Where to Find the Best River Prawn in Bangkok (2026)
If there’s one dish that separates casual Thai food lovers from serious foodies, it’s river prawn — known in Thai as goong ten (กุ้งแม่น้ำ). These giant freshwater prawns are a delicacy in Thailand, prized for their sweet, firm meat and rich, buttery heads. If you’re visiting Bangkok and haven’t tried river prawn yet, you’re missing out on one of the country’s most iconic dishes.
What Makes River Prawn Special?
Thai river prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are significantly larger than regular shrimp. A single prawn can stretch the length of your forearm. The meat is sweeter and more textured than tiger prawns, and the head — packed with tomalley (the prawn’s “butter”) — is considered the best part by locals.
The most popular preparation is pad prik king goong ten — river prawn stir-fried with salted chili paste. The combination of wok-charred prawn, fragrant chili, and garlic creates a dish that’s savory, spicy, and slightly sweet all at once.
Where to Eat River Prawn in Bangkok
1. Samsen Center — Old Town Bangkok
Located on Soi Samsen 2 in Bangkok’s historic Phra Nakhon district, Samsen Center serves an outstanding Salty Chili River Prawn (กุ้งแม่น้ำผัดพริกเกลือ) for 380 THB. The dish features jumbo river prawns wok-tossed in a house-made salted chili sauce that balances heat with the natural sweetness of the prawn.
What makes this spot worth visiting:
- Fresh, large prawns — not the frozen, undersized variety you find at tourist traps
- Fair price — 380 THB for river prawn is well below what you’d pay at riverside hotels (often 600–1,200 THB)
- Open until 1 AM — most Bangkok river prawn spots close by 9–10 PM
- Full menu beyond prawn — Thai, Western, and Asian dishes if others in your group want variety
- 56 cocktails available — pair your prawn with a cold beer or a classic mojito
📍 Baan Panthom, Soi Samsen 2, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
📞 098-868-2554
⏰ Daily 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
2. Riverside Restaurants Along the Chao Phraya
Several upscale restaurants along the Chao Phraya River specialize in river prawn. Expect to pay 600–1,200 THB, but you’ll get stunning river views to go with your meal. These are great for special occasions but can feel touristy.
3. Local Seafood Markets
Markets like [location] offer freshly caught river prawn at competitive prices. You’ll need to know some Thai to navigate, and the dining experience is bare-bones — plastic stools, open-air, no frills. The prawn, however, is exceptional.
What to Order With Your River Pawn
A complete river prawn meal should include:
- Sticky rice — the traditional carb for scooping up prawn head tomalley
- Nam pla prik — fish sauce with fresh chilies for dipping
- Som tum (green papaya salad) — adds a refreshing, acidic contrast
- Cold beer — Singha or Chang pairs perfectly with spicy river prawn
How Much Does River Prawn Cost in Bangkok?
| Type | Price Range (THB) |
|---|---|
| Street food / market | 250–400 |
| Local restaurant | 350–500 |
| Riverside restaurant | 600–1,200 |
| Hotel restaurant | 800–2,000 |
Samsen Center’s 380 THB offering sits in the sweet spot — restaurant quality without the riverside markup.
Pro Tips for Ordering River Prawn
Plan Your Visit
If you’re exploring Bangkok’s old town — the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khao San Road — Samsen Center is right in the neighborhood. It’s open from 7 AM to 1 AM, so whether you want river prawn for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, they’ve got you covered.
Nearby attractions:
- Khao San Road — 10-minute walk
- Grand Palace — 15-minute walk
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) — 15-minute walk
- National Museum Bangkok — 5-minute walk