Phuket flavors
Nam Prik Goong Siab (Dried Shrimp Chili Dip)
A Phuket specialty relish — smoky sun-dried shrimp pounded with grilled chilli, garlic, shallot, palm sugar, and lime into a thick, intensely savoury-spicy dip. Served as the centre of a meal with rice and a platter of fresh and blanched vegetables.
About this dish
Nam prik goong siab is a beloved Phuket relish that turns a few humble ingredients into the fiery, smoky heart of a meal. 'Goong siab' refers to shrimp that have been sun-dried and lightly smoked until concentrated and fragrant; these are pounded in a mortar with grilled or roasted chilli, garlic, and shallot — the charring giving the paste its signature smokiness — then seasoned with palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime into a thick, coarse dip that is salty, sweet, sour, and searingly hot all at once. Like all Thai nam prik, it is not eaten alone but as the anchor of a shared meal: scooped up with steamed rice and a generous platter of fresh, blanched, and pickled vegetables that temper its intensity. Rooted in the thrifty, preserve-everything traditions of Southern coastal cooking, it is a staple of Phuket's heritage restaurant tables.
Allergen information
Preparation methods may vary by restaurant. Always confirm with staff if you have severe allergies.
Where to try
Phuket Old Town heritage restaurants — Raya, One Chun, Tu Kab Khao