Water Spinach in Hua Hin: A Culinary Journey Through Thailand's Beloved Vegetable
Executive Summary In Hua Hin, Water Spinach ( phak bung ) is a dietary staple celebrated for its versatility and nutrition. This semi-aquatic plant thrives in the local tropical climate, appearing in varieties like the water-grown phak bung cheen and land-based phak bung thai . Rich in vitamins A and C, it is most famous for the dish Phak Bung Fai Daeng , where it is stir-fried over intense flames with garlic and chilies. Visitors can find fresh bundles at Chatachai or the Night Market for just 10–20 baht. Beyond its crunch, it represents a sustainable, farm-to-table tradition that connects local fishing families, expats, and tourists through a shared love for fresh, simple Thai flavors. Walk through any fresh market in Hua Hin, and you'll inevitably encounter bundles of vibrant green vegetables with hollow stems and arrow-shaped leaves, often still dripping with water from their morning harvest. This is phak bung (ผักบุ้ง), known in English as water spinach or morning glory, on...