Pa Toi's traditional popcorn carries on a delicious family legacy from mother to daughter, highlighting wood-smoked popcorn mixed with a secret coconut milk and palm sugar sauce, delivering the authentic sweet, creamy, and salty flavor typical of traditional fairground snacks.
At the Municipal Market 1 in Ang Thong during the early morning hours, the sweet aroma of coconut milk mingled with a faint wood smoke signals that you have arrived at Pa Toi's traditional popcorn stall. This Thai-style popcorn stand has been operating for over 20 years and is now run by the daughter, Pa Ree Buhnga, age 53, who preserves every detail of the original roasting method.
The secret that sets this popcorn apart is the use of a charcoal stove for roasting. It’s crucial to carefully control the heat so the kernels pop beautifully. The wood smoke from the stove infuses the corn with a gentle fragrance, enhancing every bite. After roasting, the popcorn is sifted through a bamboo sieve to select only the perfectly popped kernels.
What keeps regular customers coming back is the "secret sauce" simmered from fragrant palm sugar combined with freshly squeezed coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt for balanced flavor. Tossing the popcorn again over the charcoal stove coats it with a shiny glaze, evoking nostalgic memories of traditional fairground popcorn that many fondly remember.
Although roasting popcorn demands patience, starting before dawn, Pa Ree chooses to keep prices accessible at just 10 baht per bag, with a special deal of 11 bags for 100 baht. Those wanting to taste it can visit Municipal Market 1 (Phra Market), Talat Luang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ang Thong Province. Open daily from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m., with no days off. Orders can be placed by calling 084-252-0872.