The buzz: Meaning “big bite” in the Northeastern dialect, Kum Poon serves up Isaan favorites with class.

The décor: Even though it’s a mall eatery, this place has personality and a laidback upcountry feel. Fake trees, wooden stools and couches (don’t worry they’re cushioned), wooden lanterns and walls—you might just feel like you’re in an upscale shack in a Northeastern forest.

The cuisine: Revamped Northeastern fare that holds true to its gritty roots. They even serve red soda (naam daeng, B25) with an extra shot of Hale’s Blue Boy for your sweet tooth. Even though their décor might scream at tourists to stop by, they do not tone down the chili. For real Isaan phrik, order their spicy papaya salad with plaa ra, khanom jeen, and crispy naem (B70) and their hot and spicy roasted herbs soup with grilled Thai snakehead fish (B120). The alternative version to the pork or beef daed deaw, sun dried herbal duck (B140) is a great start to the meal. And their grilled chicken with sticky rice (B120) sees the sticky rice fried into crispy balls.

The crowd: A mix of Thais and foreigners, shoppers and office workers.