The Real Gem of Haebangchon Shinhyeong Market! Honest Review of Pad Krapow - Authentic Thai Taste

A Hidden Gem Discovered by Chance in Haebangchon

I stumbled upon this place during a weekend outing to Haebangchon. I originally intended to visit the market sashimi restaurant featured on Baek Jong-won's Alley Restaurant, but the ticket distribution had ended, so I quickly searched for another place and found Pad Krapow. It's a small Thai restaurant inside Shinhyeong Market, and the entrance is so small that I almost missed it.

When I saw the narrow stairs leading to the second floor, I wondered, 'Is this the right place?' But once I went up, it was like a completely different world. The interior had a strong local Thai vibe, and the view of Haebangchon from the window was amazing! It's a really cozy space with only about 5-6 tables.

Be Prepared to Wait

Even when I went around 6 PM on a weekday, there was a wait. Fortunately, remote queuing was possible through Catch Table, so I waited about 30 minutes. There aren't many tables, so the turnover isn't fast. However, it was nice to spend time exploring Shinhyeong Market while waiting.

The staff took the waiting list and said, 'Please wait a little,' and they seemed to be Thai. Later, I found out that the chef is Thai, so the food truly has an authentic taste.

Choosing the Menu

There weren't many menu items, so it was easy to choose. It was composed of typical Thai dishes. We ordered Pad Krapow (pork), Tom Yum Goong, and Pad Thai. The prices were honestly a bit high. I think the Pad Thai was about 14,000 won, and the Pad Krapow was about 12,000 won.

We also ordered Singha beer, recommended by the chef, and they even provided a styrofoam cover! It was my first time trying Thai beer, and it was really clean and refreshing.

Waiting for the Food

It took some time for the food to come out after ordering. The chef was making each dish with care. While waiting, I enjoyed the view of Haebangchon outside the window and drank Thai beer, so the time passed quickly.

The plates and spoons also had a Thai feel. The spoon was especially thin, which was fascinating. I thought it was amazing how they captured the local vibe even in such details.

The Dishes Finally Arrived

The first dish to come out was Tom Yum Goong, and it was truly impressive! The lemongrass aroma hit me, and it tasted just like what I had in Thailand. The shrimp were large, and the mushrooms and vegetables were fresh. It wasn't as spicy as I thought, so even first-timers might enjoy it.

The balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour flavors was really well harmonized. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was the best Tom Yum Goong I've had in Korea.

Signature Dish Pad Krapow

Pad Krapow, which is also the name of the restaurant, is a Thai-style pork rice bowl. They serve it with spicy stir-fried pork and basil along with a fried egg. I usually avoid pork because of the smell, but there was no smell at all here!

The smoky flavor was strong, and the basil aroma was really nice. It tasted even better with the sauce and lime they provided. The slight spiciness was just to my liking.

The Perfection of Pad Thai

The last dish, Pad Thai, was truly the highlight! Usually, other Thai restaurants serve Pad Thai in an orange or ketchup-like color, but here it was a deep brown. I think it's because of the tamarind sauce the chef made himself.

The sweet and salty base was there, and the sourness was really alive! Even without squeezing lime, there was a subtle sourness at the end, making it very harmonious. It was just like the taste I had on the streets of Thailand.

Window View and Atmosphere

Besides the taste of the food, the view of Haebangchon from the window seat was really nice. It seemed like it would be even prettier around sunset. Enjoying Thai food while taking in the Seoul scenery was a unique experience.

The store is small, so it wasn't noisy and had a cozy atmosphere. It's a great place for couples and also perfect for chatting with friends.

Value for Money and Revisit Intentions

The prices are a bit high, but considering the taste, it's understandable. The fact that you can enjoy authentic Thai food made by a Thai chef in Seoul is a plus. The portions were just right for 2-3 people.

The only downside was the long wait and the time it took for the food to come out. But that just means the dishes are made with care, so it's understandable.

Visit Tips and Precautions

Shinhyeong Market itself became famous due to Baek Jong-won's Alley Restaurant, so it's really crowded on weekends. I recommend going on weekdays. Also, there's a break time (3 PM-5 PM), so check the time before you go!

Nearby Places to Explore

While you're visiting Pad Krapow, take a look around Shinhyeong Market. There are many small cafes and accessory shops, making it fun to explore. Haebangchon is especially known for its trendy cafes, so a cafe tour after your meal would be nice.

Other famous Haebangchon eateries like Bonny's Pizza Pub and Ragu are nearby, so you'll have an excuse to come back next time, haha.

Overall Impression

You have to be prepared to wait, and the prices are a bit high, but if you want to enjoy really delicious Thai food, I highly recommend this place. Especially the Pad Thai was the best I've had in Korea!

In these times when I miss traveling to Thailand, I could enjoy a brief feeling of having visited Bangkok. I plan to revisit to try the Pu Pad Pong Curry next time. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Haebangchon!