You can smell it before you see it.
It’s that sweet, nutty, deep-fried aroma that just shouldn’t exist inside the polished, air-conditioned gleam of a mega-mall. When we travel, we’re often faced with a choice: do we hunt for the "authentic" food down a hot, dusty alley (soi), or do we settle for the convenient, clean, and often-sterile version in a food court?
Here in Bangkok, at the sprawling Central World mall, that choice is a little easier. Tucked away in the 7th-floor Tops Food Hall is a humble stall with a bright yellow sign and a prestigious award: Kluay Tod Rama 5 (กล้วยทอดพระราม 5).
This isn't just any fried banana; this is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded legend. Its original stall, far out in Nonthaburi, is famous for its snaking queues. But here, you can get a taste of that same royal-level snack between shopping for designer brands.
The question for us, the "Real Value" traveler, is simple: Can a legendary street food keep its soul (and its value) inside one of Bangkok's glitziest food halls? We decided to find out.
A Michelin Star for a Humble Banana?
In a city of world-class curries and complex noodle dishes, it’s charming that one of the most celebrated eats is a simple fried banana. But as with all great Thai food, the magic is in the details.
What Makes "Kluay Tod Rama 5" So Legendary?
This isn't the heavy, doughy banana fritter you might be used to. The "Rama 5" recipe, which grew from a small cart near the Rama V Bridge, is all about texture.
They use Kluay Nam Wa, a specific type of Thai banana that is firm and slightly tangy, not sugary-sweet or mushy. The batter is the real star—a light, crispy coating of rice flour, coconut, and a generous speckling of white sesame seeds. It shatters when you bite into it, giving way to the warm, soft banana inside.
The Secret to the Crunch
The original stall in Nonthaburi became famous for its process. They reportedly use a custom-built machine that vibrates the freshly fried bananas to shake off every last drop of excess oil. This ensures each piece is impossibly crispy, never soggy or greasy. While the mall stall may not have the giant Rube Goldberg-esque contraption, the commitment to that light, airy crunch is the brand's signature.
The Hunt: Navigating the Tops Food Hall
Finding the stall is its own little adventure. You're not looking for a grand restaurant, but a small, bright yellow kiosk within the sprawling, high-end "Tops Food Hall" on the 7th floor of Central World.
Finding the Stall
Head to the "food court" area of Tops (not the supermarket section). It’s typically located among other "grab-and-go" snack stalls. You'll see the yellow sign and, most likely, a small, orderly queue of in-the-know locals and tourists.
The Price and the Menu
The menu is beautifully simple. For 50 Baht (about S$1.85), you get a bag of eight golden-brown pieces of fried banana.
Don't ignore its famous companion: the Khai Nok Krata, or sweet potato balls. These are chewy, hollow, and utterly addictive. A bag of these also goes for 50 Baht. For a total of 100 Baht, you have the perfect afternoon snack for two.
The "Real Value" Verdict: Is the Mall Version Worth It?
We grabbed our hot paper bag and found a seat. So, here’s the breakdown.
The Good: A Symphony of Crunch and Sweetness
This is, without a doubt, a fantastic fried banana. The batter is the highlight—it’s savory, nutty from the sesame, and incredibly crispy. The banana inside is just soft enough, providing a sweet contrast to the salty-savory crust. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy, and it’s worlds apart from a generic food court snack. It tastes... crafted.
The Risk: A Traveler's Warning
Now, for the "Real Value" check. We must be honest about the traveler's trade-off. We’ve heard from some travelers that batches here can occasionally be lukewarm if you hit them at a non-peak time, a risk you don't run at the main branch where the turnover is constant. Some purists also whisper that the oil at the original stall is managed better.
A Note on Authenticity: When you eat at the mall branch, you are trading the "adventure" of the Nonthaburi pilgrimage for pure, air-conditioned convenience.
Our Final Take
So, is it worth it? Absolutely. Yes.
For 50 Baht, you are getting a Michelin-recognized, iconic Bangkok snack in the most accessible, comfortable way possible. It’s the perfect "traveler's trade-off." You get 90% of the authentic experience with 100% of the convenience, and the price is still a fantastic value.
It's the perfect entry-level street food: clean, safe, cheap, and unbelievably delicious. Don't leave Central World without trying it.
Your Bangkok Snack FAQ
What do the fried bananas (Kluay Tod) cost at the Central World stall?
A bag of 8 fried banana pieces costs 50 Baht. A bag of 15 sweet potato balls (Khai Nok Krata) also costs 50 Baht (prices as of our last visit).
Why is it called "Rama 5"?
It gets its name from its original, legendary stall located near the Rama V (Rama 5) Bridge in Nonthaburi, a province just outside of central Bangkok.
How is this different from other fried bananas in Bangkok?
The "Rama 5" style is defined by its batter. It’s a very thin, crispy, and light batter made with rice flour, coconut, and white sesame seeds, which makes it shatter when bitten. This is different from thicker, heavier, or doughier batters you might find at other stalls.
No comments:
Post a Comment