Farangondiet
Google
Here Hai, the original shop on Ekkamai Road, is a well-known eatery famous for its huge crab dishes and bold Thai flavors. The interior is simple and casual, spread across two floors of seating, but the food is what draws the crowds.
Every time I walk around this area, there’s a line of people waiting outside, so a bit of planning or a sprinkle of luck definitely helps. I arrived early on a Sunday and the place was already nearly full—luckily no queue.
The kitchen focuses on fresh seafood sourced from southern Thailand, cooked using traditional Thai wok techniques that give the dishes that great smoky “wok hei” aroma. The menu features several signatures, including crab fried rice loaded with large chunks of real crab meat, the famous crab omelette, and other seafood dishes like mantis shrimp, prawns, and stir-fried vegetables.
I went for the Stir-Fried Mantis Shrimp with Holy Basil, served with rice. The mantis shrimp worked nicely with the fragrant basil and a good level of spiciness. I also tried the stir-fried cabbage with fish sauce and spicy pork crackling—definitely fiery, but balanced well with rice and a cold soda.
Prices might be slightly on the higher side compared to some local spots, but considering the portion size and quality, it’s well worth it. Clean place, lively atmosphere.
There’s also another Here Hai branch in Siam Paragon, but visiting the original shop in Ekkamai definitely has its charm. I’ll be back to try the crab omelette or crab fried rice next time.