Thai Salt-Crusted Grilled Fish: Pla Phai Kleua

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Pla Phao Kleua

Pla Phao Kleua, more commonly known by Westerners as Salt-Crusted Grilled Fish, is a common Thai street food, grilled on big open charcoal fire, attracting everyone with its smoky aroma.

The three different kinds of this popular Thai street food fish are a red hybrid tilapia fish known as Pla Tabtim; a tilapia fish known as Pla Nil; and snapper fish known as Pla Kaphong. The Thai way of grilling a whole fish is one of the best methods, coated in a crust of salt, all-purpose flour, and a little water, stuffed with lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves. A thick layer of salt crust covers the whole fish so the flesh inside keeps moist and succulent throughout the grilling process. The salt crust is removed before serving, but as the skin retains a little of the salt, it helps to flavor the meat, with the contrast of salty and sweet being really delicious. This is normally accompanied by a seafood dipping sauce made from lime juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and chili, alongside fresh vegetables. Thai grilled fish makes for an amazing meal!

Cost: 150-200 baht
Spicy Level: 1-2