Convent Road, Bangkok

Amid the odd-numbered sois of Silom, the busy tree-shaded lane of Soi Convent starts with a barrage of food stalls and continues with several restaurants catering for various tastes – from Irish pub grub to fancy fusion.

For all-authentic Thai dishes at a great price, try the very local, down-to-earth HAI SOLTAM (Mon-Sat: 10am–9pm), providing an opportunity to try as many different papaya salads as you can. The nearby INDIGO (11:30am–11pm) is a charming, well-regarded French restaurant in an old, wooden building with a large garden. The management is "hands-on" making all the French classics delicious; the veal chop, in particular, is something almost impossible to find anywhere else in Bangkok. With an innovative inside/outside design, the EAT ME RESTAURANT (3pm–1am) down a narrow laneway serves many inventive and delicious cocktails, while the food offers a true fusion of classic and contemporary touches in both Western and Eastern dishes, which include nice vegetarian options.

A good place to stroll if looking to escape the crowds of Silom Road!