Im Chan Soi 37 Bangkok – A 2025 Food Review of Bangkok’s Ultimate Cheap Eats Institution

If there’s one spot that embodies Bangkok’s spirit of “good food, dirt cheap, no fuss,” it’s Im Chan on Soi 37. Tucked on the corner of Sukhumvit Road opposite EmQuartier mall and a 1-minute walk from Phrom Phong BTS Exit 3, this open-air legend has been slinging authentic Thai dishes since the 1980s, earning its place as a true institution among locals, expats, and savvy travellers. The faded sign above the entrance – “Thai Food Very Good and Cheap” – isn’t hyperbole; it’s a promise kept for decades. In a city where street food can be hit-or-miss, Im Chan delivers consistent, soul-satisfying meals under 100 THB that taste like they were cooked in your Thai auntie’s kitchen. I’ve eaten here a dozen times over the years, from solo lunches to post-rooftop-bar feasts, and every visit reinforces why it’s my go-to for Sukhumvit cheap eats. This 2025 review dives deep into its history, the must-try dishes (all under 100 THB), why it’s worth the trip from anywhere in Bangkok, and how it fits perfectly into a Phrom Phong stay.

The History of Im Chan – From Street Stall to Sukhumvit Legend

Im Chan started as a simple street-side cart in the 1980s, run by a family of Thai-Chinese cooks who wanted to serve home-style meals to the growing number of office workers in the emerging Thonglor-Phrom Phong area. Back then, Sukhumvit Soi 37 was a quieter soi lined with small shophouses, far from the mall madness of today. The name “Im Chan” roughly translates to “full belly” or “satisfied” in Thai slang, a nod to the hearty portions and comforting flavours that quickly built a loyal following. By the 1990s, the cart had evolved into a permanent open-air restaurant, expanding to cover both corners of the soi as demand grew. It gained fame through word-of-mouth among Japanese expats (hence the bilingual menu) and Japanese travel guides, which praised its no-frills authenticity – a rarity amid Bangkok’s rising fine-dining scene.

In the 2000s, Im Chan weathered the BTS boom and mall explosion around EmQuartier, staying true to its roots while adding simple tables and fans for comfort. Today, in 2025, it’s a time capsule: plastic stools, fluorescent lights, and handwritten menus on the wall, serving the same recipes that have fed generations. The family behind it – now third-generation cooks – hasn’t changed much, and that’s the charm. It’s not on Michelin lists or Instagram influencer radars, but Google Reviews (4.5/5 from 2,000+ ratings) and TripAdvisor (4.0/5 from 1,500+ reviews) overflow with praise from locals like “best pad Thai in Phrom Phong” and travellers calling it “the real Bangkok experience for under 100 baht.” In a city where “institutions” often get gentrified into overpriced nostalgia, Im Chan remains gloriously unchanged – a testament to Bangkok’s enduring love for simple, satisfying food.

Meals Under 100 THB – In Chan’s Money-Saving Magic Menu

The menu spans classic Thai staples, stir-fries, noodles, and rice dishes, all cooked to order over charcoal for that smoky edge. Cash only (no cards), but with a 7-Eleven 50 metres away for ATM top-ups, it’s seamless. Here’s a rundown of standout options I’ve tried – all under the 100 THB mark, perfect for budget warriors or when you need to fuel up fast.

First up, the Khao Man Gai Fried Chicken (60 THB) – my absolute favourite in all of Sukhumvit. The chicken is double-fried to crispy perfection, the skin crackling with every bite while the meat stays juicy and tender. It’s served on fluffy coconut-infused rice with cucumber slices and a small bowl of that signature garlic-chilli sauce – sweet, spicy, garlicky, and addictive. One plate leaves you stuffed and satisfied, but I always order an extra for the road. Compared to the boiled version (also 60 THB), the fried wins for texture, but both are miles ahead of mall food-court versions. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why Bangkok street food is unbeatable – fresh, hot, and flavour-packed for pocket change.

