Thai Fish Maw Soup Recipe – A Hidden Bangkok Beauty Secret in a Bowl
Looking for a Thai dish that’s not only delicious but also great for your skin?
You’ll love Thai Fish Maw Soup (กระเพาะปลาน้ำแดง) — a comforting red-braised soup that’s full of collagen, flavor, and local charm.
This nourishing dish is a Bangkok street food favorite, often enjoyed as a light meal or late-night snack. Locals say it helps you “glow from within” — and science agrees: fish maw is rich in collagen and protein, making it a natural beauty booster.
🍲 What Is Fish Maw Soup?
Fish maw is the dried swim bladder of a fish, prized in Thai and Chinese cooking for its soft, spongy texture and high collagen content.
In Thailand, it’s simmered in a savory red-braised broth, served with shredded chicken, mushrooms, and quail eggs — thick, glossy, and deeply flavorful.
You’ll find it in Bangkok’s famous night markets like Yaowarat (Chinatown) or Victory Monument, where a comforting bowl costs only 40–60 THB.
🌸 Beauty and Health Benefits
Why do Thais love fish maw soup so much? Because it’s not just tasty — it’s a natural beauty elixir.
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💧 High in Collagen: Promotes skin elasticity, radiance, and firmness.
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🩸 Nourishes Blood and Qi: Combined with chicken and mushrooms, it helps restore energy and balance.
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🌿 Low Fat, High Protein: Perfect for anyone looking for a light yet nourishing meal.
In Thailand, many women enjoy this soup regularly as part of their skincare-from-within routine.
🧂Ingredients
(Serves 2–3)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried fish maw (soaked) | 100 g |
| Chicken or duck breast (shredded) | 100 g |
| Shiitake mushrooms (sliced) | 3–4 pieces |
| Quail eggs or boiled eggs | 4–6 |
| Chicken stock | 800 ml |
| Minced garlic | 1 tbsp |
| Thai oyster sauce | 1.5 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Dark soy sauce (for color) | ½ tsp |
| Cornstarch slurry (for thickening) | as needed |
| White pepper | a pinch |
| Fried garlic and coriander | for garnish |
👩🍳 How to Make Thai Fish Maw Soup
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Soak the Fish Maw
Soak dried fish maw in cold water for 1–2 hours until soft, then blanch briefly in hot water to remove odor. Cut into bite-sized pieces. -
Sauté the Aromatics
In a pot, heat some oil and sauté minced garlic and shiitake mushrooms until fragrant. -
Make the Red-Braised Broth
Add chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce.
Stir in the shredded chicken and fish maw, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes. -
Thicken the Soup
Slowly pour in cornstarch slurry while stirring until the soup reaches a smooth, thick consistency. -
Season and Serve
Add a dash of white pepper, quail eggs, and top with fried garlic and coriander before serving.
📍 Where to Try It in Bangkok
If you’re not cooking at home, here are some popular spots for authentic Thai Fish Maw Soup:
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Yaowarat Road (Chinatown): Visit Ko Yuen Fish Maw Soup (โกหย่วน กระเพาะปลา) — a long-standing favorite.
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Victory Monument Night Market: A go-to spot for locals and students craving a hot, affordable bowl.
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Or Tor Kor Market: Offers premium versions with crab meat or shark fin.
✨ Final Thoughts
Thai Fish Maw Soup is more than just a comfort food — it’s a blend of rich flavor, health, and beauty benefits in one bowl.
Warm, nourishing, and packed with collagen, it’s the perfect meal for both your body and skin.
Next time you’re in Thailand, don’t miss this humble yet elegant street food. Or, try making it at home and bring a taste of Bangkok’s beauty cuisine to your kitchen.
