wellness
Silom Shoppers Discover Soy, Lentils, Seeds Beyond Meat
Silom shoppers now reach for soy, lentils and seeds to meet daily protein targets as wellness routines gain ground along the district's main corridors.
How we reported this
Silom residents bought 12 percent more packaged tofu and lentil products in the first half of 2026 than in the same period last year, according to sales data from two central retail outlets.
The shift comes as office workers and residents along Silom Road seek steady energy for long commutes and evening fitness classes without relying on daily meat portions. Bangkok's central business district has seen a steady rise in plant-forward meal options since early 2025, when several office towers introduced midday salad bars stocked with chickpeas and edamame.
Where to find non-meat proteins on Silom Road
At the covered stalls just south of the Sala Daeng BTS station, vendors sell fresh soybean curd in three textures every morning from 6 a.m. A 400-gram block runs 28 baht on weekdays. Two blocks east, the NutriCorner outlet inside Silom Complex stocks vacuum-packed tempeh from a Chiang Mai cooperative at 65 baht per 200-gram portion and red-lentil flour priced at 45 baht for 500 grams. Both locations also carry roasted pumpkin seeds in 100-gram bags for 35 baht, a quick topping for rice bowls.
Further along Silom Soi 19, the small cooperative called Green Basket runs a weekly pickup on Wednesdays for bulk dry goods including split peas and hemp seeds. Members pay a 150-baht annual fee and receive a 10 percent discount on orders over 300 baht.
Putting the numbers to work
Thai Nutrition Association figures released in March 2026 show the average adult in Bangkok needs roughly 50 grams of protein daily. One cup of cooked lentils supplies 18 grams, while 150 grams of firm tofu adds 12 grams. At current stall prices, a person can assemble a 40-gram plant-protein lunch for under 60 baht. Nutritionists at the nearby Chulalongkorn University health clinic recommend pairing these items with brown rice or local greens to round out amino acids.
Start with one non-meat protein at lunch this week. Swap the usual grilled chicken for a lentil salad from the Silom Complex food court or add roasted seeds to a takeaway soup from the Sala Daeng market row. Track how energy holds through the afternoon and adjust portions at the next market visit.