70 years of noodles, hidden in a Chinatown alley
“We don’t have a name, people just know us,” says Surin, owner of a noodle shop situated in the heart of Chinatown’s Sampeng Lane.
As unlikely as it may sound, this hidden eatery has been around for 70 years. Its history began with Surin’s father, and has survived thanks to the regular customers who live and work in the area. Today, Surin makes the noodles and his wife, Naree, helps out.
Surin’s noodle dishes come in the same form they have since his father’s generation, with no MSG. The noodles are made traditionally by a carefully chosen supplier, who delivers them every morning at 4 a.m. by simply hanging them on a hook in the alley where Surin has his noodle cart.
Like most noodle joints, you can customize your meal from the assortment of noodles and meats available. But pork satay, kanom jeep (a type of dim sum, also known as siu mai in Cantonese) and traditionally brewed coffee can also be ordered from other food carts located down the same tiny alley.
Far too narrow to fit tables and chairs, never mind that having piping hot bowls of noodles floating around is a hazard in such a small space, one obvious question arises: where do customers sit?
Branching off the alley is a Chinese shrine, named Joon Siang Jo Sue, with a small courtyard by the entrance. Fabric specialists, bread makers, herbal medicine gurus… This is where the long established business tycoons of Yaowarat enjoy a quiet lunch, in the shadow of a 120-year-old shrine.
Perhaps one of the area’s most underrated shrines, Joon Siang Jo Sue is the only temple in Bangkok to feature the sacred god of education, as well as a knowledgeable shrine manager to explain its history. 
Just a step away from the hectic Sampeng Lane, it's a surprisingly serene place to take a break from a day of shopping and enjoy a delicious lunch.
