Mahanak Watermelon Emporium - ก.เจริญ เจ้ย้งแตงโม

Mahanak started, like many other markets in Bangkok, on the canals. It was named after one of the city's oldest Khlong Maha Nak. The market slowly moved onto land and was rearranged in the middle of the 19th century, evolving into the market we know today, which is still Bangkok’s largest wholesale and retail fruit market open 24/7.

The owner, Miss Jeh Yong originally worked in a Chinese medicine shop situated in the nearby Rattanakosin area, but her life seemed to turn upside down after marrying Mr. Hi Woon. From that point on, everything was about watermelons. They invested in farms in the central and eastern provinces of Thailand to grow their own watermelons and later transport them to Bangkok for selling at Mahanak. From soil to table, specializing in four different varieties, they managed to control all aspects of the trade, and therefore kept the prices steady throughout the years.

All of this started around 40 years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Back then, there was a long list of similar vendors spread out along the market. It was the Mecca for watermelons, with trucks arriving from all over the region. But new winds are blowing, and many vendors have left for one of the more modern markets like Simummuang Market.

Watermelons have always been a fan favorite in Thailand, either served with rice, mainly popular among elderly people since they tend to lose their teeth, or just a piece straight from the melon. The key to a successful bite is the sound. Dense and not hollow! Besides that, look for dark green skin for sweetness and ones with dryer stems for redness.