Bang Bo Salted Fish

Bang Bo Salted Fish: Stories from the canal side where I, mr.hotsia, grew up

Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province, is not just an ordinary lowland that people drive past. For me, mr.hotsia, this is my hometown full of stories about Bang Bo salted fish, a prized local product beloved by people across Thailand for its unique flavor. I was born here, grew up here, studied at Bang Bo Wittayakom School, and my home is by Ban Rakat canal, a branch of Samrong canal—the main canal that nurtures the salted fish famous worldwide.

As a child, I lived with the water, the canals, and the Bang Bo salted fish swimming in the brackish water of these canals. Memories of swimming with the salted fish under the shade of trees by the canal remain vivid to this day and have given me a deep understanding of why Bang Bo salted fish tastes distinctively better than salted fish from other places.

The way of life of Bang Bo people and salted fish in the past

In the past, Bang Bo was a lowland where most villagers farmed rice. My family also used to farm rice. Villagers would dig fish ponds called “tin na” in the lowest parts of the rice fields where water accumulated, allowing fish to live and grow alongside the rice. These fish ponds were not only for personal consumption but also served as a food source and income for families on many occasions.

I still clearly remember when we scooped up salted fish, snakehead fish, or other fish from the ponds in the rice fields. The fish would fill jars and baskets, and we had to quickly process them into salted fish or fermented fish to preserve for year-round consumption. This was a lifestyle deeply connected to water and fish in Bang Bo.

Why is Bang Bo salted fish delicious and famous?

Many may wonder why Bang Bo salted fish is renowned and tastes better than others. I, mr.hotsia, will share from my own experience. In Bang Bo, the canal water is brackish, which is ideal for the growth of red plankton. This red plankton is the excellent natural food favored by Bang Bo salted fish.

Salted fish that feed on abundant red plankton grow plump and well-nourished. These fat fish, when processed into salted fish, have a noticeably sweeter, richer flavor and firmer texture than salted fish raised elsewhere.

Although rice farming in Bang Bo has decreased over time, raising salted fish remains an important occupation with high demand in both domestic and international markets.

How many types of Bang Bo salted fish are there? What is Pla Hom?

The Bang Bo salted fish I know and grew up with mainly come in two types: “Pla Hom” and regular salted fish. This difference is not just in name but also in preparation and taste.

Pla Hom undergoes a process where the fish meat is allowed to die until it turns milky white before being salted and then sun-dried until completely dry. This type of salted fish has a distinctive aroma loved by many in Bang Bo. Although some may describe the smell as pungent, for me and my family, it is a charm that makes Bang Bo salted fish stand out.

Regular salted fish is simply soaked in salt and sun-dried without allowing the meat to die first, resulting in a different taste and smell from Pla Hom. I, mr.hotsia, believe that salted fish that is not Pla Hom is not authentic Bang Bo salted fish, and locals do not prefer to eat it that way.

Where to buy authentic Bang Bo salted fish?

If you want genuine Bang Bo salted fish, I recommend going straight to Bang Bo district. There you will find Bang Bo Market beside Samrong canal. Crossing the bridge, you will see many salted fish shops.

My favorite and recommended shop is “Pla Salid Ja Jo,” a large shop with its own fish ponds. The salted fish here is fresh and tastes excellent because Ja Jo is an old neighbor of mine from Ban Rakat. Another shop is “Yai Yao,” my mother’s friend who sells salted fish near Bang Bo Market. Also not to be missed is “Je Kui,” located at the neck of the bridge over Samrong canal, the largest shop in Bang Bo, wholesaling salted fish nationwide. If you have eaten salted fish elsewhere, most likely it came from this shop.

Tips for choosing Bang Bo salted fish by mr.hotsia

When buying Bang Bo salted fish, check the fat in the belly, called “bua” by locals. Make sure the fat is not broken or mushy, and press the flesh to ensure it is still firm and strong, not soft or spoiled. Good salted fish is dried thoroughly, light in weight, and can be stored for a long time without worms. If the fish is not dried evenly or salted properly, it will not taste good and won’t keep well.

Don’t forget to tell the seller you want “Pla Hom” because only Pla Hom is authentic Bang Bo salted fish and tastes the best.

Bang Bo salted fish and local lifestyle and culture

Bang Bo salted fish is not just a product but an integral part of the lifestyle and culture of Bang Bo people. The fish farming I have witnessed since childhood is a picture of a community working together to care for the canals, fish ponds, and preserve the excellent taste of salted fish for future generations.

If you want to experience the local way of life and nearby traditional markets, I recommend taking a stroll at150-Year-Old Bang Phli Marketwhich is not far from Bang Bo. This market still preserves its old charm and atmosphere, allowing you to truly see the canal-side lifestyle.

Bang Bo salted fish in my eyes, mr.hotsia

For me, Bang Bo salted fish is not just ordinary fish but a symbol of my hometown, childhood memories, and a premium ingredient that makes me proud of my roots every time I eat or talk about it.

If you love trying local delicacies and want to truly know Bang Bo salted fish, visit Bang Bo and buy salted fish from the shops I, mr.hotsia, recommend. I guarantee you will experience a unique taste and the feeling that comes with the memories of this place.

For those interested in fun stories and adventures with local lifestyles in detail, try readingFishing Competition with Mr. Hotsia On Tour at Bang Bowhere I had fun fishing for ‘Ai Ngo’ in the ponds of my hometown. It’s definitely extraordinary.

Finally, if you want to watch a live storytelling clip about Bang Bo salted fish from me, mr.hotsia, you can click to watch atBang Bo Salted Fishon my YouTube channel.