Thonglor’s new foodie mecca, The Commons, is packed with temptations at every turn, from some of the city’s most trusted names. One of the most popular ground-floor kiosks is Soul Food 555, which is run by the folks behind the perpetually packed Soul Food Mahanakorn just down the road.

 

The single-page menu reads like a greatest hits of Thai street food, leaping from Isaan sausage to krapao to various noodle dishes, with some remixes tacked on, too. The most obvious fusion nods are the burgers, which take familiar Thai dishes and slap them between two pieces of a charcoal-toasted Conkey’s brioche bun. Of the three varieties, the Khao Soy Cowboy (pulled pork in khao soy curry, B250) is the undoubted highlight with its tangy curry complemented by the satisfying crunch of crispy egg noodles. The watermelon pickle on the side really helps to cut through the flavor, too.

 

In comparison, the Risky Chicken (fried chicken and somtam with Sriracha mayo, B250) is a slightly waterlogged affair, though the chicken is succulent. Another fusion hit is the lamb krapao (stir-fried minced lamb with holy basil, B275). Not overly spicy, the sauce’s mild sweet notes mingle nicely with the tender, aromatic meat, while the addition of fennel into the mix is nothing short of inspired. 

 

While part of The Commons’ appeal is the communal seating which lets you pick and choose from the various kiosks, we recommend pulling up a stool at Soul Food 555’s counter and watching the staff dance around the tiny open kitchen. Highlights from the grill station are the tender, tangy and juicy yam nua yang (spicy beef salad, B300) and the mixed grill of house-made sai oua and sai krok Isaan (Northern-style and Isaan sausages, B250), even though the latter is a tad mushy.

 

We’re totally addicted to the banana flower fritters (B220) with their powerful aroma. These salty drinking snacks are ideally paired with the simple yet smooth Mao Prao (smoked coconut with a shot of three-year-old Havana rum, B200). With a concept that successfully blends classic street eats and fusion fare, Soul Food 555 makes for an all-round fun and tasty experience. No corkage for drinks purchased at The Commons.