Who would have thought that the popular childhood malt chocolate drink "Ovaltine" would become a secret kitchen ingredient behind a 20-year local culinary legend? If you plan to enjoy fresh air in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima, we invite you to try a unique and rewarding dining experience at "Krua Nanthapak," a single-dish restaurant that has captivated customers for over 20 years with its exclusive "Ovaltine braised pork leg" signature dish, which you won't find anywhere else.
The secret behind this uniquely tasty dish comes from the skilled hands of 67-year-old head cook Kritsana Intha, who has inherited the family’s secret recipe over many years. It starts with careful selection of ingredients, sourcing only premium-quality pork directly from farms in Nakhon Pathom province for cooking.
The highlight that makes this pork leg dish stand out is the use of Ovaltine as a secret ingredient in the braising process. The result is remarkable: the pork becomes so tender it nearly melts in your mouth, with a perfectly balanced, mellow flavor that is not overly sweet or greasy. Most importantly, it completely lacks the strong Chinese herbal stew aroma, making it ideal for those who enjoy pork leg but dislike the pungent herbal smell.
Outstanding dipping sauces to cut through the richness, plus bold new menu options
The delicious Ovaltine-braised pork is further enhanced by two distinctive dipping sauces: a traditional tangy sauce with a sharp, zesty flavor and a spicy seafood-style sauce. Eating them together perfectly cuts through the richness. Additionally, for those who prefer bolder flavors, the restaurant offers creative variations like pork leg with holy basil and pork leg with chili paste, served over hot steamed rice for an enjoyable meal.
Great value without breaking the bank
The price is surprisingly affordable given the high-quality taste. You can savor a single plate of Ovaltine pork leg starting at just 70 baht. Takeaway orders come at only 100 baht. For families wanting to indulge, whole pork legs are available for around 400 to 500 baht, depending on size. For collagen lovers, individual pork trotters are sold cheaply at just 60 baht each. With just a hundred baht in your pocket, you can enjoy a satisfying meal.
If you drive along Route 304, don’t miss the chance to taste this unique dish at Krua Nanthapak, located at No. 58, Moo 17, opposite Ban Bu Phai School, Wang Nam Khiao subdistrict. The restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Try it yourself and you’ll surely be impressed by the mellow flavor of the Ovaltine braised pork leg, a taste worth sharing.