Spicy Duck Curry with Bang Bo Crispy Gourami

Spicy duck curry paired with Bang Bo crispy gourami, a specialty of Samut Prakan by mr.hotsia

When it comes to dishes that locals of Samut Prakan take pride in, spicy duck curry with Bang Bo crispy gourami definitely ranks at the top in my heart, mr.hotsia. Here, it’s not just about the taste but also the story connected to the lifestyle of people living along Bang Bo canal where I grew up.

I clearly remember my childhood home by Ban Rakat canal, a branch of Samrong canal, the main canal of Bang Bo district. This brackish water source is ideal for raising Bang Bo crispy gourami. The fish here are famously “plump and chubby” because the brackish water encourages the growth of red plankton, a favorite food of the gourami. This gives Bang Bo crispy gourami its unique flavor, famous throughout Thailand and even abroad.

But the duck curry I want to share is not just any duck curry. It uses locally raised duck meat, farmed traditionally. The curry is boldly spiced with Thai herbs, fragrant with carefully prepared local herbs by the local cooks, combined with crispy fried Bang Bo gourami. This has become a signature dish loved by locals.

Lifestyle by the Canal and the Living Old Market

Whenever I travel back to visit my hometown in Bang Bo, I often stop byThe 150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Marketwhich is not far from Bang Bo. This market’s charm lies in its riverside setting that remains largely unchanged. Most shops are old wooden structures, offering a full range of food and goods just like in the past. I noticed that people still paddle boats to shop, just like I saw in my childhood.

This old market is not only a place to buy fresh, dried goods, or food but also a gathering spot for locals to chat and exchange stories, including sharing long-passed-down traditional recipes.

Duck Curry with Bang Bo Crispy Gourami, a Beloved Local Dish by mr.hotsia

The duck curry I eat in Bang Bo is unlike any other. Besides the rich curry paste and perfectly balanced herbal aroma, it is served with crispy fried Bang Bo gourami as a side. Eating hot duck curry with crunchy gourami together adds extra flavor and dimension to the dish. I asked a local cook, who said the gourami must be fried without excess oil, crispy outside and tender inside, so it pairs well with the curry without being greasy.

I have traveled here many times and never tire of the duck curry’s flavor. The curry broth is richly flavored with a slightly sweet and salty taste from shrimp paste and fish sauce, and the duck meat is tender from slow simmering. Every bite tells the story of villagers living by the canal and rice fields for over 100 years.

Bang Bo Crispy Gourami, Local Pride

Speaking of Bang Bo crispy gourami, I must go back to its origin that made it famous and widely talked about in Thai cuisine. The gourami here are raised in earthen ponds dug in low-lying fields called “tin na,” the lowest parts of rice paddies in Bang Bo. Villagers dig ponds around the fields to provide a suitable environment for the fish. The gourami here are plump with fat distributed throughout their bodies and have a sweet, rich flavor from feeding on red plankton in the brackish water.

Bang Bo crispy gourami is not only fried crispy to eat with duck curry but also exported nationwide and internationally. Its unique quality and taste make it a popular side dish and souvenir for tourists and locals alike.

mr.hotsia’s Personal Experience with Bang Bo Gourami and Duck Curry

In the past, I had the chance to jointhe Mr. Hotsia’s Foolish Fish Trapping Contestin Bang Bo. It was a fun activity that gave me a real insight into local life. Trapping fish in shrimp ponds that also raise gourami helped me understand fish pond management and care for gourami more deeply. These factors affect the quality of the gourami and dishes made from them.

When I return to my hometown, I usually go to the market and order duck curry paired with home-style fried gourami at Bang Bo or Bang Phli Yai markets, including the 150-year-old old market I mentioned earlier. I highly recommend trying the Bang Bo duck curry with crispy gourami at local restaurants. I guarantee the taste and atmosphere will leave a lasting impression.

Additional Information and Video Sources

For those who want to see the full atmosphere of making duck curry and Bang Bo crispy gourami, I recommend watching the videoSpicy Duck Curry with Bang Bo Crispy Gouramion my YouTube channel mr.hotsia. Here you can clearly see the cooking process and local atmosphere.

And if you love boldly flavored Thai dishes like duck curry, I recommendBold Holy Basil Saucewhich I developed and make myself, so everyone can enjoy the spicy, home-style holy basil flavor of mr.hotsia, fragrant with authentic Thai herbs.

Summary

Duck curry with Bang Bo crispy gourami is not just a dish but a story of the bond between Bang Bo people, Samrong canal, and the ancient lifestyle that still exists today. I, mr.hotsia, invite everyone to visit Samut Prakan, especially Bang Bo district, to experience the unique taste of duck curry and crispy gourami here. I promise you won’t be disappointed.