Thailand’s ‘dancing shrimp’ dish: A culinary delicacy or controversial meal?

Thailand’s famous dish, featuring live shrimp, has sparked both culinary praise and ethical criticism.

Listen to article

Thailand’s famous street food, ‘dancing shrimp’, has sparked debate among food enthusiasts and critics alike.

The dish, made with live freshwater shrimp that jump around as diners attempt to eat, has become a culinary spectacle, particularly in northern Thailand.

Known locally as ‘Goong Ten’, the dish consists of live shrimp mixed with a spicy blend of crushed chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, mint, sliced shallots, and lemongrass.

It is often served alongside sticky rice and is considered one of the freshest delicacies in Thai cuisine.

While many enjoy the novelty of eating live shrimp, others have voiced concerns about the ethical implications.

Some critics avoid the dish due to the shrimp’s movements and splashes of spice during consumption, with some even calling it a "barbaric" meal.

Despite the controversy, ‘dancing shrimp’ remains a popular choice among locals and tourists, contributing to Thailand’s rich street food culture.