Double B Chinese Restaurant

Low expectation occasions/events/places often provide the best times and this was the case when we recently dined at the intriguingly named Double B (Big Ben? Brigitte Bardot? Bobby Brown? Big Bopper?) Thai Chinese Restaurant.

First impressions were not great. Its outer Patumwan location is off the beaten track and the restaurant interior was as inviting as an over-lit 3-star hotel lobby.

Aw suan - arguably, the best cooked oyster dish in the world.

While the surroundings were underwhelming, the cuisine was top drawer and it was a near full house when we visited. The Double B chefs cook a great aw suan (oyster omelette) - the light, not too gluey, oily, or rich batter was just right to showcase the very fresh, flavoursome oysters.

Goong chae nam pla (raw prawns) - great with a few cold beers I've been told.

Next up were a couple of raw dish platters beginning with goong chae nam pla (raw prawns) served on a bed of raw cabbage and a spicy, sweet and sour'ish dipping sauce. I'm not big on prawns so couldn't comment.

Pla dib - Thai Chinese style sashimi - best enjoyed with raw vegetables and the dipping sauce.

However, I do love fish and the pla dib dish (thinly sliced sashimi style raw fish sprinkled with sesame seeds) and its sweet, nutty and sesame flavoured dipping sauce was the star plate for me. So simple, but superb especially when dipped in the sauce and eaten with shredded raw cucumber, cabbage, carrots and lettuce.

E mee - so simple, but so delicious.

Next up was e mee (fried or baked egg noodles served strips of ham and black vinegar - zisho) that was highly recommended by our friend. It lived up to the hype. The noodles were crispy and crunchy on top and soft and moist underneath.

Though we were way too full, the final order of kah bpet ob wonsen (duck feet vermicelli claypot) was on a par with the others - the vermicelli soaked up the peppery, coriander flavours and the duck meat and juices. It's not the prettiest dish in the world, and people unaccustomed to the joys of eating duck or chicken feet (bones, cartilage, gristle etc) may freak, but presentation be damned - get stuck in.

Double B was a great find, and although it's a bit off the beaten track it's worth visiting for the e mee and pla dib alone. And as most plates are priced between 200-350 baht its excellent value given the quality of ingredients and the amazing food served. As it's only up the road from our place we'll be back to try more of the Double B menu - any joiners?

Double B address