Food In Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Food History of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the oldest and most famous floating markets in Thailand, with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. King Rama IV had the idea to build a canal (khlong) that would facilitate transportation and trade in the area. This 32-kilometer canal, completed in 1866, led to the establishment of the floating market. In the days before widespread road networks, waterways served as the primary means of transportation and trade, with floating markets being crucial links in the chain of commerce. Traders, often women, would fill their small wooden boats with fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and handicrafts to sell directly to consumers along the waterways. The tradition of selling food from boats continues at Damnoen Saduak to this day. The market's food is a representation of Thai culinary history featuring dishes with complex flavors that utilize fresh, local ingredients.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

1. Pad Thai (Non-Veg) - A staple of Thai cuisine, this stir-fried noodle dish often includes shrimp, bean sprouts, egg, and a tamarind-flavored sauce.
2. Mango Sticky Rice (Veg) - Sweet coconut milk-soaked sticky rice served with ripe mango slices is an all-time favorite dessert.
3. Som Tam (Veg) - A spicy green papaya salad pounded in a mortar, which can also be prepared with dried shrimp or crab for a non-vegetarian version.
4. Boat Noodles (Non-Veg) - This fragrant and savory beef or pork noodle soup is seasoned with herbs and spices, and served right from the boat.
5. Grilled Seafood (Non-Veg) - Fresh seafood like fish, prawns, and squid grilled to perfection, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
6. Fresh Tropical Fruits (Veg) - Thai markets are renowned for their wide variety of fruits like dragon fruit, mangosteen, rambutan, and durian.
7. Kanom Krok (Veg) - These are small, sweet coconut pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
8. Thai Iced Tea (Veg) - A chilled, creamy, and strongly-brewed tea with condensed milk, known for its orange color and delicious taste.
9. Spring Rolls (Veg/Non-Veg) - These can be found fresh or fried with various fillings, including vegetables, tofu, or meat.
10. Grilled Skewers (Non-Veg) - Skewers of meat like chicken, pork, or seafood, often marinaded with local spices and grilled over charcoal.

Top Famous Restaurants in Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Khanom Wan Thai Dessert Cafe

- Address: Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi Province - Famous Food: Mango Sticky Rice (Veg), Thai-style desserts

The Riverside Restaurant

- Address: Nearby Damnoen Saduak Canal - Famous Food: Tom Yum Goong (Non-Veg), traditional Thai soups

Maeklong Restaurant

- Address: Close to the entrance of the Floating Market - Famous Food: Pad Thai (Non-Veg), with a selection of vegetarian options available

Baan Suan Restaurant

- Address: Along the Damnoen Saduak Canal - Famous Food: Grilled Seafood (Non-Veg), with a range of delicious seafood dishes

Floats & Boats

- Address: Central area of Damnoen Saduak Market - Famous Food: Noodle dishes (Non-Veg), served from a boat as per the market's tradition