Suan Pak Nam, or ‘hydroponics vegetable garden’, offers healthy dishes in a homely atmosphere and has become a popular lunchtime choice among office workers.

The restaurant, which uses hydroponics to produce a wide range of fresh vegetables within its one-rai (0.4-hectare) garden, is an ideal spot for people working or living in and around Kaset Navamin Road to enjoy simple but tasty dishes at reasonable prices. Although it is quite a trek from the center of the city, people based in the city could always consider a trip on the weekend.

Space is quite limited, though, so set off early or make a reservation if you wish to avoid the queues.

Refreshingly healthful
Before starting your meal, you might want to cool down with a refreshing glass of fruit, vegetable, or fruit and vegetable juice. Among the options available are: Green Veggie Shake; Beetroot and Pineapple Shake; or even a Green Veggie and Mixed Fruit Shake.

All starter items are salads, which as you can imagine are incredibly fresh. Salads include a combination of battavia, butterhead, cos, green oak, iceberg, red coral, or red oak lettuce varieties.

Main course dishes are pasta-based, and you can choose from fusilli, multi-colored penne, or squid-ink spaghetti, accompanied by chicken, pork, shrimp or tuna options on the menu. Sauces include spicy tomato, garlic sauce with baby clams, or pesto. All dishes come with a side salad.

Portions are reasonable and in the spirit of environmentalism, the owners prefer to see customers clear their plates – so don’t be surprised to receive a glare for not finishing your greens!

Prices won’t hurt your pocketbook either, ranging from 80-100 baht (US$2.40-$3) for salads and entrées.

Fresh vegetables are available to take home, too. Prices start from 30 baht per pack. Sandwich spread costs 75 baht per pack, while there is range of salad dressings available, starting at 50 baht.

The restaurant opens during 11 am-2 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. On every third week of the month, the restaurant closes Monday through Thursday.