When thinking about food to accompany drinks, many Thai people will mention Northeastern Thai (Isan) restaurants found in every corner across the country. The tastiness, paired with quality drinks, can enhance conversations and strengthen kinship. The lively Khon Kaen, one of Isan’s big four, houses several memorable grilled pork neck (Ko Moo Yang) and spicy pork salad (Larb) shops where friends hang out together.
The city at the heart of Isan is a popular gastronomic destination. Khon Kaen Grilled Pork Neck is one of the places we don’t want you to miss. The 2-decade-old restaurant is now run by the second generation. Although these Isan shophouses offer only a handful of menus, each dish is crafted with expertise, care, and meticulousness. Each step aims to satisfy customers. It’s unsurprising that they earn Bib Gourmand 2 years in a row from MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 and 2024.
The origin of Khon Kaen grilled pork neck
“Khon Kaen Grilled Pork Neck opened in 1999. We’ve been on this central road since the first day. In the past, people called us ‘Ko Moo Yang Na Villa (Grilled Pork Neck the Front of Villa)’ because our shop was in front of Villa Massage. The place was only 1 unit. A few years ago, our lease expired. So, we expanded by leasing 2 more adjacent units to accommodate customers”.Amnuay Phuhuatalad, the 64-year-old owner, recalled the origin of Khon Kaen Grilled Pork Neck. 20 years ago, he and his children started this family business. The menus then and now remain unchanged. The restaurant has been offering 5 basic Isan menus.
“We focus on a few pork-based menus. We never consider adding more menus just for variety. We want to have a tight control over the quality of food that people have come back for”, Amnuay says with pride. “We select high-quality pork necks from younger pigs. It gives the right level of softness and fattiness. We prepare the fresh pork that comes in daily in a clean environment. Add Rodjarin’s skills to the mix, and we get the combination that turns customers into regulars for decades”.
When you visit Khon Kaen, come spice up your trip at Khon Kaen Grilled Pork Neck. These are dishes recommended by the MICHELIN Guide. Don’t forget to pair them with quality drinks for enhanced tastes.
What to order?
Start with the signature Ko Moo Yang (Grilled Pork Neck). To ensure quality, the restaurant has an exclusive supplier that they’ve done business with for more than 2 decades. The owner also agrees to pay extra to ensure that they get the best pork for their customers. The pork neck is perfectly grilled. The texture is soft with the pleasing smell of marinade and seasoning.Rodjarin is in charge of food preparation. The second-generation owner shares that “In our recipe, coriander roots and pepper are essential. We start marinating the pork neck 3-4 hours before the shop opens. We have two options – the meaty neck and the fatty one. Regulars know they can request the parts they love, and we’ll accommodate”.
When the shophouses open around 4 pm, the neighbourhood is filled with the mouthwatering smell of grilled pork neck. Customers can order grilled pork neck as an entrée, pairing it with sticky rice or other dishes they like. The shop also offers the version with rice. Juicy grilled pork neck on top of warm white grain and the spicy dip are street-side heaven for customers who come alone. But some order another entrée for added nutrients and deliciousness.
Larb Moo (Spicy Minced Pork Salad) and Tab Wan (Spicy Pork Liver Salad) are best paired with quality drinks. You can experience the spiciness, saltiness, and sourness, without overwhelming sweetness. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients for mixing their Larb, including roasted ground rice. The tip is to add some herbs such as lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for fragrance. If you want to be of utmost authenticity, ask for pork rind. This Isan traditional ingredient helps add a smooth and bouncy texture.
Tab Wan comes in a perfect size. The pieces are still soft, showcasing expert cooking skills. Another dish you don’t want to miss is Nam Tok Moo (Spicy Grilled Pork Salad). Grilled pork neck is mixed with Larb seasonings. The result is another delicious variation of Larb that gives out barbecue’s aroma and soft texture. Chang beer can complement these 3 dishes with its refreshing experience. The quality drink also cleanses the palate, readying you for the next menu.
For boiled menus, we recommend Tom Yam Si Krong (Hot and Sour Soup with Ribs). The shop uses baby back ribs that provide the right level of softness. The delicious soup balances the tastes of saltiness, spiciness, and sourness from tomatoes and Thai herbs. You can also add extra mushrooms. If you can’t have enough of the shop’s signature dish, they can accommodate with Tom Yam Ko Moo Yang.
Through its few menus, Khon Kaen Grilled Pork Neck showcases its Lamiat preparation making them a crowd favourite. Their flavours are as unique as Chang refreshments, crafted with the philosophy of Lamiat that embodies meticulousness, craftsmanship, respect, and innovation. Chang is the beverage that enhances both your culinary journey and your friendships, lifting your Khon Kaen experience to another level.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
