Bangkok 
2024-12-12 Ginpao Phochana (จินเป่า โภชนา อาหารจีนเสฉวน) has been operating for 24 years and is an old, well-known Chinese restaurant in Bangkok's Chinatown, earning a 4.5-star rating.
Now run by descendants from Misalai and the northern Thai forces, the restaurant specializes in Yunnan and Sichuan cuisine. The “Eight Big Bowls” dish, typically found in northern Thai banquets, is a must-try here!
From the MRT’s Wat Mangkon station, a 5-minute walk will bring you to Lotus's Go Fresh Chinatown supermarket. In 2023, Ginpao Phochana moved from the second floor to the first floor (G level), renovated with a more traditional Chinese restaurant style.
The menu has also evolved, with dishes categorized into cold dishes, vegetables, tofu, stir-fried pork, chicken, beef, lamb, seafood, and noodle snacks. Among them, the following Eight Big Bowls are highly recommended (with flavors beyond traditional Yunnan and Sichuan, catering to various tastes).
1. Jin Dou Mei Cai Kou Rou (250฿)
This dish is incredibly delicious. The pork belly has the perfect balance of fat and meat. It’s slow-cooked until tender, melting quickly in your mouth with a sweet and savory flavor. The pickled mustard greens underneath are also soft and pair perfectly with white rice.
2. Braised Pork (240฿)
This signature dish, braised pork belly, glistens with oil, making your mouth water just by looking at it. When eaten, it’s incredibly tender and fatty. It’s best paired with rice or steamed buns.
3. Ginpao Lamb Ribs (450฿)
A favorite among regulars who often call in advance to book a table and order two servings at a time, as one serving isn’t enough for a table of 10. The appearance of the lamb ribs might seem unremarkable, but the taste is absolutely irresistible. With a variety of spices, it’s hard to stop eating once you start. Be careful, it’s addictive!
4. Dry Pot Spicy Chicken (250฿)
This Sichuan-style dry pot spicy chicken is perfect for those who love intense flavors. The dish is both numbing and spicy, dancing on your tongue with every bite, making it a fun eating experience.
5. Salt and Pepper Squid (250฿)
This is another dish that you’ll order every time you visit. The squid is stir-fried without being greasy, with a crispy coating on the outside, while the squid inside remains chewy and soft. Elderly people can even chew it easily! Combined with salt, fried chili peppers, and Chinese spices, it offers a deliciously different flavor.
6. Stir-fried Dry Green Beans (200฿)
This is a favorite dish among regulars. The dry-fried green beans are crispy and sweet, with a satisfying crunch. Dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns add a rich aromatic flavor, making it even more delicious.
7. Mapo Tofu (200฿)
This famous Sichuan dish is a staple at Chinese restaurants and loved by many for its smooth tofu and spicy, numbing flavor from the fermented bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s incredibly appetizing and a must-order at Ginpao Phochana for return visitors.
8. Sauerkraut Fish (480฿)
A new addition to Ginpao Phochana’s menu, this dish features a whole bass cut into pieces and cooked separately from the sauerkraut to preserve the fish’s natural sweetness. Afterward, the dish is kept warm on an electric stove. It may take a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait—sour, mildly spicy, and rich in flavor, this dish will not disappoint.
Besides the recommended Eight Big Bowls, Ginpao Phochana offers other dishes catering to different tastes, such as hot pots, snacks (small dumplings, hand-grabbed bread, chive dumplings), and more. Not only is the food delicious, but the prices are also very affordable. The staff can adjust the menu according to the number of people in your group.
With air conditioning, comfortable seating, and excellent service, Ginpao Phochana also offers tea from their own Misalai tea plantation in northern Thailand, along with various types of tea to choose from. A pot (200฿) is the perfect way to cleanse your palate after the meal.
Address: 663-665 Phichai Yat Building, 1st Floor, Room 103, Mangkon Rd, Sampanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Phone: 089 654 9449
Transportation: Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station, a 5-minute walk.
