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About
Somtamnua
Welcome to Somtamnua, a culinary gem nestled within the bustling heart of Bangkok at CentralWorld. Elevating traditional Thai cuisine, this restaurant is a haven for food lovers eager to dive into authentic Isan flavors. With its vibrant offerings, Somtamnua celebrates the rich tapestry of Thai culinary arts, where every dish is a testament to the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter. It's a place where food transcends mere sustenance and becomes an experience that connects people and cultures.
Upon entering Somtamnua, you are greeted by a relaxed ambiance, ideal for enjoying flavorful dishes with friends. The colorful presentation of each meal is a feast for the eyes, where fresh herbs, vegetables, and thoughtful garnishes transform even the simplest plate into something extraordinary. Here, food is not just a meal; it embodies a way of life, promoting harmony and beauty on every dining table.
Crowned by rave reviews, the restaurant’s legendary fried chicken is a must-try. Crispy and perfectly seasoned, it has become a beloved staple among patrons. Edwina Bensal captures the essence of Somtamnua beautifully, stating that every dish tells a story, allowing diners to relish a burst of flavors in each bite. The somtam with salted egg is a stunning flavor bomb, marrying all taste elements seamlessly, while dishes like Khao Moo Yang and Namtok resonate with authenticity and budget-friendly pricing.
While the service may not always match the culinary excellence—sometimes feeling a bit understaffed—it's the food that steals the show. As highlighted by reviewers like Atthakrit Atireklapsakul and SingWei Wong, Somtamnua remains dedicated to delivering quality food without the frills of high-end dining. The tom yum soup and mushroom soup are comforting additions that complement the vibrant flavors throughout the menu.
However, be mindful of the heat; the kitchen is known for its liberal use of chillies. If you're not accustomed to high spice levels, don't hesitate to request a milder version of your dish.
In essence, Somtamnua embodies authenticity, flavor, and value. While improvements in service could enhance the experience further, the restaurant’s reputation for delicious, quality Thai dishes guarantees that you will eagerly return for another mouthwatering adventure. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Thai cuisine or a newcomer, Somtamnua is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ My go-to Eastern Thai restaurant whenever I’m in BKK. You can ask to adjust the spicyness level. Highly recommended. ”
“ Well organized, clean and nice atmosphere. No waiting and large enough for many diners. Friendly staff, and despite the small kitchen, they manage to serve many diners with different selection of Thai food (Isan) in short time. Good selection of menu food and drinks which are reasonably priced. Very good presentation and good flavors. ”
“ Quite used to having somtam at various restaurants... But this is much better and more flavourful, very authentic Isan flavour. The other dishes are equally good and very affordable too, like Khao Moo Yang, Namtok, and tomyam soup. They are quite liberal with their chillies, ask for less spicy if you cannot take too much spicy. ”
“ “This restaurant has good food, a wide variety of dishes, great taste, reasonable prices, and a pleasant environment. ”
“ The food is super good!!! The food is definitely worth the price. The seasoning is just right and everything is hot served. Go hit a try and it’s not like those overrated long queue restaurants. Can you tell how good is the meal from the squeaky clean plate! ”
“ If you’re craving bold, authentic Thai flavors without the fuss of long queues or overpriced menus, Somtamnua at CentralWorld is a solid bet. It’s one of my go-to spots, especially for their legendary fried chicken—crispy, perfectly seasoned, and consistently satisfying. Honestly, I’d come back just for that. This visit, I branched out and tried the beef. It looked promising but turned out a bit tough, which was a letdown. Still, considering the price, the overall food quality holds up well. The somtam with salted egg is a flavor bomb—sour, spicy, sweet, and salty all dancing together in perfect harmony. The mushroom soup and egg omelette? Surprisingly good and comforting. The vibe is relaxed, with both indoor and corridor seating that’s great for catching up with friends. The menu leans heavily into Isan-style dishes, and they do it justice. Khao Moo Yang, Namtok, and Tom Yum soup are all flavorful and budget-friendly. Now, about the service—it’s not the warmest or most attentive. Feels like they’re short-staffed, which might explain the lack of engagement. So don’t expect pampering, but do expect good food. One tip: they don’t hold back on the chillies. If you’re not a spice warrior, definitely ask for a milder version. In short, Somtamnua delivers where it matters most—taste and value. It’s not perfect, but it’s real, and that fried chicken? Worth every bite. ”
“ Somtamnua at CentralWorld is still one of my favourite Thai spots, even though the service leaves much to be desired. It was barely, not the warmest or most attentive. However, their fried chicken never disappoints, crispy, flavourful, and always satisfying. I also tried the beef this time, and sadly, it was a little tough despite not looking overcooked. Still, for the price point, the food is pretty decent overall. I’ll keep coming back for the fried chicken alone! ”
“ It was a good experience. I want to go back here. Yumz! Every dish seems to tell a story of balance - where sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter harmonize in a way that feels both bold and delicate. Presentation is just as important - the colorful herbs, vegetables, and garnishes elevate even the simplest dish into something inviting. Overall, Thai food isn’t just about eating - it’s about experiencing a way of life where food connects people, celebrates culture, and reminds us that balance is beauty. Thank you to our dear Oum for bringing us here. ”