ม้าฮ่อ (Ma Hor)
A Classic Thai One-Bite Wonder
Ma Hor is a traditional Thai snack that showcases the elegance and intricacy of royal cuisine. It features a savory-sweet filling placed on top of juicy, tangy fruit like pineapplea harmony of contrasts in a single bite.
From Old Cookbooks to Culinary Heritage
Ma Hor appears in Thailands oldest printed cookbook, Mae Krua Hua Pa, written by Lady Plien Pasakornwong during King Rama Vs reign. This attests to its role as a refined appetizer in the royal and noble households of early Rattanakosin.
From Som Chun to Ma Hor
Historians believe Ma Hor evolved from an older snack called Som Chun, a mix of sour fruits (like mango, lychee, pineapple) tossed with fish sauce, palm sugar, dried shrimp, and garnished with crispy shallots and peanuts. Over time, it was refined into Ma Hor, with a stir-fried filling of pork, dried shrimp, peanuts, palm sugar, and spices, served on sliced pineapple or citrus fruits.
Flavor Complexity in a Single Bite
The brilliance of Ma Hor lies in its sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty profileall harmonized in one bite.
Fruits used for the base include:
- Pineapple (original)
- Orange
- Pomelo
- Marian plum (Mayongchid)
- Kiwi
Whats in the Name Ma Hor?
Theres no definitive explanation for the name Ma Hor, though some speculate it may relate to Thai expressions like "ma deed ka-lok" (a wild horse), referencing the snacks bold and surprising flavor.
A Revival of Thai Culinary Heritage
Though rarely seen today due to its labor-intensive preparation, Ma Hor is gaining renewed attention from chefs and foodies interested in reviving traditional Thai cuisine. It's now served in:
- Modern Thai fine dining
- Thai fusion cafes
- Elegant hors doeuvres at weddings and formal events
Find fresh pineapple, dried shrimp, peanuts, and premium spices at Rimping Supermarket to recreate this treasured bite of Thai history at home.