Mae Yom Pla Som, a 60-year-old legendary specialty of Yasothon, is preparing for Songkran 2026 with its third-generation traditional recipe, shipping nationwide to customers.
Yasothon Province is renowned not only for its grand Bun Bang Fai Festival but also for Pla Som, a nationally famous souvenir that tourists and migrant workers alike often buy to bring home to their families, especially from the shop"Mae Yom Pla Som"located in Yasothon Municipality, recognized as a major producer that has maintained the traditional Pla Som recipe for over 60 years.
Currently, Mae Yom Pla Som is managed by Mrs. Sopa Chansiri, 54, the second-generation heir who is preparing to pass on the legacy to her child, the third generation. The key to the shop's long-standing popularity is preserving quality and traditional methods, emphasizing the freshness of ingredients above all.
Mae Yom’s Pla Som production begins by selecting medium-to-large carp from central region farmers. The fish are carefully scaled and cleaned with three thorough rinses before being rubbed with sea salt and mixed with a traditional seasoning made primarily of steamed sticky rice and crushed garlic. The mixture is then fermented for 2–3 days until the Pla Som develops a balanced sour and salty flavor with a distinctive aroma.
Besides the popular carp Pla Som, the shop has developed alternative dishes such as boneless Chinese fish Pla Som to cater to customers who dislike fish bones. Other varieties include sour fish belly, fish roe, and fish innards, priced from 120 to 160 baht per kilogram.
As the Songkran festival of 2026 approaches, the shop has increased production significantly, receiving orders for at least 1,000 kilograms of carp weekly to meet the demand from customers returning home for the long holiday. Pla Som is a favored dish for family gatherings and a top choice for gifts to bring back to workplaces or respected elders.
For enthusiasts wishing to experience the legendary fermented fish of the Bang Fai city, orders can be placed via the Facebook page "Mae Yom Pla Som, Souvenir of Bang Fai City" or by calling 084-8234413. The shop offers nationwide delivery to bring their delicious product to customers everywhere.