Chaiya Salted Egg
Tinnawut Kaewnikhom
Chaiya Salted Egg
Story
Chaiya Salted Eggs: The "Golden Clay" Masterpiece of Southern Thailand
In the historic district of Chaiya, Surat Thani, there lies a culinary secret that has been passed down for centuries. It’s not just an egg; it’s a delicate balance of nature, time, and a very specific type of earth.
The Secret is in the Soil: The "Ant-Hill" Clay
What makes Chaiya Salted Eggs world-famous? It's the Clay-Wrapping Technique.
Unlike ordinary salted eggs soaked in brine, Chaiya eggs are hand-encrusted with a unique mixture of
Termite Mound Soil : Specifically selected for its mineral richness and fine texture.
Burnt Rice Husks: To protect the egg and allow it to "breathe" during the curing process.
Sea Salt: For a gentle, controlled infusion of savory flavor.
The "Happy Duck" Philosophy
The quality starts with the ducks. In Chaiya, ducks are raised in the coastal wetlands, feeding on natural crustaceans and mollusks. This results in a deep, sunset-red yolk that is incredibly creamy and rich in Omega-3—nature’s own "Umami bomb."
A Journey of Taste: The "3 Stages" Experience
One of the most fascinating things for international foodies is that you can choose your flavor profile based on the "Curing Timeline" (which is always marked on the box!):
Day 3-7 (The Frying Stage): Perfect for "Salted Sunny-Side Up" eggs. The white is barely salty, and the yolk is rich.
Day 10-15 (The Boiling Stage): The classic experience. The white becomes firm and savory, while the yolk turns into a sandy, buttery "golden lava."
Day 20+ (The Secret Ingredient): Best for cooking! Use these to make the famous Thai Salted Egg Sauce for squid or pasta.
Why It’s a "Must-Try" for Global Travelers
GI Heritage: Chaiya Salted Egg is a Geographical Indication (GI) protected product, meaning it can only be produced here to be called "Chaiya."
Zero Chemicals: It’s a 100% natural preservation method that dates back over 100 years.
Where to Find the Best Chaiya Salted Egg
Souvenir Shops Along Highway 41 (Asian Highway)
While driving through Chaiya and Thachang districts, you'll see rows of souvenir shops. Look for shops with hanging baskets of salted eggs and steam billowing from steamers.
Orawan Salted Eggs Chaiya: One of the oldest and most famous shops in Chaiya, using the traditional termite mound clay coating method. The egg yolks are shiny and not fishy.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Z46KxBeEciKMz7Q8
Surirat Shop: A large roadside shop open 24 hours, perfect for travelers who want fresh products at all times.
