Floating flavours: Uttaradit spiced up with ancient dish, raft parade
The northern Thai province of Uttaradit will host a festival featuring the traditional dish Oua Bak Phed Sai Pla (green pepper stuffed with fish), a recipe passed down for over 300 years, alongside a spectacular raft procession to celebrate local produce and waterways in Tron district.
The annual festival, organised by the Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Office in collaboration with local administrative bodies and communities, will take place from December 3 to 6. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, which honours the late King Rama IX and the ruling King Rama X.
The festival aims to promote tourism and highlight local culinary identities rooted in the riverside communities of the Nan River. Visitors can enjoy the grand spectacle of illuminated rafts, community stalls, and cultural exhibits showcasing One Tambon One Product (OTOP) items.
A key highlight is scheduled for the evening of December 5, when seven beautifully decorated rafts, adorned with multi-coloured LED lights representing the royal duties of King Rama IX and King Rama X, will gracefully float along the Nan River.
Each raft, standing 8 metres high, will journey from Wat Wang Daeng Pier to Wat Hat Song Kwae Pier, covering a distance of 12 kilometres over four hours. The dazzling procession is a visual feast, tracing the river’s path with vibrant illumination.
The public and tourists can admire and photograph the impressive rafts at Wat Hat Song Kwae Pier on December 5 and 6. The event also features the Cultural Street and Fish & Egg Festival, where a variety of local dishes made from chicken eggs and fish from the Nan River will be available.
Tron district is renowned as the largest producer of chicken eggs and cage-raised fish in northern Thailand, with farmers adhering to GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards. The district produces 2.4 million eggs annually, generating a revenue of 2.92 billion baht, and sells 24 tonnes of fish per day, contributing 745 million baht to the local economy each year.
Innovative dishes, both savoury and sweet, are crafted from these ingredients to encourage the public to consume nutritious eggs and fish. Visitors can try unique and delicious creations such as Volcano Steamed Eggs, Yum Yai Khai Tom (a salad with boiled eggs, boiled pork skin, minced pork, pomelo, and toasted coconut for fragrance), steamed eggs, fermented fish omelettes, fish cakes, and fish larb.
A particularly intriguing dish, demonstrated by Uttaradit’s governor, is Oua Bak Phed Sai Pla, a traditional dish from the Lao Wiang community in Hat Song Kwae, Tron district. “Oua” means stuffed, and “Bak Phed” refers to large green chillies.
The dish involves stuffing chillies with a blend of herbs, including fingerroot and lemon basil, mixed with chicken eggs and fish along with a unique fermented fish paste from the community. The stuffed chillies are fried until golden and can be enjoyed with hot rice or sticky rice, offering a fragrant, herbal aroma and a distinctive taste, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why does the Oua Bak Phed Sai Pla dish hold cultural significance in the Tron district?
This dish, rooted in the Lao Wiang community, symbolises culinary heritage and showcases local ingredients, reflecting the district’s cultural identity and traditions.
How do the illuminated rafts symbolise the royal duties of King Rama IX and King Rama X?
The multi-coloured LED lights on the rafts represent the diverse achievements and contributions of the kings, honouring their legacy along the Nan River.
What if the festival succeeds in boosting tourism significantly in Uttaradit?
Increased tourism could enhance local economic development, foster cultural exchange, and encourage further investment in regional attractions and infrastructure.
How do GAP standards impact the agricultural practices in Tron district?
GAP standards ensure sustainable farming, enhancing food quality and safety, which boosts the district’s reputation and economic viability in egg and fish production.
What motivates the emphasis on creating innovative egg and fish dishes during the festival?
The emphasis encourages locals to value nutritious local produce, promoting health benefits while showcasing culinary creativity that attracts and delights visitors.
