The Saow Bat curry rice shop in Sakon Nakhon province opens from 5 a.m. to noon, selling dishes for only 20 baht each, with free chili paste, side vegetables, and cold water provided.
Before dawn, the Saow Bat curry rice shop along the bypass road opposite the Provincial Electricity Authority of Sakon Nakhon has already set out pots of curry waiting for customers. This shop belongs to Sompong Boonsri, 47 years old, who sells curry rice plates at 20 baht each, known in Isan dialect as"Saow Bat"which is the shop’s name.
The Saow Bat curry rice shop opens from 5 a.m. until noon, closed only on Sundays. Each day, there are 12 dishes to choose from, rotating the menu regularly, all prepared without MSG. Customers usually come early in the morning; most are truck drivers, followed by workers and students heading to work or school, and people buying food to offer in alms.
The highlight of the Saow Bat curry rice shop is that dine-in customers can get free refills of rice if they are still hungry. Cold water, side vegetables, and shrimp paste chili are also provided free. Most customers buy takeout, and the shop separates the rice and dishes into bags. Nearly all 12 dishes are sold out every day.
Besides selling at the shop, they also accept orders for 20-baht boxed meals for organizations or those needing large quantities of food.
The owner said he sets this price to help low-income people, students, workers, and laborers who need a filling breakfast amid rising living costs. Although profits are small, the shop remains sustainable and he finds happiness in helping the community.
The Saow Bat curry rice shop is located at 39/11-12 Bypass Road, That Choeng Chum Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province, opposite the Provincial Electricity Authority office. Open 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., closed Sundays. Phone: 093-3195817.