Then there’s the Pad Thai with Shrimp (90 THB) – a crowd-pleaser that never fails. Wide rice noodles stir-fried with plump prawns, bean sprouts, chives, tofu, and scrambled egg, all tossed in that tangy tamarind sauce with a generous handful of crushed peanuts. The shrimp are fresh (no rubbery frozen stuff), and the wok hei (that smoky char) comes through every time. It’s not overly sweet like some tourist traps – just the right balance of sweet, sour, and savoury. I’ve ordered it a dozen times here, and it’s consistently one of the best in the area. For vegetarians, swap to chicken or tofu for the same price – still excellent.

Rounding out the under-100 THB lineup, try the Khao Pad (Fried Rice with Chicken or Pork, 60 THB) – simple, satisfying, and loaded with wok-tossed rice, egg, onions, and your protein of choice. The chicken version is my pick – tender bites mixed with garlic and a hint of soy, topped with fresh cucumber. It’s the ultimate “quick lunch” plate, ready in minutes and gone even faster.

Don’t skip the Tom Yum Soup with Chicken or Pork (70 THB) – a fiery bowl of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and chilli-infused broth with mushrooms and your meat. It’s spicy enough to wake you up but not overwhelming, with that sour zing that clears sinuses. The portion is generous – easily a meal on its own.

For something green and veggie-forward, the Pad Pak Ruam (Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Meat, 60 THB) is a hidden star – crunchy broccoli, carrots, baby corn, and mushrooms tossed with garlic and oyster sauce, plus chicken or pork for protein. It’s light yet filling, the perfect counter to heavier rice dishes.

Im Chan’s menu goes beyond these – think basil stir-fries (pad kra pao, 60 THB), green curry with chicken (80 THB), or even simple omelettes (khai jiao, 40 THB) – all under 100 THB and cooked with the same care. Sides like sticky rice (20 THB) or extra sauce are free on request. The beauty is the variety: Thai-Chinese fusion roots mean you’ll find comfort classics alongside bold flavours, all without crossing the 100 THB line.Why Im Chan is Worth the Trip from Anywhere in Bangkok

Even if you’re staying in Silom, Siam, or Chinatown, Im Chan is worth the BTS ride. From Nana BTS it’s 2 stops (5 minutes, 20 THB); from Asok it’s 1 stop (3 minutes, 15 THB). The location is unbeatable – opposite EmQuartier mall for post-meal shopping, next to Benchasiri Park for a stroll, and in the heart of Phrom Phong’s “second Little Tokyo” for Japanese follow-ups. It’s open from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, so breakfast pad Thai or late-night fried rice is always an option.The vibe is pure Bangkok: open-air with fans, plastic stools under fluorescent lights, and a constant hum of conversation in Thai, Japanese, and English. It’s not Instagram-fancy – no mood lighting or craft cocktails – but that’s the point. This is where locals grab their daily fix, where expats bring friends from out of town, and where you get that “real Bangkok” feeling without the tourist traps. In a city where “cheap eats” can mean greasy regret, Im Chan’s consistency is magic – the same family recipes since the ’80s, served with a smile and zero upselling.

It’s also a gateway to the area: 5 minutes’ walk from my favourite Phrom Phong hotel, Hyatt Place Soi 24 (full review here: Hyatt Place Soi 24 Guide), and surrounded by other walkable stays like Hilton Sukhumvit 24 (3-min stroll) or DoubleTree by Hilton (Soi 26). From other neighbourhoods, it’s a 15–30 minute BTS trip – cheap, fast, and traffic-free. Worth it? Absolutely. One meal here and you’ll understand why it’s a Sukhumvit staple.

Final Verdict – Im Chan in 2025: Still the King of Cheap Eats

Im Chan isn’t reinventing Thai food – it’s perfecting the classics at prices that haven’t budged in years. In a Bangkok where inflation hits everything from BTS fares to craft beers, this spot remains a defiant bargain: 60–90 THB plates that taste like home, served with the kind of warmth that makes you feel like family. It’s not for foodies chasing Michelin stars or influencers hunting photogenic plates – it’s for anyone who wants to eat like a local without the hassle. After 12+ visits, it’s my Sukhumvit default: quick, delicious, and always under 100 THB. If you’re in Phrom Phong, don’t miss it. If you’re not, it’s worth the trip

.What’s your go-to Im Chan order? Drop it below.

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