Redlight Bites: Derby King (Part 1)
Near the middle of the block on Patpong Soi 1 is the Derby King—a landmark Thai restaurant specializing in northern fare at rock-bottom prices. It’s a no-frills eatery that hasn’t redecorated in decades and turns out traditional comfort food for the monger on the go in the oldest redlight district in Bangkok. Here’s a few stalwart samples from the menu…
Krapow Chicken
At Derby King, the meat in pad krapow isn’t minced. Instead, it’s pan-fried with fresh, juicy chicken medallions, garlic, Thai chilis, and whole krapow leaves. Steamed rice and a kai dow. A perfect dish. 150 baht
Kee mao gai (drunken noodle chicken)
This grub was so spicy it nearly blew the top of my skull right off. Fresh, fat noodles tossed with green and red chilis, Thai basil, shallots, and peppercorns. When I polished off the dish, my plate was clean and my eyeballs were sweating. 150 bath
Gai medmamuang (cashew chicken)
It ain’t like Panda Express, I tell you what. Fresh chicken and mushrooms, and prik sod tossd with soy and oyster sauces, garlic, and onions. It’s magic for your mouth…sweet, savory, and spicy. Light yet filling, and every bite a thing of beauty. 150 baht
Pork spareribs in Japanese sauce
Crispy bits of pork on the bone sauteed with mushrooms, onions, chili sauce, and omelet on the side. It’s light, simple, and delicious. 140 baht
Sweet & sour pork
It ain’t sweet or sour. Just hot, and then later really really hot. Sizzling spice on the front gives way to a long, slow burn that lasts long after the meal’s over. The peppers are a fiery treat. 120 baht
Moo dat diow and pad thai
The great thing about Derby King is, they’ll deliver to any gogo bar in Patpong. I enjoyed these two dishes whilst hanging out with some of my pole kitty friends over at King’s Castle 1, which not coincidentally is directly across the street from Derby King. These two Thai food staples are reliably perfect every time you order ‘em. The moo dat diow (twice fried pork) is particularly succulent.
Check back next week for another handful of awesome plates from this quiet, unassuming eatery—a true hidden gem smack dab in the middle of the redlight district.