Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam

Go-Ang is the chicken rice shop at the mouth of Soi Phetchaburi 30, recognisable by its staff in bright pink shirts. It serves one thing above all: khao man gai, poached chicken over rice cooked in chicken fat, with a punchy sauce of fermented soybean, ginger and chilli.

Sombat Pruekpaiboon founded it in 1960 after learning the dish from his Hainanese father, and his son now runs the business, which has opened branches in Singapore. It held a Michelin Bib Gourmand from the first Bangkok guide in 2018 through at least 2022. Shared tables, fast turnover and a stream of shoppers from the Pratunam markets give it a busy canteen feel.

What to order

• Khao man gai: poached chicken on fragrant chicken-fat rice, in regular or large portions
• Extra plate of chicken: worth adding if you are sharing or very hungry
• Double-boiled bitter gourd soup: a clean, slightly bitter soup to balance the rich rice
• The house chilli sauce: fermented bean paste, ginger and green chilli, the reason many regulars come

Good to know

• Lunchtime queues are long but move quickly; mid-morning or mid-afternoon is easier.
• Pay in cash and expect to share a table.
• Several chicken rice shops sit side by side here; look for the pink uniforms.