“Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride.”
Anthony Bourdain
2025-Dec-15. Monday. Noon. Carlo, Keza, and I visited Wat Arun in the morning. We then took a ferry across the Chao Phraya River, Thailand’s “River of Kings,” to the Tha Tian Pier and walked through the Tha Tian Market. It was deserted and quiet because it was being renovated.
We crossed the street to Wat Pho – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, but merely peeked into the structure. We had spent the earlier part of the day sightseeing and taking photos around Wat Arun, and were more interested in finding somewhere to have lunch at this point. Keza was looking for a place that had airconditioning. The weather in December was cooler, so it wasn’t too hot nor humid. I convinced our trio to double back to a quaint little corner restaurant that had caught my eye while we were exiting Tha Tian Market. It had ceiling fans and one wall with long display shelves of empty beer bottles.
Tang Heng Kee in Bangkok is a popular, family-run Thai-Asian eatery near Wat Pho, known for authentic, flavorful dishes like Pad Thai, chicken curry, and fresh coconut ice cream, offering a great, affordable meal with friendly service for tourists exploring the historic area, with vegetarian/vegan options available. It’s a convenient stop for lunch or dinner, praised for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere right by the famous temple.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Conveniently situated near Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).
- Cuisine: Serves a mix of Thai and other Asian dishes.
- Popular Dishes: Patrons rave about their Pad Thai, Chicken Curry with Rice, and fresh Coconut Ice Cream with real coconut pieces.
- Vibe: Family-owned, offering a warm, friendly experience with attentive owners.
- Dietary Needs: Caters to vegetarians and vegans with specific options.
- Meal Times: Open for both lunch and dinner.
- Services: Offers table service and takeout.
Why Visit?
It’s a highly recommended spot for travelers seeking delicious, traditional Thai food in a local setting right after visiting major historical sites, with reviewers often calling it the best food they had in Bangkok.
Tang Heng Kee
Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
- Tang Heng Kee [Google Maps]
- Tang Heng Kee [Facebook]
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