Grilled Fresh Squid the Ubon Way

Grilled Fresh Squid the Ubon Way: A freshness you must try when visiting the Lower Isan region

I, mr.hotsia, have had the chance to visit Ubon Ratchathani province many times, and every time I go, I often think about the local food that is simple yet full of deep flavors. One dish I never miss is “Grilled Fresh Squid” the Ubon way, which I consider a true reflection of the lifestyle and eating culture of the people of Ubon.

Grilled fresh squid in Ubon is unlike anywhere else because here the freshness of the ingredients is paramount. The squid used for grilling is carefully selected from the fresh markets in town or sometimes directly from fishermen who catch squid in the nearby Mun and Mekong Rivers. The freshness of the squid is the key to making this dish delicious without much seasoning.

The grilled fresh squid stall I like to visit is not far from Ubon Ratchathani’s main market. The atmosphere is open-air, where you stand waiting in front of the stall with the aroma of squid grilling over hot charcoal. The smoky scent and the sizzling sound of the squid cooking create an exciting anticipation to taste this dish.

The way Ubon people serve it is unique. mr.hotsia must say you have to stand and eat right in front of the stall. And the essential part is the “dipping sauce,” a special Ubon recipe that perfectly balances sour, sweet, and spicy flavors. This sauce enhances the fresh squid’s taste even more. There are also fresh vegetables to dip alongside, such as Vietnamese coriander, culantro, or lettuce, which help cut the richness and add freshness to the meal.

Strolling the Main Market of Ubon Ratchathani: A hub of fresh ingredients and local food

After enjoying the grilled fresh squid, I, mr.hotsia, recommend taking a walk around Ubon’s main market, a large fresh market in the city center. Here you will find fresh ingredients from the Mun and Mekong Rivers, including shrimp, fish, and squid, as well as local vegetables that are hard to find in the capital.

The main market is also home to many interesting local foods, such as “Vietnamese Pizza,” which I have written about before (Vietnamese Pizza at Ubon Main Market), as well as a unique Ubon soy milk recipe that includes tofu foam and fragrant pomelo peel (The Best Soy Milk in Ubon Ratchathani)

Walking through the main market in the morning lets me see the real lifestyle of Ubon people — the buying and selling, friendly conversations, and the lively community spirit of this Lower Isan regional center.

Travel and Connection from Ubon Ratchathani to Southern Thailand

For travelers wanting to try grilled fresh squid the Ubon way, traveling is now much more convenient. I, mr.hotsia, have followed the progress of AirAsia opening a direct flight route from Ubon Ratchathani to Phuket (Ubon-Phuket Flight: Connecting Isan to the South Without Bangkok), making travel between Isan and the South easier without passing through Bangkok. This is great news for tourists visiting Ubon and other provinces in Lower Isan.

A Real Experience from mr.hotsia at the Grilled Fresh Squid Stall

Once, when I arrived at the grilled fresh squid stall in the evening, the aroma of grilled squid hit my nose even before reaching the stall. People here stand and eat in front of the stall, picking freshly grilled squid, dipping it in the spicy sauce, and enjoying it with fresh vegetables laid out beside. That night felt like experiencing the real life of Ubon people — unhurried, taking time with simple but quality things.

I also spoke with the stall owner who said that the squid must be truly fresh to sell well because Ubon people dislike old or stale squid. This stall therefore maintains the highest quality to keep its loyal customers coming back.

Don’t Miss Other Activities in Ubon After Eating

After a satisfying meal of grilled fresh squid, I recommend taking a walk atSri Muang Field, Ubon RatchathaniA public space in the city center where locals like to jog and relax in the evening. There are many traditional sports to watch, or if you want to try other local foods, visit the famous rice porridge restaurantTee Amnuay Chok: The Number One Rice Porridge Restaurant in Ubonwhich I mentioned in a previous article. It’s guaranteed to be a heartwarming experience for both your stomach and soul.

Summary

Grilled fresh squid the Ubon way is not just an ordinary dish; it reflects the lifestyle of the people here who preserve the freshness of ingredients and original flavors very well. If you visit Ubon Ratchathani, don’t forget to stand and eat grilled fresh squid in front of the stall, dipping it in the special sauce and fresh vegetables as true Ubon locals do. I guarantee you’ll be impressed and want to come back again, mr.hotsia.

Watch the video of the grilled fresh squid experience the Ubon way here:Grilled Fresh Squid the Ubon Way