Review: Jysk Rejsebureau (New Road Guesthouse) Restaurant in Bangkok Thailand

The New Road Guesthouse is located between Soi 36 and 34 off of Charoen Krung Rd, on the side towards the Chao Phraya River. Look for a white sign that says, "Jysk Rejsebureau" in larger letters and "New Road Guesthouse" in smaller letters beneath it. The sign will have a green circle on it. Follow the sign and then turn right through a garden area. When you enter the building, computers will be on your right and reception on your left. The restaurant is straight ahead.

Service

Look through the black bamboo style menus and make your choice. You can seat yourself as hotel staff double as receptionists, cashiers and waiters all at the same time. Look for a person in a blue polo shirt and give them your order. During dinner time, kitchen open until 9pm, be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes for food if there's a crowd. The kitchen may not always be open when advertised, and if food will not be ready for a while the hotel staff may ask you to come back in half an hour.

Food

New Road Guesthouse Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu offers a few a la carte options and a buffet for 160 baht ($4.58). If you're staying in the Guesthouse, and not in a backpacker room, you can charge your meals to your room and pay when you check out. The breakfast buffet was plentiful, but a bit pricy compared to cafes in the area where you can eat for much less. Free coffee and tea is always available.

The lunch and dinner menus are the same. A variety of Thai and international dishes are available for upwards of 60 baht ($1.72). You can get traditional Thai soups (served with rice), stir fries, noodle dishes, curries, and salads. If you're craving 'home food' you can order Spaghetti, garlic bread, or a ham sandwich. There are also a few other Western food options to choose from.

I tried several of the Thai dishes during the week and I especially like the Sweet and Sour Stir Fry with Pineapple. The Tom Kah Soup was also quite nice. If you want to eat with chopsticks you need to ask for them.

Ambiance

The ambiance is simple, yet nice. Fresh orchids are on each table, and a small waterfall and fish pool add a nice touch. You are right next to the travel agency and reception area, so don't expect a quiet or intimate setting. Many of the guests can be quite loud and may be trying to talk to one another across the room.

Conclusion

I'd eat at this restaurant again even if I wasn't staying at the New Road Guesthouse. For just 60 to 90 baht a meal, you can eat your fill of fresh, authentic, Thai food. I might not go here during dinner time though (7pm to 9pm), as orders can get backed up and customers wait up to 45 minutes for their food. This can be a bit awkward, especially if you're a solo traveler sitting alone! Breakfast is overpriced, but lunch and dinner are reasonable and you can sit in a nice air-conditioned place close to Pier #1 (5 minute walk) and the Saphan Taksin BTS (10 minute walk).