The bold flavors of Thailand's dancing shrimp

Goong Ten, or dancing shrimp, is a northern Thai street food featuring live shrimp mixed with spices, offering a bold experience that intrigues tourists despite its unusual preparation.

The dish is made from small, live freshwater shrimp. After being caught, the shrimp are cleaned and marinated with ground chili, lime juice, fish sauce, mint, sliced shallots, and lemongrass, then served to diners. This dish is usually paired with sticky rice. Since the shrimp are still alive, they often jump off the plate, and many diners report feeling them move in their mouths.

A dish of Thailand's dancing shrimp, or Goong Ten. Photo courtesy of TasteAtlas

According to international food magazine TasteAtlas, the flavor profile of Goong Ten is bold and vibrant, blending spicy, tangy, and savory elements. The herbs and lime juice offer a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chili peppers and the umami depth of the fish sauce.

As reported by Oddity Central, while consuming such a dish in modern times may seem barbaric, most who have tried it were impressed by its texture and flavor combination.

American food blogger Mark Wiens, now living in Bangkok, once wrote that his first bite was filled with pleasure, with a flavor that overwhelmed his senses. He noted that each shrimp carries a salty taste that blends with the sauce and herbs, creating an irresistible combination.

The dish's freshness is key, as the shrimp must still be able to jump on the plate when served.

Goong Ten is typically served as an appetizer or a light snack. The preparation time is very quick, with the dish arriving at the table in about a minute. In addition to northern Thai cities like Chiang Mai, travelers can enjoy this dish in Laos.