Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Kao piak sen is the absolute hit here and the reason people keep coming back. Soft, slightly chewy rice noodles, hand-pulled, in a broth that has simmered for hours. It's a Laotian dish with deep roots in Isan, and you eat it in silence until the bowl is empty.

Located on a quiet side street off Srisuk Street in Mak Khaeng, this is an authentic noodle restaurant, not a fancy tourist trap. They have plastic chairs. The prices are moderate for udon, which means nobody really minds. My tip: arrive early! The doors open at 5:30 a.m., and the customers who arrive at the crack of dawn know exactly what they're doing. Popular dishes are often sold out long before closing time at 6:00 p.m.

If you want a breakfast that tells you something about where you're staying, this is better than anything your hotel offers.