Some dishes are worth ordering for the story as much as the flavor, and Money Bags are one of them. These crisp little golden pouches, gathered and tied at the top like tiny purses, are as fun to look at as they are to eat, and they rarely make it more than a few minutes on the table. They are a small dish with a big personality, and they are one of the easiest ways to start a meal on a high note. What Money Bags are Money Bags are hand-tied wonton pouches, gathered at the neck and fried until golden and crackling. Ours are filled with a savory-sweet mix of shrimp, chicken, peas, carrots, corn, and onion that steams gently inside the crisp shell as it fries. The result is a lovely contrast in a single bite: shatter-crisp on the outside, warm and juicy in the middle. They are the kind of thing you reach for without thinking, then immediately reach for again. The craft of the pouch The shape is not just decoration; it takes a real hand to make. Each wrapper is filled, then carefully gathered and pinched at the top so it holds its purse shape and seals the filling inside, sometimes tied with a thin strip so it stays closed in the fryer. It is fiddly, hands-on work, which is part of why money bags feel a little special; they are not stamped out by a machine, they are folded one at a time. When they fry, that gathered top crisps into a delicate little crown. The lucky name The shape carries meaning, too. Pinched to look like a bulging coin purse, money bags are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune across Thai and wider Asian dining, which is why they appear so often at celebrations, birthdays, and around the new year. Ordering a plate feels a little festive, a small wish for good luck at the start of the meal, and it has a way of making any table feel like an occasion. Guests often order them precisely because of that story. Why they work as a starter Money Bags are built for sharing. They come four to an order, they are easy to pass around, and the filling is friendly enough for almost everyone at the table, which makes them a great way to open a meal with a group. There is no learning curve and no bravery required; just dip, crunch, repeat, and try to leave one for the person next to you. Good to know Money Bags contain shrimp and chicken along with wheat in the wonton wrapper, so they are not vegetarian or gluten-free; let your server know about any shellfish allergies before ordering. They come four to an order, which is perfect for a small table and easily doubled for a larger group. They are mild in spice, so everyone from cautious eaters to kids can enjoy them, and they are at their best eaten hot and crisp, straight from the kitchen, so dig in while they are fresh. Build a starter spread Line them up with our Crispy Calamari, Roti Curry, and the rich Satay Crab for a proper spread of Thai starters, and add a bright Som Tum papaya salad to keep things fresh. It is the most sociable, most generous way to begin a meal, and a good excuse to order another round of drinks. Where to find them Money Bags are on the starters section of our full menu at 3872 Roswell Road NE Unit 18B, Atlanta, GA 30342 in Buckhead. Whether you are looking for asian food near me for a fun, shareable bite or planning a celebration, they are a lucky, festive place to begin. Call (404)-343-1516 to book a table. What are Thai money bags filled with? A savory-sweet mix of shrimp, chicken, peas, carrots, corn, and onion, wrapped in a wonton pouch and fried until golden and crisp. They come four to an order. Why are they called money bags? They are pinched and tied to look like little coin purses, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Thai and wider Asian tradition, which is why they are popular at celebrations. Are money bags a good starter for a group? Yes, they are easy to share and crowd-friendly. Pair them with Crispy Calamari and Satay Crab for a shareable spread of Thai starters.