Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 15/15: Bang Bo Crispy Gourami Rice Porridge, Receiving Mom's Blessing, End of Trip

Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 15/15: Bang Bo Crispy Gourami Rice Porridge, Receiving Mom's Blessing, End of Trip

Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province, my hometown mr.hotsia, deeply connected with Samrong Canal and the way of life of the canal-side villagers throughout my life. Today, I want to share a story from the real field after returning home. Coming to Bang Bo means filling the warmth with a local signature dish I grew up with—the “Bang Bo Crispy Gourami Rice Porridge.” This dish not only fills the stomach but also brings blessings from my mother at home, filling my heart with happiness and unforgettable longing.

Bang Bo crispy gourami is not an ordinary fish but has a unique origin I have known since childhood. I was born here, at my home by Ban Rakas Canal, a tributary of Samrong Canal. This waterway is a vital artery of Bang Bo district and a brackish water source perfect for raising crispy gourami. The brackish water produces red mites, a favorite food of the gourami, making the fish plump with firm flesh and a sweet, rich flavor distinct from other places, gaining fame nationwide and internationally.Bang Bo Crispy GouramiGrowing up with it, it has always held a special place in my heart.

One evening after a long trip, I sat down to eat crispy gourami rice porridge at home with my mother. The feeling was warm and simple but very profound. I saw my mother carefully simmering the rice porridge broth until it was flavorful, sprinkling crispy fried gourami that crunches delightfully with every bite. The savory broth mixed with the aroma of fried gourami made the taste so delicious I wanted to eat several more bowls.

Eating crispy gourami rice porridge at home in Bang Bo, I also recall the traditional way of raising gourami used by our villagers. They make fish ponds in the lowest parts of the rice fields, called “tin na,” a clever use of rice field space combined with fish farming. I still remember as a child, when draining water from the fish ponds, we would find many fat gouramis. We had to catch them to make salted fish or fermented fish to preserve for year-round consumption.

Bang Bo is not only about crispy gourami but also has an old market over 150 years old calledBang Phli Old Marketwhich still preserves the charm of canal-side life for me and visitors to absorb. I often stop by to buy fresh food, snacks, or even daily necessities here before heading home.

After eating crispy gourami rice porridge at home with my mother, I went for a walk along Samrong Canal again. The lights from the houses reflected on the water, a gentle breeze blew coolly. I thought of old memories, including competing in the 'Dug Ai Ngo' game with friends in my hometown atBang Boand the fun times during local traditional competitions here. These are moments I want to keep in my heart forever.

Many may not know that Bang Bo has a way of life deeply connected to water and agriculture. The canal-side markets where people in the past traveled by boat to buy food and goods, or the crispy gourami farming exported nationwide, are images I want everyone to experience firsthand.

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, invite everyone to Bang Bo, to visit my hometown, to fill your heart with warmth by eating crispy gourami rice porridge at my mother's house, receiving blessings and love from family. Then you will truly understand the meaning of “Missing Mom.”

If you are interested in the story of Bang Bo crispy gourami and the local way of life, you can read more in the articleBang Bo Crispy GouramiAnd if you enjoy the atmosphere of an old market that still preserves the traditional way of life, I recommend visitingBang Phli 150-Year-Old MarketGuaranteed you will deeply experience the classic and real life of Bang Bo people.

For those who want to see the atmosphere or listen to stories from me, mr.hotsia, in full, please watch the videoMissing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 15/15: Bang Bo Crispy Gourami Rice Porridge, Receiving Mom's Blessing, End of Tripwhere I fully convey all feelings and stories.