This little food corner has a history that goes back many generations. Kaeng Kari Nai Yong is the name of its most famous dish from Mr. Yong, the creator. It all began when Mr. Yong’s father arrived in Thailand in a ship from China years ago.
He started from renting a house from a Thai family, from whom he learned how to make Thai curries.
The unique taste of Nai Yong’s curry is derived from the blending of its Chinese and Thai origins. I would like to call it a Chinese style Thai curry.
The curry paste base is not quite as spicy or aromatic as a typical Thai or Indian curry, but there is a lovely harmony toits taste that is lighter on the coconut milk and softer on the curry paste.
One might imagine that this unique combination could compromise the identity of this cuisine but I can assure you it doesn’t.
Those recipes were passed from his father to Mr. Yong who then opened a little street food stall close to the Chinese opera theater in Yaowarach, in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown.
This curry creates a new gastronomic sensation that also reflects the character of the cook. The secret is knowing what to mix and what to blend!
There are a variety of curries and other prepared foods here. But the stars of the show are the beef and pork curries.
Beef and tendons are stewed for an hour before being added to Mr. Yong’s curry mix. The pork curry is comprised of marinated shoulder part and ‘moo sam chan, which literally means ‘three-layer pork’; a reference to the layers of meat and fat that comprise the pork belly cut used in this dish.
Ordering a combination of beef and pork is typical for the locals and allows me to enjoy the different tastes and textures of both dishes.
It may not look particularly fancy in the pot and is not much more glamourous when poured on top of a mound of steamed rice but once I get a spoonful in my mouth, all doubts disappear.
Since Bangkok has always been known for a variety of street food that welcomes all to explore new exciting culinary sensations. I just love how Mr. Yong still preserves the authenticity of his cooking and the simplicity of the place, which is something unique that can only be found here.
Providing a marvelous back drop to this culinary joy are the lovely wooden accordion doors of this old Chinese-Thai family shophouse that have been home to this business for two generations. Indeed, the family that runs Mr. Yong’s Kaeng Kari shophouse restaurant will continue to make foodies happy for many generations to come.
Address : Nai Yong’s Kaeng Kari, opens from 5 pm until 2 am everyday except Monday. Located at the corner of Soi Yaowarach.
Tel: 082 799 2914
