My Favorite Grocery Store in Bangkok for Locally Grown Produce
My purchases from Royal Project Store at the Or Tor Kor Market Branch
The Royal Project Store
When it comes to buying fresh, locally-grown produce in Bangkok, one of my top recommendations is the Royal Project Store. This hidden gem offers high-quality fruits, vegetables, and grains, some certified organic, at very affordable prices. It is a must-visit for anyone passionate about eating clean and supporting local farmers.
Why I Love the Royal Project Store
One of the standout aspects of the Royal Project Store is its affordability. While you can find Royal Project products in major supermarkets like Tops, Gourmet Market, Big C, Lotus, and TruMaxx Value, the prices are significantly lower if you buy directly from their official store. Located inside the famous Or Tor Kor Market, just 400 meters from the Chatuchak BTS or the Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station, it's well worth the 45-minute journey from Ekkamai BTS—especially for someone like me who consumes plenty of vegetables daily.
I've compared prices, and the difference is noticeable. For example, I once spent more on certified organic cherry tomatoes from high-end stores like Happy Grocer, Organic Village, Lemon Farm, and Gourmet Market, only to find that Royal Project'sProject's cherry tomatoes were the most delicious and affordable (only 30 bahts /~0.86 USD for 250 grams). They were sweet and flavorful, easily beating out the competition. Their cherry tomatoes reminded me of the organic ones I bought from the Women's Market in Sofia, Bulgaria, last summer. These little gems alone make the trip to Or Tor Kor worth it!
What I Buy
Beyond cherry tomatoes, I love stocking up on green and red oak lettuces, which are incredibly fresh and cost only 25 baht each (~0.72 USD)! These lettuces are perfect for salads, wraps, or sandwiches. Another favorite is their lion’s mane mushrooms (50 bahts/0.86 USD), which I find difficult to source elsewhere in Bangkok. If you're like me and enjoy mushrooms, you'll also love their oyster mushrooms, which are fresh and flavorful.
Other fantastic finds include avocados ( 100 bahts for three avocados/~ 2.87 USD), eggplants (25 bahts /~0.72 USD), bell peppers (30 bahts /~0.86 USD), butternut squash (40 bahts for 500 grams / ~1.15 USD), whole pumpkin (90 bahts / ~2.59 USD), and fresh herbs like Italian basil (60 bahts / ~1.72 USD) and rosemary(65 bahts / ~1.87 USD). The freshness and quality are remarkable, especially considering the price.
Why I Don'tDon't Shop at Wet Markets
You might wonder why I don't shop at wet markets for local produce. There are a couple of reasons for that. First, I'm sensitive to heat, and Bangkok's weather can be unforgiving, especially during the day. I often get heat rashes when it's too hot, and let's be honest—that's almost every day here!
Secondly, I'm not a huge fan of how many stalls at wet markets don't display their prices. As a foreigner with a Thai accent, I've been quoted tourist prices more times than I can count. And while cash is still king at the wet markets, I prefer using credit cards to collect points and miles (stay tuned for another article about how I do that!).
Supporting a Worthy Cause
What I admire most about the Royal Project is its mission. The late King of Thailand founded it to improve the livelihood of Thai farmers by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. When I shop here, I feel good knowing I'm supporting a brand that honors the hard work of local farmers.
The Royal Project Store Experience
I highly recommend visiting one of the Royal Project's four branches if you're in Bangkok. While the Or Tor Kor Market location is the largest (and my favorite), it also has a cafe attached, where you can grab a coffee or light meal after shopping. The atmosphere is calm, clean, and air-conditioned—a nice contrast to the bustling markets around the city.
In conclusion, the Royal Project Store is my go-to for locally-grown produce in Bangkok. It offers an impressive range of fresh, affordable food while supporting a noble cause. Have you ever shopped there? If not, I suggest adding it to your list for your next grocery run. Let me know if you try their cherry tomatoes—I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Please comment below your favorite place to buy locally-grown organic produce!
