In the world of food tourism, or Gastronomy, what matters isn’t just the taste, but the story and identity hidden in each dish. That’s what the “1 Province 1 Menu, Honoring Local Food” project, under the name “The Lost Taste,” is dedicated to finding and bringing back to the forefront. For Chanthaburi Province, it was officially announced that the dish with the highest votes and worthy of being honored is “Hoi Chong.” This local menu, once only a memory for the older generation, has now won over the hearts of the entire province once again.
The Story Behind the Deliciousness: Finding “The Lost Taste”
The Department of Cultural Promotion, under the Ministry of Culture, initiated this project with the intention of gathering and promoting local dishes that are at risk of disappearing over time. It gave people across the country an opportunity to participate in selecting a dish that represents the identity of each province. This is a new dimension of cultural preservation, as it wasn’t limited to experts but opened up for the general public to truly voice their opinions and participate.
For Chanthaburi, three dishes were nominated for the ultimate local food title: Hoi Chong, Gaeng Keaw (Green Curry), and Look Prasak Chuam (Preserved Prasak Fruit). Each dish had its own unique charm and interesting story. However, by the final vote count on July 31, 2025, the overwhelming popularity of the Hoi Chong menu was clear.
A Noteworthy Vote Result: Hoi Chong’s Commanding Lead
Out of a total of 759 voters, Hoi Chong received a high score of 403 votes, which is more than half of the total votes. This reflects the strong connection and value the people of Chanthaburi have for this dish. Meanwhile, Gaeng Keaw received 185 votes and Look Prasak Chuam received 131 votes. This shows that all three dishes had their own support, but Hoi Chong won the hearts of the majority by a clear margin.
This vote result is more than just a number; it indicates that the Hoi Chong menu has the potential to be more than a local dish. It can be a cultural soft power that attracts tourists to experience the delicious Chanthaburi food and learn the stories hidden in this dish for themselves.
Getting to Know “Hoi Chong”: A Captivating Identity
So, what makes “Hoi Chong” so special that it beat out the other dishes?
“Chong” is a local Chanthaburi word that means a cooking method where food is simmered until the liquid is reduced to a rich sauce. The main ingredient of this dish is “Hoi” (clams), a resource that is abundant in the area. This gives the dish a unique flavor from the freshness of the clams and the perfectly blended seasoning.
Making Hoi Chong is not easy. It requires skill and wisdom to control the heat and simmering time to achieve a mellow, not-too-salty taste and a clam texture that is just right. This dish is truly a representative of the local people’s meticulousness and care in every step of their cooking.
Hoi Chong and Gastronomy Tourism in Chanthaburi
The national recognition of the Hoi Chong menu will have a significant positive impact on Chanthaburi’s tourism industry. Tourists visiting won’t just come to see the beautiful nature or religious sites, but will also follow the path of delicious Chanthaburi food that has gained national fame. It will also create opportunities for various Chanthaburi restaurants to introduce this dish to a wider audience.
The collective effort to preserve and promote this local dish will ensure that its cultural roots remain strong and can be passed down from generation to generation. It will also add value to local ingredients and wisdom, which is the true essence of authentic Gastronomy Tourism.
Conclusion
Congratulations to the Hoi Chong menu and all the people of Chanthaburi who voted and supported this dish in receiving this prestigious award. Being recognized as “1 Province 1 Menu, Honoring Local Food” is not just about praising the taste; it’s a confirmation that Chanthaburi’s food culture is still vibrant and strong, and it is ready to be a part of driving the province’s tourism and economy forward. If you are one of those who have yet to taste Hoi Chong, don’t wait to plan your trip to Chanthaburi and find this lost deliciousness for yourself.
Facebook Page : มหัศจันท์ แห่งรสชาติ – Chanthaburi Gastronomy
Home Page : มหัศจันท์ แห่งรสชาติ – Chanthaburi Gastronomy
