This summer, Chet’s has teamed up with Gary Butler, aka The Roaming Cook, for a BBQ takeover inspired by the street food of Bangkok. Drawing on the bold flavours of Thailand’s Isan region, the menu celebrates the dishes, techniques and ingredients found everywhere from roadside grills to late-night markets.
We caught up with Gary to talk all things Bangkok: the under-the-radar food spots worth seeking out, the market dishes he never skips, and what makes the city so special, you’ll want to come back.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to The Hoxton and Bangkok.
I’m Gary Butler, creator of The Roaming Cook. I’ve spent the last 11 years living in Thailand, exploring every corner of Bangkok with a camera in one hand and a pair of chopsticks in the other. My channel is all about helping people experience the real food culture, from tiny family run stalls to neighbourhood restaurants that most visitors would never find.
When I met Chet’s Head Chef, Carolyn, in Bangkok, we instantly bonded over our shared passion for authentic Thai food and the stories behind the dishes. That friendship led to collaborating on Chet’s BBQ on the Terrace, where we’re bringing the bold flavours, traditions and spirit of Bangkok’s street food culture to London.
“Thailand to me is incredible food that brings people together, but also the warmth and generosity of the people that keeps you coming back.”
If someone only had 24 hours in Bangkok, where are you sending them?
Start the morning in Talat Phlu for breakfast. It’s one of my favourite local neighbourhoods and still feels like old Bangkok. Grab a bowl of jok (Thai rice congee) from my favourite Thai grandma, before making your way to Wat Klang Market to grab a traditional Thai coffee from a century old coffee shop overlooking the canal, with incredible views of the Giant Buddha at Wat Pak Nam.
For brunch, go next door to Je Rate for Pad Kaprao, Thailand’s unofficial national dish and one of the best versions you’ll find anywhere in the city. From there, head into Bangkok’s Old Town for an unforgettable crab curry at Khao Gang HiSo, followed by a late lunch at Auntie Pien’s Charcoal Noodles.
Finish the day in Chinatown at Nong Joke. Order a couple of ice cold beers, settle in for some people watching and enjoy classic Thai stir fries alongside a comforting bowl of rice soup – living like a local.
What makes Bangkok street food so special?
If I had to choose one thing, it’s the people. You’re eating recipes that have been passed down through generations. They know every detail, from the exact heat of the charcoal to the perfect balance of fish sauce, lime and chilli. Then you add the atmosphere. Plastic stools on the pavement, motorbikes flying past, the sound of woks crashing together and the smell of charcoal and grilled meat filling the air. It isn’t polished, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
BBQ plays such a huge role in Thai food culture. What are the dishes people outside Thailand really need to know about?
Most people know satay, but Thai barbecue goes so much further. Kor Moo Yang is one of my favourites. Charcoal grilled pork neck that’s juicy, smoky and served with a spicy tamarind dipping sauce. Gai Yang is another must. Whole chickens marinated with garlic, coriander root and white pepper before being grilled slowly over charcoal. Then there’s Moo Ping, grilled pork skewers you’ll find on almost every street corner in the morning, usually eaten with sticky rice. Grilled river prawns with seafood dipping sauce – sweet and smokey -are one of the best things you’ll ever eat.
What’s something you’ve found there that feels unexpectedly calm amongst the chaos?
Early mornings are my favourite time. The city hasn’t fully woken up yet, monks are collecting alms and there’s this completely different side to Bangkok. Also, just a few minutes away from busy roads are the canals with long tail boats drifting past wooden houses and temples hidden among the trees.
What’s the best detour you’ve ever taken because you got lost?
One afternoon I was trying to find a restaurant in Bangkok’s Old Town and took a wrong turn by a local canal. I stumbled across a family cooking one dish over charcoal from the front of their home (Auntie Pien’s Charcoal Noodles!) There wasn’t a sign, no English menu and definitely no aircon! I ordered what everyone else was eating and it turned out to be one of the best meals I’ve had in Thailand. Those accidental discoveries are often the ones you remember most. That’s Thailand to me. Incredible food brings people together, but it’s the warmth and generosity of the people that keeps you coming back.
Chets Bangkok BBQ is running at The Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush until 29 August – book your table.
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