selling huge grilled prawns. We all gathered around a small table, peeling and eating the smoky, juicy prawns with our fingers while sharing stories. The market was alive with music, the laughter of fellow visitors, and the occasional call of vendors announcing their treats. It felt like we were part of something much bigger—a shared love for food, fun, and connection.
The Girls’ Favorite Finds
One of my favorite parts of the evening was seeing how much fun the girls were having. Karlye was all about the quirky clothes and accessories stalls, holding up oversized sunglasses and posing dramatically for us, while Rylie found herself mesmerized by a stand selling handmade soaps that looked like little cupcakes. They both ended up picking a couple of fun trinkets to take home as souvenirs of our night.
Michelle and I were just happy to watch them, hand in hand, as they dashed from stall to stall. We finished our evening with one last treat—a Thai milk tea for each of us, the perfect way to wind down while we slowly made our way back to the entrance, our bellies full and our hearts even fuller.
A Night to Remember
Visiting Jodd Fairs Night Market was more than just a chance to eat great food—it was an experience filled with laughter, exploration, and the joy of being with family. From the Leng Zabb spicy pork bone soup to the Gintako octopus balls, every bite was a reminder of why Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary. And, of course, having Karlye, Rylie, and Michelle by my side made the night that much sweeter. If you ever find yourself in Bangkok, make sure to head over to Jodd Fairs Rama 9. Who knows? You might just find yourself having the time of your life—one spicy bite at a time.
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