Not only are the food choices a feast for the eyes, so are the legions of people dining in the restaurants on either side of the narrow soi . Dressed in a rainbow of colourful garb, the natives of various African and Asian countries leisurely saunter down the soi , chatting to one another and adding visual spice to the otherwise drab Sukhumvit landscape. Signs and menus are written in Arabic, Thai and English. The genres of cuisine served include Turkish, Indian, Pakistani, Egyptian, Malaysian, Lebanese, Jordanian and Iraqi. If you insist, they might even be able to rummage up a Thai dish for you, too.
Service can be spotty to poor at some places and exceptionally attentive and friendly at others.
Sticking out like a sore thumb amongst them all is the oddly named Funny Duck. Around the corner from the Middle Eastern Quarter, on the main drag of Soi 3 itself, are two larger more upscale restaurants. Both Akbar and Meh Maan are dimly lit venues that evoke a quaint ethnic charm and serve excellent Indian and Arabic food. Though the prices are slightly higher than those on the smaller soi , they are still quite affordable. You ll walk away with a full stomach, a smile on your face and money left in your pocket.