A Shrimp Lover's Dream: Freshwater Delights of Supanburi, Thailand

Youtuber: Mark Wiens Abroad

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A Shrimp Lover's Dream: Freshwater Delights of Supanburi, Thailand

🌊 **The Journey Begins**

In the heart of Supanburi, located just an hour and a half outside of Bangkok, lies a culinary treasure for seafood enthusiasts. This region is well-known for its freshwater shrimp, which can be found in abundance at local restaurants and roadside stalls. As soon as you drive around, you’ll spot numerous signs proclaiming "kung," which translates to shrimp. This vibrant area offers the freshest river shrimp cooked in various delightful ways.

🦐 **Exploring the Local Spot**

Upon arriving, he finds a charming little place called Ji Kungpa, nestled right along a busy highway. The enticing aroma of charcoal fills the air as the uncle at the grill prepares to cook the freshest catch. With two main sizes of shrimp available—12 to a kilo (larger) and 16 to a kilo (smaller)—he decides to opt for a mix, grabbing a kilo of the larger shrimp for grilling and two kilos of the smaller ones for other preparations.

🔥 **The Cooking Process**

As the shrimp are collected, they are swiftly passed to the grill master, who expertly roasts them over a raging charcoal fire. In mere minutes, the shrimp transform from blue to a delectable orange hue, emanating fragrant aromas that whet the appetite. The process showcases the skill involved in cooking seafood to perfection, ensuring the shrimp remain juicy and moist.

👅 **The Tasting Experience**

Once cooked, the shrimp are served confidently on the table, ready for tasting. He starts by removing the head, savoring the rich, buttery juices inside—the freshness is unmistakable. The shrimp’s body is tender, sweet, and bursting with flavor, enhanced when dipped into a classic Thai seafood sauce filled with chilies, garlic, lime juice, and coriander. The balance of flavors amplifies the shrimp experience without overshadowing its natural delicacy.

🍚 **Fried Rice For the Win**

Among the five dishes served, the fried rice takes center stage—generously topped with shrimp and laced with garlic. This hearty dish combines flavors from the fried garlic and fish sauce, elevating the meal to a new level of deliciousness. He enjoys every bite, incorporating the succulent shrimp and adding more sauce for an extra kick.

🌶️ **Diverse Dishes Await**

Alongside the fried rice, he dives into the tom yum with shrimp, infused with lemongrass and galangal. The broth, simple yet flavorful, highlights the essence of the freshwater shrimp. Next, the battered and fried shrimp, enhanced with a generous helping of garlic, are a crunchy delight, rich with flavor. The garlic aroma complements the shrimp perfectly.

🌱 **Stir-Fried Delights**

The pad kapow shrimp, stir-fried with holy basil and garlic, adds a different dimension to the meal. Each bite bursts with flavors of basil, providing an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the shrimp's sweetness. He takes his time enjoying this dish, making sure to savor every bit of garlic-infused goodness.

💰 **An Unforgettable Feast**

After sampling all five dishes—each showcasing the incredible versatility of freshwater shrimp—the total bill for this gastronomic adventure comes to 1,840 BOT. Given the amount of food, it was a feast fit for six to eight people. The experience of indulging in such fresh seafood in a laid-back atmosphere, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the busy highway, creates a lasting memory.

In Supanburi, this hidden gem offers a unique opportunity to taste some of the best freshwater shrimp dishes, expertly cooked and full of flavor. Whether you’re a shrimp lover or simply love exploring new culinary delights, this locale is a must-try when visiting Thailand.