The owner of the shop, a woman, stands in front of the shop calling out to customers. Don't underestimate her, she can speak to customers in many languages.

While the name "Talat Nana" may not be familiar to many, mentioning "Samsen Road Soi 2" might jog some memories about its location.

The incident occurred at Soi 3, Samsen Road, or the former Talat Nana. The original Talat Nana was a bustling night market located along the banks of the Bang Lamphu Canal. It was a large-scale night food market that was later destroyed by a fire. Subsequently, the area was redeveloped into apartments and large hotels. As a result, vendors relocated and set up shop near "Joke Phochana Restaurant." The restaurant, which was originally situated at the entrance of Talat Nana, moved across the street but remained on Samsen Road 2.

The majority of customers are foreigners. The salted egg and holy basil stir-fry is a big hit.

The booming popularity of Khao San Road among international tourists led to an overflow of visitors beyond its boundaries, spilling onto Sam Sen Road. This influx prompted guesthouses and restaurants to seize the opportunity and establish businesses in the area, transforming the once quiet neighborhood into a bustling commercial hub. As a result, the original "Chok" restaurant, along with other local eateries, faced the brunt of this transformation and were forced to relocate, eventually disappearing from the scene.

One day, a friend invited me to have lunch. We rode a motorbike together to find a restaurant. Suddenly, we came across a familiar porridge shop, "Joke Phochana." We recognized the three siblings who owned the shop. They had moved their shop into an alley connecting Samsen 2 and Samsen 4 roads. We weren't sure how long they had been there, as we hadn't been in the area for a while.

Super or stewed chicken feet with Chinese herbs, seasoned with a spicy flavor, is not the same as tom yum chicken feet, as many people misunderstand.

Upon arrival, before we even had a chance to park, the owner of the restaurant, a lady, immediately called out to us as if we were old acquaintances. Though she likely didn't recognize us, we certainly recognized her. The tables in her restaurant were arranged like those in any typical Thai porridge shop, albeit more tightly packed than usual, with customers practically sitting on top of each other. The clientele was predominantly made up of foreigners staying in the vicinity. However, the taste of the food remained authentically Thai, a testament to the owner's commitment to tradition. The only noticeable change was in the presentation, with the use of more refined plates and bowls, and an evident effort to arrange the dishes aesthetically. This shift in presentation likely caters to the foreign clientele, who tend to value the visual appeal of food alongside its taste and nutritional value.

The crispy pork salad was beautifully presented, but the taste remained the same, with only the aesthetics enhanced.

The table was ready, and the menu arrived promptly. This restaurant is modern, even the servers (or rather, busboys) are imported from foreign countries. Each one retains their national accent, making for a truly unique auditory experience. We went as a group of two and ordered four dishes. Of course, we had to order the "Super" or "Chicken Feet Stewed with Chinese Herbs and Spicy Seasoning." However, today I wasn't feeling like getting my mouth smacked by a foot, so I asked the server to add a chicken wing instead. My friend, on the other hand, wanted to be "kicked" by the (chicken) foot, so I let him have it.

Super still looks good. The clear soup is generously garnished with coriander, emitting a harmonious aroma. A spoonful reveals no cloudiness at the bottom. The taste is refreshing, with the fragrance of Chinese herbs competing with the aroma of lime and chili. The goji berries are plump, sweet, and fresh. The chef's skills remain impeccable!

The second dish was a "preserved egg stir-fried with holy basil" requested by my friend. I thought it would be a small plate, but it turned out to be a big surprise. The lady boss cut the preserved egg in half and deep-fried it until it was crispy. Then she stir-fried it with holy basil, fresh peppercorns, and crispy holy basil leaves. The taste was amazing! The crispy preserved egg had a chewy texture, and the crispy holy basil added a fun crunch. The dish still retained the fragrance and flavor of the original stir-fried holy basil. If you want it spicier, you can chew on the crispy fresh peppercorns. It was so satisfying!

The third and fourth dishes are must-orders at this porridge shop. You must order them: "Crispy Pork Salad" and "Stir-fried White Garlic Chives with Crispy Pork." It's usually hard to find a restaurant that makes crispy pork salad to my liking, but this restaurant never disappoints. The crispy pork is incredibly crunchy, even after being tossed in the dressing. The dressing is a perfect balance of sour, salty, spicy, and slightly sweet. I love it! All the ingredients in the salad, from the shallots to the chilies and vegetables, are fresh and crisp. The peanuts are especially enjoyable because they are new and crunchy. This is probably because the restaurant is popular and the ingredients are constantly being used and replaced.

The stir-fried white Chinese chives with crispy pork was delicious. The long, thin, flat chives were coated in a savory sauce, and the crispy pork added a satisfying crunch. The dish was not spicy, which was a welcome change, and the salty flavor paired well with rice or congee. I enjoyed it on its own.

The prices at this restaurant are slightly higher than average, but not excessively so. The quality of the ingredients is high, and the dishes are consistently prepared in a traditional style. The food is fresh and delicious, and the service is friendly and attentive. While the prices are on the higher end, they are not unreasonable. If you are in the area and looking for a good meal, this restaurant is worth a visit. However, be aware that it is often busy, so it is advisable to make a reservation.

Thank you for watching.

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