The place: No one calls Tang Hong Pochana by its real name. Instead, this Convent mainstay is called after its well-known specialty—“harn palo Convent.” The atmosphere is virtually nonexistent, as the grungy grandpa shophouse looks its age with old-school stools, aluminum folding tables and brown-tinted walls that seem to be coated with an inch of goose fat. An air-con room is available on the second floor.
The selection: Slowly braised harn palo (Chinese-style stewed goose) is the main attraction here. But the kitchen also rolls out delicious stir-fried veggies and soups. For drinks, iced Chinese tea is free. Sweet herbal drinks like gek huay (Chrysanthemum) and lotus root are also available.
Must-haves: Get yourself a bowl of rice to go with the goose. Sometimes it comes with chewy fat, but the stew sauce is so yummy you’ll be tempted to order more rice just to soak up the sauce. Want some greens? Try the stir-fried khanaeng with crispy pork. If they haven’t already sold out when you visit, don’t miss the gourd soup with chicken and pickled lemon or the comfortingly rich bamboo pith soup.