Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The curried crab is the main reason for making a reservation here. Somboon's fried curried crab—crab meat with curry powder and egg—has been the restaurant's signature dish since the first one opened in Sam Yan in 1969 and is ordered on almost every menu. It can be ordered whole in the shell or as a meat-only version, which is particularly suitable for those who prefer eating to carving. The Surawong branch opened in 1990 and is now the oldest still-operating location, as well as the one most highlighted by the Michelin Guide. Somboon has been featured in the guide every year since 2018, though only as a recommendation, not with stars.

The rest of the menu is anything but boring. Glass noodles with river prawns from a clay pot, grilled river prawns, black pepper crab, and stir-fried water spinach are among the dishes that regulars like to order. This is a large, multi-story fish market, not a small eatery with plastic stools. Therefore, seafood is charged by weight, and the bill can quickly add up if you order large prawns. Visitors report paying around 1,100 to 1,200 baht for a medium portion of curried crab (meat only). So, expect to pay around 600 to 1,200 baht per person, including rice and a few side dishes.

For evenings and weekends, it's best to make reservations in advance via the Somboon website, LINE account, or by phone, as the restaurants fill up quickly and guests change frequently. Several reviewers have reported touts directing guests to similar seafood restaurants with comparable names. Therefore, be sure to verify that you are located at 169 Surawong Road before taking a seat.

It is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Chong Nonsi BTS station and the Sam Yan MRT station are each about a ten-minute walk away, and a taxi or Grab ride from anywhere in Silom takes only a few minutes.