Thai Money Bags Recipe (Thung Thong)

Thung Thong or Thai Fried Golden Bags (more commonly known as money bags) are a traditional savoury snack or appetiser in Thailand. Thung Thong is part of the Thai Royal Cuisine ‘Chao-Wang ‘ which translates to ‘food of the people who live in the palace’. Royal Cuisine in Thailand dates back to 1351 and historically used the rarest, freshest and most expensive ingredients to prepare lavishly presented cuisine that was and still is mild in taste (in relation to typically Thai spice and flavour standards). However, such ingredients are widely available today and so Royal Cuisine foods such as Thung Thong can be enjoyed by many people across Thailand. 

With its Royal Cuisine origin, Thung Thong was previously reserved for unique occasions and celebrations such as weddings, being considered an auspicious traditional snack. However, these days, this dish can be found as a popular option at Thai restaurants or served at more common but luxurious parties. 

This dish also has close connotations with Thai New Year (Songkran Festival). Thung Thong name in Thai translates to the phrase ‘money bags’ and hence the common name for this snack. During Thai New Year, people give each other Thung Thong to symbolise wishing each other good luck and money at Songkran.