In-Depth Bangladesh Ep 2: Tears Upon Seeing Mom, Exchanging USD, Eating Aunt Jad's Duck Curry, Visiting Mom in Bang Bo

In-Depth Bangladesh Ep 2: Tears Upon Seeing Mom, Exchanging USD, Eating Aunt Jad's Duck Curry, Visiting Mom in Bang Bo

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia, back again with a unique story from Bang Bo, Samut Prakan, my hometown. Today, I'll take you deep into the real life of people here through my close-up perspective in Episode 2 of the "In-Depth Bangladesh" series. Although the name sounds distant, the stories here are filled with family warmth, lifestyle, and the unique taste of Aunt Jad's duck curry.

Bang Bo is a small district by the Samrong River, the main canal leading to the Bang Pakong River. It is a lowland area rich with villagers' lifestyles closely connected to water and nature. This place is famous forBang Bo's salted fishrenowned for its plumpness and sweet, rich flavor because the brackish water and natural red worms in this canal are the fish's favorite food, which is also part of my life story.

This time, I traveled back to my hometown to visit my mom in Bang Bo after a long time apart. Just seeing her face almost brought tears of longing and warmth that can't be found elsewhere. The journey from Bangkok is only a few dozen kilometers, but the atmosphere and feelings are completely different. Bang Bo still preserves the traditional village lifestyle well, whether it's the canal-side market or the way people still use boats as the main transport in some areas.

While here, I stopped by a local money exchange shop in Bang Bo market to exchange USD. The reason isn't about traveling abroad but a small story I want to share that reflects a lifestyle blending modernity and tradition perfectly. This small exchange shop has a steady flow of customers; some exchange for overseas spending, others for saving. I think about the convenience nowadays that even in a small province like Bang Bo, such transactions are easy to do.

After exchanging money, I didn't miss the chance to try the famous local dish, Aunt Jad's duck curry. This ancient recipe has been passed down through generations. The taste is rich and balanced with a full range of spices, mildly spicy with the aroma of Thai herbs. Aunt Jad, the local owner, impressed me at first meeting with her extraordinary cooking. The duck curry here is served with hot steamed rice, a meal that fills my childhood memories and makes me feel truly at home.

Speaking of markets here, I must recommend visitingThe 150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Marketnot far from Bang Bo. This ancient market still preserves traditional wooden structures and has various shops selling food and goods similar to the old Bic C era but separated into small stores rather than combined like modern malls. Interestingly, the market still has an old pharmacy, local healers, and agricultural equipment like fertilizers and tractors, clearly telling the story of past farmers' lifestyles.

This old canal-side market reflects the riverside life of villagers who used to row boats across the canal to shop or see doctors. The market remains lively even though roads have improved access. Changes have altered some lifestyles, but traces of memories remain that I, as a Bang Bo local, feel proud of and want everyone to experience.

The evening atmosphere in Bang Bo is special. It's the time when villagers come out to sit by the canal. Some prepare to catch "Ai Ngo" fish, a technique I once shared in the article"Ai Ngo Catching Contest with Mr. Hotsia on Tour in Bang Bo"The fun of traditional fish catching is challenging and builds strong neighborly bonds. I have joined friends in catching Ai Ngo in front of my house, an experience full of laughter and good memories.

The lifestyle connected to water and nature is also reflected in the famous Bang Bo salted fish farming. The special thing about these salted fish is that the brackish water and natural red worms in the canal help the fish grow plump and have a sweeter, richer taste than other areas. I have shared this story in several articles such asBang Bo Salted Fishwhich anyone who tries will be hooked.

For those who want to truly experience the authentic lifestyle of Bang Bo villagers, I recommend coming early in the morning to stroll along the canal market, watch the boat rowing or fish catching, and capture the simple and beautiful community scenes. I believe everyone will feel warmth and happiness not found in big cities.

And if you love spicy food, I recommend trying the local dishes at Aunt Jad's duck curry shop. Also, if you like the fiery holy basil flavor as I do, check out my own Spicy Holy Basil Sauce atMr.Hotsia YouTube Channelwhich is a legend I intend to preserve and present for everyone to try making at home.

Finally, Bang Bo, Samut Prakan, is not just where I was born but the starting point of stories and life experiences I want to share with everyone. The scent of the canal water, the taste of food, and the laughter of family make me, mr.hotsia, feel that true travel is not just visiting new places but returning to experience the sincerity of the people there.