Kosupa Travel

While Southeast Asian travel is renowned for its culinary adventures, each country’s drinking culture holds its own fascinating depth. Thailand, famous for its cuisine, also has an intriguing world of traditional spirits. Today, I’ll share my experience visiting a historic Yadong shop and enjoying this traditional herbal liquor with the shop owner.

What is Yadong?

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Yadong (ยาดอง) is Thailand’s traditional herbal liquor, made by infusing dozens of plant and animal materials in Lao Khao, a local distilled spirit. The name itself tells its story – “Ya” means medicine and “dong” means to pickle or infuse, indicating its perceived medicinal properties. While flavors vary by brand and shop, it typically has strong bitter and sweet notes with a distinctive aroma.

Note: Don’t confuse it with “Ya Dom” (Thai herbal inhaler), another popular Thai product that’s widely used as a refreshing nasal inhaler.

Visiting a Historic Shop in Yaowarat

In Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, Yaowarat, amid dimly lit alleyways and bustling food stalls, sits Lao Ngi Chun Limited Partnership (劉宜春藥酒行两合公司). The shop’s interior is bathed in soft light, with countless bottles crowding the shelves. Each bears curious labels in Chinese and Thai, appearing like potions from another world.

Noticing my keen interest, the shop owner greets me with a cheerful smile from behind the counter: “Want to try some Yadong? It’s a test of courage.”

Tasting Yadong

The owner explains that each bottle has different properties, with some claiming to boost vitality, relieve fatigue, or improve back pain.

He opens their signature Yadong “Lao Ngi Chun,” pouring the dark liquid into a shot glass before me. The distinctive herbal aroma hits my nostrils. Though momentarily hesitant at the unusual smell, my spirit-hunting curiosity prevails. Like tequila, it’s meant to be taken as a shot.

Taking the plunge, I down it in one go. The taste is complex – bitter and sweet intertwining in an initially bewildering combination. Yet beneath lies a somehow nostalgic, deep flavor. The exotic, medicinal aroma grows on you. It’s actually more approachable than the Taiwanese Wei Shi Bi I encountered on a previous journey. This could become addictive.

Before I know it, my empty glass is refilled. The owner raises his own glass in toast: “Yadong is the spirit of Thai people. Two sips, and you’ll feel the pulse of this city.”

As we share Yadong, we discuss Thai culture and history. Yadong is more than just a spirit – it’s deeply rooted in Yaowarat’s community life, representing Thailand’s cherished cultural exchange with China. It’s the soul of the neighborhood.

The shop has passionate fans both locally and internationally. As Yaowarat undergoes redevelopment, Lao Ngi Chun Limited Partnership continues its operations unchanged. Perhaps their longevity is due to their enduring popularity – or maybe it’s the medicinal effects of Yadong. Their history and tradition will surely continue to be loved by many.

Final Thoughts

Yadong, with its unique taste and claimed benefits, adds a literal and figurative spice to any Thai travel experience. Its distinctive flavor is truly unforgettable. https://maps.app.goo.gl/7FBzfqpz7QUphSbu6