At first glance, the idea of a cake made with fish might raise eyebrows, but in Sing Buri, a province in central Thailand, the Snakehead Fish Cake has become a beloved local delicacy. Rich, buttery, and subtly fragrant, this unique dessert blends the unexpected texture of snakehead fish with the sweetness of pineapple and apricot jam, creating a fusion that defies culinary norms.
The origins of this extraordinary treat date back to 1996, when Sing Buri sought a signature dish to mark a special event. Kasara Bakery, a local institution renowned for its fresh bread and butter cakes, rose to the challenge. After numerous experiments, the bakery perfected a method to eliminate the fish’s natural odour—a common barrier when incorporating seafood into desserts. Through a meticulous process of fermenting and cooking the snakehead fish meat, they achieved a soft, coconut-like texture that melds seamlessly into the cake batter. The result is a dessert with no trace of a fishy aftertaste, a testament to the ingenuity of local bakers.
What sets the Snakehead Fish Cake apart is not just its unusual main ingredient but the delicate balance of flavours. The richness of butter is complemented by the gentle sweetness of fruit jams, creating a harmonious blend that has captivated locals and visitors alike. For nearly three decades, this dessert has remained an iconic symbol of Sing Buri’s culinary creativity, proving that even the most unlikely combinations can yield delightful results. 
A Taste of Innovation
Sing Buri, located about 140 kilometres north of Bangkok, is not typically on the radar of international tourists. Often overshadowed by Thailand’s more famous destinations like Chiang Mai or Phuket, the province is better known among locals for its agricultural heritage and historical sites, such as the ancient ruins of Wat Phra Non Chaksi. Yet, the Snakehead Fish Cake has quietly put Sing Buri on the gastronomic map, drawing food enthusiasts eager to sample this peculiar delicacy.
The snakehead fish, or pla chon in Thai, is a freshwater species commonly found in the rivers and canals of central Thailand. Traditionally used in savoury dishes like spicy curries or grilled preparations, its incorporation into a sweet cake was a bold experiment. Kasara Bakery’s innovation lies in transforming an everyday ingredient into something extraordinary, reflecting a broader trend in Thai cuisine where regional specialties often emerge from necessity and creativity.
For those unfamiliar with Thai food culture, the idea of blending fish into a dessert might seem jarring. However, Thailand has a long history of combining sweet and savoury elements—think of mango with sticky rice or coconut-based desserts infused with subtle salty notes. The Snakehead Fish Cake fits within this tradition, pushing boundaries while staying rooted in the local palate.
A Local Legacy
Nearly 30 years after its creation, the Snakehead Fish Cake remains a point of pride for Sing Buri residents. It is often sold at local markets and festivals, packaged as a souvenir for visitors to take home. While Kasara Bakery continues to be the most famous producer, other local bakers have also tried their hand at replicating the recipe, though none have quite matched the original’s finesse.
For travellers exploring Thailand’s lesser-known regions, a stop in Sing Buri to sample this cake offers a glimpse into the country’s rich tapestry of flavours. It’s a reminder that beyond the bustling streets of Bangkok or the beaches of Phuket, Thailand’s provinces hold hidden culinary gems waiting to be discovered. Pair a slice of Snakehead Fish Cake with a cup of Thai iced tea, and you have a uniquely local experience—one that challenges preconceptions about what dessert can be.
The story of Sing Buri’s signature dish also speaks to the resilience and adaptability of small communities. In an era where global food trends often overshadow regional specialties, the enduring popularity of this cake highlights the importance of preserving local traditions. It’s a small but meaningful rebellion against the homogenisation of taste, celebrating the quirks and creativity of Thai provincial life.
Beyond the Plate
While the Snakehead Fish Cake is unlikely to become a global phenomenon, its existence underscores a universal truth: food is a powerful storyteller. In Sing Buri, this dessert tells a tale of innovation, community, and the unexpected beauty of blending the familiar with the unfamiliar. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, it offers a taste of Thailand that is as surprising as it is delightful.
As culinary tourism continues to grow in South East Asia, dishes like the Snakehead Fish Cake could inspire a new wave of visitors seeking authentic, region-specific experiences. For now, though, it remains a well-kept secret, cherished by those who know where to find it. So, the next time you’re in central Thailand, consider a detour to Sing Buri. A slice of this peculiar cake might just be the highlight of your journey.
