Foreigner FriendlyYes
✗VegetarianAdventurous
Spice Level
Price Range120-250 THB
About This Dish
Whole fish coated in a thick salt crust and grilled over charcoal until the skin peels away to reveal perfectly moist, smoky flesh. Served with a tangy seafood dipping sauce. A beloved dish found throughout Thailand's coastal regions.
Flavor Profile
The balance of tastes in this dish
Sweet2/5
Sour1/5
Salty2/5
Spicy2/5
Umami3/5
History & Origin
A coastal cooking technique found throughout Southeast Asia, the salt crust method seals in moisture while the charcoal imparts a distinctive smoky flavor.
Best Time to Eat
Perfect Pairings
Som tamSticky rice
Insider Tips
- 1Peel away the salt crust -- do not eat it
- 2The cheek meat is considered the most prized part of the fish
How to Order
Point and say this to order like a local
Pronunciation:pla pao
ปลาเผา
Say this: Pla Pao (Salt-Crust Grilled Fish)
Cuisine Region: Southern Thai
Price Range: 120-250 THB
Best Time to Eat: Dinner
Where to Try It
The best city to experience this dish
Krabi
The best city to experience this dish
More from Southern Thai
Other dishes from the same region
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