Bangkok’s bustling markets are legendary, and while many tourists flock to the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market), there’s a cooler, more refined, and arguably more delicious destination just around the corner: Or Tor Kor Market. If you’re seeking an authentic and high-quality Thai food experience, bypassing the tourist crowds and diving into a world of premium produce, Or Tor Kor Market is your ultimate destination. Forget searching for “Kor Food” elsewhere; here, you’ll find the heart of Thai culinary excellence. This isn’t just a market; it’s a curated collection of Thailand’s finest foods, a true Thai food heaven.
For seasoned Bangkok visitors, or those seeking a less overwhelming market experience, Or Tor Kor offers a welcome respite. Unlike the sometimes chaotic and intensely hot atmosphere of JJ Market, Or Tor Kor is spacious, clean, and considerably less crowded. While it might not be the cheapest market in Bangkok, the exceptional quality and incredible variety of Thai ingredients and готовые блюда are well worth the visit. This is where locals and expats in the know come to source the very best of Thai produce, making it a gourmet experience in itself.
For me, Or Tor Kor Market was always the final stop before heading back home. It was my chance to load up on essential Thai ingredients that are simply impossible to find with the same quality outside of Thailand. While some travelers might fill their luggage with fashion souvenirs, those in the know fill theirs with the flavors of Thailand. I’ve often found myself at stalls, like the one pictured below, alongside fellow food enthusiasts, stocking up on large quantities of authentic Thai shrimp paste for the journey home.
This isn’t a casual purchase; bringing shrimp paste overseas requires planning. Think layers of shrink wrap and airtight containers to manage the potent aroma. While the smell is undeniably strong, even for me, I’ve often joked about the benefits of a slight leak on a crowded train – instant personal space! But why go through all this effort for shrimp paste when you can find it in international supermarkets? The answer lies in the unparalleled quality and regional diversity available at Or Tor Kor.
Just like cheddar cheese in the UK, shrimp paste varies dramatically in quality and taste depending on its origin and production methods. Supermarket versions simply can’t compare to the artisanal varieties. At Or Tor Kor, you can sample and compare shrimp pastes from regions like Rayong and Koh Samui, each with unique fermentation processes and distinct flavor profiles. The shrimp paste available in Western supermarkets is often a pale imitation of these authentic Thai versions. For someone like me, who uses shrimp paste frequently, importing directly from Or Tor Kor is the only way to ensure the depth of flavor I need for dishes like authentic Thai green curry paste. Would you notice the difference between a supermarket shrimp paste and the premium kind in my Thai green curry paste? I believe a discerning palate certainly would.
Shrimp paste often gets a bad reputation in the West, frequently misunderstood and unfairly maligned. Online forums are full of comments from people who avoid it in Thai curries due to its smell or taste. However, this misses the crucial point about shrimp paste in Thai cuisine. We don’t eat it spread on toast! It’s a vital umami ingredient, used in moderation to add depth and complexity. When used correctly, it subtly enhances the flavors of a Thai curry, and while you might not pinpoint its presence, you’d undoubtedly notice its absence. But enough about shrimp paste, let’s get back to exploring more treasures at Or Tor Kor Market!
Imagine having this magnificent mortar and pestle in your kitchen! This impressive piece of kitchenware was definitely on my mental wish list, though finding space for it back home would be a challenge!
Thai mangoes are perpetually on my wish list, regardless of the season. Sadly, finding truly ripe and flavorful Thai mangoes in the UK is a near impossibility. Or Tor Kor Market, however, is a mango paradise.
Khao Lam (ข้าวหลาม) is another Thai delicacy that deserves to be on everyone’s must-try list. This delightful treat, sticky rice blended with coconut cream and various fillings like sweet red bean, is cooked inside bamboo tubes over hot coals. The grilling process infuses the rice with a smoky aroma and steams the filling to perfection. A quick whack from the vendor’s knife splits the bamboo to reveal a dessert that’s pure nirvana. Sadly, many Westerners miss out on Khao Lam, likely due to its unfamiliar appearance, hesitant to ask about this intriguing Thai snack (see Bangkok Street Food).
I recall a Khao Lam vendor in a predominantly Thai neighborhood who saw a dramatic shift in her business when her English-speaking niece started helping out. Tourists would often stop, take photos, and ask questions in English, which she couldn’t understand, resulting in few sales. But when her niece, eager to practice her English, stepped in, sales soared! Communication bridged the gap, and more people discovered this amazing Thai dessert.
No trip to Or Tor Kor is complete without indulging in a refreshing Malaysian iced tea and roti for a satisfying snack.
And for daughter Molly, a vibrant fruit shake is the perfect market refreshment.
As you head towards the MRT station after your Or Tor Kor adventure, you might notice a sign that serves as a gentle reminder: some aromas are considered even more potent than shrimp paste on Thai public transport!
Or Tor Kor Market: Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Location: Kamphaengphet Road, directly opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market
MRT: Kamphaeng Phet Station
Getting There: Take the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station and use Exit 3.
Or Tor Kor Market is more than just a market; it’s a sensory journey into the heart of Thai cuisine. It’s a place to discover new ingredients, savor incredible flavors, and experience the passion for food that defines Thai culture. Skip the crowded tourist traps and immerse yourself in the authentic culinary treasures of Or Tor Kor Market – your taste buds will thank you.
