I Didn’t Expect This Kind of Food Craft in Bangkok’s Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown isn’t just about street food — it’s home to some of the most surprising traditional food-making you’ll ever see.

I went to explore how one of Thailand’s most unique candies is still made by hand, and what it reveals about food culture here.

In this video, I explore the biggest Jay Festival in Bangkok, showing everything from stir-fried vegetarian noodles and soy-based meat dishes, to fritters, fried Somtum, and Thai-Chinese desserts. But the real star? Tub Tab, a traditional Thai-Chinese peanut candy that’s hammered, rolled, and folded in a mesmerizing, centuries-old process. Watch as boiling syrup, roasted nuts, and rhythmic pounding transform into perfectly bite-sized cubes — a true festival spectacle.

I also share the origins of the festival, which began in southern China as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, and how it became a vibrant part of Thai culture. From temple offerings and incense-filled streets to lively food stalls, this festival is a feast for the senses — even if you’re not vegetarian!

Highlights in this video:

Jay Festival culture & history
Bangkok Chinatown street food & snacks
Traditional Thai-Chinese desserts: kanom luk chup, kanom pia, and tub tab
The mesmerizing candy-making process of tub tab
Tips for experiencing the festival in Bangkok

📍 Where: Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand
📅 When: Every year, during the nine-day Jay Festival (usually late September to October)

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