Bang Bo Gourami Fish

Bang Bo Gourami Fish, a hometown specialty of mr.hotsia

When it comes to Bang Bo Gourami Fish, I, mr.hotsia, who was born and raised here, probably don't need to say much because Bang Bo Gourami Fish is not just a name but a legend of Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province, known throughout Thailand and famous even abroad.

I was born and raised by the Ban Rakart canal, a small branch of Samrong Canal, which is the main canal locals have used to raise gourami fish since ancient times. My childhood memories are full of images of swimming in the canal alongside gourami fish darting around in the brackish water. Bang Bo used to be a lowland area where locals commonly farmed rice. My family also used to farm rice and raise gourami fish in ponds called "Tin Na" or sometimes dug ponds around rice fields to provide fish with habitat and easy access to food.

Bang Bo Gourami Fish originated from a lifestyle closely tied to brackish water and the surrounding nature. This area is an ideal brackish water source for raising gourami fish because the brackish water produces abundant red plankton, which is the favorite food of gourami here. This red plankton makes Bang Bo gourami fish plump with fat marbled inside more than gourami raised elsewhere, resulting in a special fragrant, rich, and delicious taste.

Bang Bo Gourami Fish comes in two types. Which one is authentic?

The truly famous Bang Bo Gourami Fish has two kinds: "Pla Hom" and regular gourami. Pla Hom undergoes a more meticulous fermentation process, starting by letting the flesh die until it turns milky white, then salting and fermenting it, followed by sun-drying until completely dry. Pla Hom has a unique aroma loved by many locals, though some might say it smells a bit funky, depending on taste.

Regular gourami is salted and sun-dried immediately without waiting for the flesh to die first. I don't consider this authentic Bang Bo gourami because locals don't prefer it this way. When buying Bang Bo gourami at markets or roadside stalls, if you want the real thing, ask for "Pla Hom." Sellers from the area will know which batch is genuine Pla Hom.

As for gourami sold in large markets or labeled as authentic Bang Bo gourami, in my opinion, the taste often doesn't match what I remember because most are salted and sun-dried insufficiently, leaving them not fully dry and less preservable. Authentic Bang Bo gourami must be dried until very light, completely dry, and can be stored long without worms.

Markets and Bang Bo Gourami Fish Shops Recommended by mr.hotsia

If you want to experience authentic Bang Bo gourami fish, I recommend driving straight into Bang Bo District. There you will find the lively Bang Bo Market with many quality gourami fish sellers. Cross the Samrong Canal bridge and turn right to find many shops I know well, such as "Pla Salid Ja Jo," owned by my neighbor from Ban Rakart. This shop has its own fish ponds, and the gourami here is delicious and to my liking.

Another shop not to miss is "Yai Yao," my mother's friend, who also sells gourami at Bang Bo Market. If you want large quantities, Je Kui's shop near the Samrong Canal bridge on the way to Bang Phli Housing Estate is a major supplier distributing gourami nationwide. This place is considered the center of Bang Bo gourami fish.

How to Choose Good Bang Bo Gourami Fish

When buying Bang Bo gourami fish, I usually suggest pressing the fish to check the firmness of the flesh and look at the fat in the belly, called "Bua" at my home, to see if it is intact. Good gourami must have marbled fat and firm flesh that is not crumbly. Also, the fish color should be milky white like Pla Hom, not too clear or reddish, which indicates proper fermentation and drying.

Bang Bo Gourami Fish and the Lifestyle of Canal-side Villagers

Bang Bo gourami fish is not just a product but part of the lifestyle and culture of Bang Bo villagers who remain connected to the canal and surrounding nature. Although rice farming has greatly declined, gourami raising continues because Bang Bo gourami fish remains in demand.

If anyone is interested in learning more about the lifestyle along Samrong Canal, try visiting the 150-year-old Bang Phli Old Market, not far from Bang Bo. This market still preserves the atmosphere of an old canal-side market with many local shops and traditional products.150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old MarketAnother interesting spot worth visiting

mr.hotsia's Experience with Bang Bo Gourami Fish

For me, mr.hotsia, Bang Bo gourami fish is not just about eating but a memory filled with the scent of brackish water, earth, and the sound of water flowing in Samrong Canal where I grew up. Every time I return home, I stop to buy gourami from familiar shops. It's like returning home and tasting something familiar.

If you want to deeply experience Bang Bo's stories, not just about gourami but also the lifestyle of canal-side villagers, I recommend reading the detailed stories I have shared.Bang Bo Gourami FishOr if you want to enjoy the fishing experience with me in Bang Bo, check out the story"Fishing Competition with Mr. Hotsia On Tour in Bang Bo"which shows another fun and exciting aspect of canal-side life.

Bang Bo Gourami Fish Introduction Video by mr.hotsia

For those who like videos, I have a detailed clip about Bang Bo gourami fish on the mr.hotsia YouTube channel.Click to watch the Bang Bo Gourami Fish videoto see real images and atmosphere from my hometown.

Bang Bo Gourami Fish is more than just fish; it is the taste of home and culture that has been part of the community since ancient times. To know the real Bang Bo gourami fish, you must come here and experience it yourself. Then you will understand why I, mr.hotsia, am proud and want to share this story with everyone.