KOTA KHAO MUN KAI (KOTA Hainanes Chicken Rice) — Restaurant in Ratsada

Honestly, I was a bit intimidated given some of the reviews said the staff was hostile. But for my visit at least, they were super warm and welcomoing - immediately presenting me with an English menu and asking where I was from. I went at about 1pm and the crowd was manageable - maybe that's why? The chicken rice was really nice and I was recommended the 3-variety to get a bit of all. I loved the chicken - super tender and slippery. Went really well with the rice. The char siew was soft and tasty too but the colouring may be offputting for some. The roast pork I would opt out of as it's mostly skin and kinda tough. Otherwise, the overall meal was delicious and the flavourful soup just made it so satisfying. Would come back again since...

I had the Khao Moo Glop (Crispy Roast Pork on Rice) for 70 baht.

This is the best Crispy Pork Rice I had in Southern Thailand so far. First, the steamed rice (oil rice) is very fragrant and tasted fantastic. To be honest, I can just eat the oil rice for the meal and still give it a 5-star. The crispy pork is just the icing on top. The Crispy Pork, very crispy, nice crunch, with a good balance of lean meat and fat. The portion is satisfying. I did not take it with any sauces or chili, so I cannot comment on the sauces. But it also shows that this meal is good on its own.

The owner is very friendly, speaks Mandarin, very eager for a good service. The atmosphere is clean and tidy, good ventilation.

Definitely the place to go for...

I came to this place due to “delicious” photos and I truly enjoyed the dish.

The lady chef, who is in the photo, was very friendly. She came & explained to me all condiments displayed on the table with warmth.

The dish tastes ordinarily but the sweet sauce (served hot with the dish) is unique and truly makes khao man kai here different from what I have had so far.

The ruam dish is highly recommended as the khao man kai is served with moo deng (charsiew) and moo krop (crispy pork).

I have not read about cash only reviews until I am writing this one, but this morning I paid by QR scan and there was no issue at all.

Visited & written on...