Samut Prakan Hidden Gem: Ancient Pork Noodle Soup—Delicious and Filling for Just 10 Baht, Perfect for Relaxing by the Canal
Sriwan's ancient pork noodle soup in Samut Prakan's old market costs just 10 baht a bowl, kept affordable by the 69-year-old owner for three decades to serve low-income residents in her canal-side shop.
Today, the "77 Provinces Delicacies" series featuring reporter Kong Keriat Buddhirungsimaphon from Thai PBS Samut Prakan takes us to sample ancient-style pork noodle soup at just 10 baht—incredibly affordable. Sriwan's ancient pork noodle shop operates inside the Nakhon Nueang Khet Old Market in Mueang District, Samut Prakan. Housed in a charming two-story wooden structure along Nakhon Nueang Khet Canal, the shop retains classic architectural appeal.
The standout feature is the shop's affordable pork noodle soup at just 10 baht per regular bowl or 20 baht for a special portion—bucking current economic trends. Diners can enjoy their meal with a lovely canal-side atmosphere, and the shop's delicious offerings are guaranteed after 30 years in business. The owner aims to help low-income residents, allowing anyone with 20 baht to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Aunt Sriwan, or Chanapa Suwanthanajai, 69, the shop owner, revealed she has been selling ancient-style pork noodle soup for over 30 years. She started at 5 baht per bowl, adjusted to 8 baht, and only five years ago raised the price to 10 baht due to change-making challenges. Special portions increased from 15 baht to 20 baht.
On regular days, she uses approximately 5–6 kilograms of noodles daily, while weekends see sales reaching 10 kilograms per day. The reason for maintaining these prices is low overhead costs—the shop building is her own property, requiring no rent. She intentionally keeps prices low to serve as a signature establishment within the old market, and to support low-income community members who can afford a full meal with just 20 baht.
Another highlight is the shop's distinctive broth recipe with a unique sweet and harmonious flavor that attracts many customers, particularly Bangkok tourists. One visiting couple reportedly orders as many as 14 bowls during their visits because they love the unique taste. The broth is made with finely ground pork mixed into the stock.
Aunt Sriwan confirms that despite economic hardship, she remains committed to selling at 10 baht to continue supporting community members with limited income.
Meanwhile, Surakij Arthasiriphanya, Tambon Nakhon Nueang Khet Subdistrict Chief, revealed that the old market was once bustling with constant tourist traffic but quieted down following the COVID-19 situation. The subdistrict administration has since enhanced the landscape and added multiple photo spots to accommodate tourists, inviting the public to return to visit the ancient floating market, purchase community goods, and experience the authentic canal-side lifestyle preserved in its original charm.
