Characteristics of Food Vendors on Yaowarat Road

Abstract

         This research study is intended to explore physical conditions of street food vendors on Yaowarat Road, specifically located between Songsawad and Mahajak junctions. It aims at investigating their cultural traits, patterns and behaviors toward environmental management. The sampling criteria for the stalls are that the samples must offer dine-in spaces, and that they are not located in any alley or on any interjunctions toward other roads. The samples consist of 36 vendors. The data were collected through the uses of observation and vendor sketches on each vendor management, plans and records of behaviors. The data obtained were classified based on the spatial use and cooking behaviors.

         The food vendors located in the studied area can be divided as 1) the separate use of space for cooking and dining and 2) the combining use of space for cooking and dining. Based on the uses, the cooking characteristics on the spaces comprise 10 categories: 1) desserts, 2) beverage, 3) fruits, 4) noodles, 5) seafood, 6) Chinese pasta, 7) shark fin soup, fish maw soup, stir-fried noodles, stir-fried noodles with chicken, 8) fast food, 9) Esan-traditional food, and 10) the combining use of space for cooking and dining. The spatial management in these food stalls consists of the cooking space, dining space, drinking service area, and washing area.

         According to the data, the needs for use and behavioral characteristics among Chinese vendors involve ready-made catering units, tables and chairs. Regarding the catering units, among the Chinese food vendors, noodle vendor subcategory uses the space within the units for cooking. The Yentafor noodle vendors use almost all space on their catering trolley equipped with boiling pots. However, among stir-fried Chinese food vendors, these vendors require more space for their specific cooking tools. For example, Chinese maws require extra heat for cooking. With the need for extra space, these vendors expand the area onto the pavements nearby.