You can’t go wrong with fried carbohydrates covered with carbohydrate glaze. We discovered this local bakery while shopping one afternoon. I can only assume it is some kind of local delicacy. After taking this photo, I had to understand the reason for these insane crowds.
Krispy Kreme has fallen on hard times in the States and other Western countries, but the donut biz-nass is booming over here! They are selling like hot cakes.
Bangkok’s Siam Square is home to the first Krispy Kreme franchise in Thailand. On the ground level of the Paragon shopping mall you’ll see a bright, shiny store with a line that twists and turns out the door and around the block. Pre-diabetic Thais wait for as long as three hours to max out their 2.5 dozen per person limit. You see people carrying big plastic bags filled with Krispy Kreme boxes everywhere, even posing for photos with their boxes. The funny thing is that I’ve never seen someone actually eating a Krispy Kreme. Is this just some sort of bizarre fashion trend? Like purse dogs? Are you not cool unless you have 30 donuts on you at all times?
We’ve walked by several times now, and there are always about 100 people in line. You can even get them on the black market. Just like Omega watches and Armani suits sold on every corner, I’m skeptical of the authenticity. I asked one guy, “Are these actual Krispy Kremes or imitation Kripsy Kremes? I’m not paying 200 baht for knockoff donuts.”
The last thing I want is a box of Mr. Donut or, heaven forbid, Dunkin’ Donuts.
Kim & Clark Kays quit their jobs for an uncertain trip around the world. Originally from St. Louis, they relocated to Chicago after getting married in 2005. After working for five years in middle school and the Fortune 500, they realized there was more to life than the 9-to-5, so made the crazy decision to exchange money for time rather than the other way around.
Their hobbies include fighting over writing styles and searching for gelato. They think food, beer, architecture, and photography are some of the best things about travel—especially when combined. Their travel blog, To Uncertainty and Beyond, includes long-term travel tips as well as humorous anecdotes from their journey through Europe and Asia. They invite you to experience their journey and learn from their adventures and mistakes.
