BANGKOK, THAILAND: I stumbled upon Mark Wiens's video on YouTube where he recommended some of the best breakfast around Yaowarat Road in Bangkok Chinatown, . Watching the video was an experience in itself as I could almost taste the delicious food through my screen. I was so intrigued by the vibrant and bustling food scene in Bangkok that I decided to give them a try. Therefore, for the past few days, I woke up early everyday and headed straight to Chinatown with an empty stomach and a big appetite. From crispy pork to chicken rice to braised pork leg, I tried them all and let my taste buds do the talking. It was truly a gastronomic adventure.
Here are the breakfast places we went around Yaowarat Road in Bangkok Chinatown as well as nearby Talat Noi area, both Mark Wiens's recommendation and our own discovery.
Plaeng Nam Chicken Rice (ข้าวมันไก่แปลงนาม)
Plaeng Nam Chicken Rice (ข้าวมันไก่แปลงนาม) is a must-visit for foodies exploring Chinatown in Bangkok. Located along Plaeng Nam Road, this local eatery is famous for its delicious chicken rice, which is recommended by Mark Wiens himself. The dish features tender, succulent chicken served over a bed of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. You can top it up with a mouthwatering sauce made from soy sauce, chili, ginger and garlic. The combination of flavours and textures is simply unbeatable.
Aside from the chicken rice, we also highly recommend trying the meatballs and pork blood soup. The pork blood soup may sound intimidating, but it's a must-try for adventurous eaters. The soup go perfectly with the chicken rice, creating a complete and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling very satisfied.
Address: เขตสั มพันธวงศ์ 32 Plaeng Nam Rd, Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Nai Uu Pork Leg Stew (ขาหมูนายอุ๊ พลับพลาไชย)
Nai Uu Pork Leg Stew (ขาหมูนายอุ๊ พลับพลาไชย) is a must-try dish for pork lovers in Bangkok. This popular stall, located opposite Lee Ti Miew Shrine, only opens for three hours each day from 6 am in the morning. Despite its limited opening hours, Nai Uu Pork Leg Stew is a favourite among the locals, and people start queuing up early just to get their hands on this delicious dish.
The star of the show at Nai Uu Pork Leg Stew is, of course, the Khao Kha Mu (ข้าวขาหมู), or pork leg stew. The flavourful pork leg that has been slow-cooked for hours in a broth made from soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon and their secret ingredients . The meat is so tender that it falls off the bone, and the broth is rich and savoury, with just a hint of sweetness. Served on top of a plate of fragrant rice, this dish is the perfect breakfast or brunch option for those who love a hearty, satisfying meal.
Overall, Nai Uu Pork Leg Stew is a true hidden gem in Bangkok's food scene. Its limited opening hours and popularity among locals make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Thai cuisine. If you're a pork lover, don't miss out on this delicious and satisfying dish.
Address: 495 Phlap Phla Chai Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100
Khao Moo Daeng Si Morakot (ข้าวหมูแดงสีมรกต)
As we continue our search for breakfast in Bangkok Chinatown, we simply can't miss Khao Moo Daeng Si Morakot. This iconic restaurant has been around for more than 70 years and has become a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is located in Talat Noi, a historic neighbourhood near Bangkok Chinatown, and serves up some of the best crispy pork and char siew (red pork) in the city.
During our visit, we ordered the combination plate which included crispy pork, red pork, and Chinese sausage served over a bed of fluffy rice and covered in their special sauce. The dish was simply irresistible and the flavors were perfectly balanced. The crispy pork had a perfectly crisp exterior and was juicy and tender on the inside. The red pork and Chinese sausage had a subtle sweetness which tend to be the case for Thai char siew and lap cheong. The combination plate is a great way to try a variety of their dishes and is very affordable at just 65 baht.
Aside from the combination plate, Khao Moo Daeng Si Morakot also offers three types of soup: braised duck with lime pickled cucumber, bitter gourd soup with pork bones, and pork stomach with pickled cabbage. We tried the bitter gourd soup and it has a slight bitterness with sweetness from the pork bones. Overall, Khao Moo Daeng Si Morakot is one of the best places for Khao Moo Daeng and Moo krob.
Address: 80-82 Sukon 1 Alley, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Jae Hmoy Kia Pork Porridge (โจ๊กเจ้หมวยเกี้ย อากงส่งเสริม)
If you're looking for a delicious and comforting breakfast in Bangkok, Jae Hmoy Kia Pork Porridge (โจ๊กเจ้หมวยเกี้ย อากงส่งเสริม) is it. With more than 50 years of history, this stall is located in Talat Noi, and is known for its traditional pork rice porridge, or "jok" in Thai. The stall starts serving as early as 4:30 am and closes at 10 am, so it's perfect for an early breakfast before starting your day. The pork porridge is cooked to perfection and is served with a variety of toppings such as pork meatballs, pork intestine, liver, and 3 types of egg. The dish is simple but delicious and perfect for a warm and satisfying start to your day. Read more about Jae Hmoy Kia Pork Porridge here.
Address: 330/14 ซอย สุกร 2 Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Nai Ek Roll Noodles (ร้านก๋วยจั๊บนายเอ็ก)
Nai Ek Roll Noodles (ร้านก๋วยจั๊บนายเอ็ก) is a must-visit for anyone exploring Bangkok's food scene. As one of the two famous Thai Kway Chap restaurants along Yaowarat road, Nai Ek Roll Noodles has been serving up its delicious dishes for decades. The restaurant opens at 8 am, making it a great spot for a hearty breakfast before exploring Bangkok Chinatown.
Nai Ek Roll Noodles is known for the peppery pork offal soup. It's light yet packed with flavour, making it the perfect comfort food to start the day. The roll noodles served with the soup are a perfect complement, soaking up all the delicious broth. If you're not a fan of offal, they also have braised pork and crispy pork. There is something for everyone.
Address: 442 ซอย 9 Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Pae Sia Dimsum (ขนมจีบแป๊ะเซี๊ยะ)
Pae Sia Dimsum (ขนมจีบแป๊ะเซี๊ยะ) is a hidden from the main Yaowarat Road, along Plaeng Nam Road, right outside of the buddhist temple, Wat Mongkol Samakhom . This 77-year-old grandpa who inherited the recipe from his father and it is said to be more than 100 years old, having been passed down through generations of the family. This makes Pae Sia Dimsum unique, as its recipe has been preserved and perfected over many years.
There is only one item on the menu at Pae Sia Dimsum which is their siu mai, a classic Chinese dumpling filled with pork. For a very limited time each day, starting around 10:45 am, they are there till they sell out. The siu mai is juicy, flavourful, and perfectly steamed. It is best enjoyed with a sprinkle of fried garlic and a dip into the sweet chili sauce. If you're looking for authentic, local food in Bangkok, Pae Sia Dimsum is definitely worth a visit.
