Image credit: thampapon1 Sai Oua is a kind of traditional Thai sausage which traces its origins to Northern Thailand.
It has a distinctly intense flavor that you wouldn’t find in other sausages – thanks to the mixture of minced pork, charred makrut lime, galangal, lemongrass, chilies, and other spices. This heady concoction is stuffed in a pork intestine casing – the only way locals do it.
These Thai sausages are sold at grilled meat food carts strewn along the streets of Bangkok. They’re usually on display along with other kinds of meats and sausages, so you have to make it a point to specifically ask for sai oua.
Locals like to eat their sai oua by rolling it in the accompanying green roasted chili paste, or nam phrik noom. The pairing makes for a really spicy combination – a cold bottle of beer in hand would help wash down the spiciness.
Here are the best places to enjoy sai oua in Bangkok: Or Tor Kor Market (139/4 1, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai); Chatuchak Weekend Market (587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak); and Chinatown (6 Yaowarat road, Samphanthawong).
Price of sai oua in these places ranges from 10 baht ($0.30) to 15 baht ($0.43) per stick.
