“โจ๊กจักรพรรดิ,” or “Jok Jakrapradit,” serves up a taste of Hong Kong right in the heart of Thailand. Just like taking a trip to Hong Kong, you can experience the flavors of this vibrant city through their signature congee, which is a comforting rice porridge dish.
The mastermind behind this popular eatery is none other than the well-known food reviewer and influencer, Adisorn Tanjaroen, who goes by the nickname “Uncle Ouan Gin Ga Theow.” He decided to open his own congee shop, “Jok Jakrapradit,” during the COVID-19 pandemic. He opened this restaurant to provide people with something to do while staying at home and to offer a unique culinary experience.
The name “Uncle Ouan Gin Ga Theow” refers to his partner, Saisamorn Kurjevit, who is equally skilled in preparing their signature congee. The congee is a hearty and delicious dish, and the recipe is packed with top-quality ingredients sourced directly from Hong Kong. This guarantees an authentic taste that is endorsed by famous food critics.
Adisorn shared, “At first, I thought of running a small coffee shop without seating, where customers could buy the congee and take it home. But as time passed, we expanded the shop to have seating, and now it’s like sitting in a Hong Kong-style congee restaurant.”
The decision to open a congee restaurant was a result of their love for Hong Kong-style congee. Adisorn used to travel to Hong Kong frequently to enjoy their famous congee, almost twice a week. When they decided to open their restaurant, they aimed to recreate the authentic taste of Hong Kong congee.
Adisorn explained, “To make good congee, it all starts with the ingredients. For instance, we use Hong Kong-style ham hock as a base for our soup. It’s imported directly from Hong Kong, and we initially tried several other ingredients. Still, we found that this ham hock soup offered the best Hong Kong-style flavor. To ensure our congee is as authentic as possible, we source our ingredients directly from Hong Kong.”
Their congee comes in different variations, such as pork, chicken, and shiitake mushroom. They also offer the signature “Gao,” or “Jok Gaohu,” which includes a combination of several toppings, including pork, chicken, and fish, ensuring a rich and satisfying experience for their customers.
When it comes to the quality of the ingredients, Adisorn pays special attention to the pork they use. It’s not just any pork; it’s tender and flavorful, and the cooking method is unique. They don’t just use minced pork; they prepare it in a style that makes it both tender and juicy. They make sure it’s not dry and tough, ensuring it retains a rich taste.
For the “Gao” toppings, they use authentic ingredients, referred to as “Gao Kaontong.” They opt for Hong Kong brands like “Gao Kaontong,” which cost 57 to 200 Hong Kong dollars per can. These brands are known for their quality and flavor. The “Gao Kaontong” cans come with a chef’s face on the label, and the more famous the chef, the more expensive the sauce. These high-quality ingredients make their congee stand out, making it as close to Hong Kong congee as possible.
Even the rice they use is special. They choose to use jasmine rice, produced specifically for export to Hong Kong. This rice tends to be more expensive than the typical rice available in Thailand but is essential for maintaining the authentic taste of their congee. When you cook congee, it’s crucial to ensure the rice grains stay separate, so they don’t become overly sticky and clump together. Adisorn shared, “If you cook the rice in congee together, it tends to get too mushy. So, it’s important to maintain the right consistency and keep the grains separated.”
In addition to the congee itself, they also pay attention to the side dishes and condiments. The soy sauce they place on the table is selected from a rare brand, “Ma Lam Poh,” which isn’t widely available. They buy it directly from the factory. They also have another brand they use for variety. Their choices are all part of their commitment to delivering the most authentic Hong Kong-style congee.
Whether you’re savoring their pork, chicken, or mushroom congee, or trying their signature Gao toppings, you’re sure to experience the delicious flavors of Hong Kong. “Gao Kaontong,” or “Hong Kong-style ingredients,” are the key to making their congee an authentic culinary delight. With the options for a wide variety of toppings, from boiled eggs to century eggs, you can create the perfect congee bowl tailored to your preferences.
One highlight of their menu is their fish congee. It’s made using freshly caught Thai sea bass, and it’s a rare delicacy not typically found in Thai congee restaurants. The fish used is naturally caught, making it dense and more flavorful than farmed fish. The “Gao” fish congee is priced at 100 Thai Baht, offering a unique and delightful taste to their customers.
If you’re interested in experiencing the unique flavors of “Jok Jakrapradit,” you can visit their shop in Muang Thong Thani. However, make sure to go early, as they only serve congee from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and the demand is high. Their address is “Jok Jakrapradit Muang Thong Soi C12, Bond Street, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi,” and you can reach them at 092 248 0111.
Note: Some images were sourced from the “Jok Jakrapradit Muang Thong” Facebook page for reference.
