Joanna James
Thailand, a culinary haven renowned for its vibrant flavours and diverse street food culture, boasts a rich tapestry of unique dishes that tantalize the taste buds with a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury notes. Though the world knows and loves the Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong, there is so much more to find within the Land of Smiles, along with the greenest green curries, and the fiery red chillies. The adventurous palate can explore dishes like insect delicacies or the eccentric but delectable durian, proving Thailand's culinary landscape to be an intricate mosaic that reflects the country's cultural diversity.
Drawing inspiration from Penang Chinese cuisine, this culinary delight is a definite must-experience during your visit to Phuket. At the heart of the dish are the robust, yellow noodles, distinguished by their distinct salty undertones. Cooked to perfection in a high-heat wok, the noodles acquire a smoky, charred flavour, complemented by the aromatic medley of garlic, leafy greens, pork, and seafood. The ensemble is expertly seasoned with soy sauce, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavours that captivates the palate.
This dish stands out as one of Phuket's most emblematic culinary offerings, particularly relished during the lunchtime hours. This uncomplicated yet heartening creation involves stir-frying rice vermicelli noodles with a rich infusion of black soy sauce, culminating in a savoury masterpiece adorned with crisp fried onions and freshly chopped chives. Accompanying this delightful noodle medley is a fragrant slow-boiled pork spare rib soup, occasionally served alongside pork satay and spring rolls for a complete meal.
The name "Goong Ten" translates literally to "dancing shrimps," aptly capturing the essence of this unique dish. Raw baby shrimp take centre stage as they are delicately combined in a bowl with an array of spices including lime, chilli powder, fish sauce, red onions, cilantro, and peanuts. Served promptly to maintain their freshness, this dish is not for the faint-hearted - but adventurous souls like those staying in hospitality partners like the Travelodge Sukhumvit 11.
A cherished and straightforward dish found on dining tables across Thailand involves deep-frying small fish with generous amounts of garlic and fresh turmeric until they achieve a golden-brown perfection. The choice of fish may vary, with popular options such as mackerel, mullet, red snapper, and sillago. Originating from Southern Thailand, this dish has gained popularity due to the enticing aroma of its seasoning and the delightful crispiness of the fish.
A luscious curry crafted from khilek (Senna siamea, also recognized as Siamese cassod tree) leaves and flower buds, this dish holds a special place in the hearts of Thai food enthusiasts across the country. Given the inherent bitterness of khilek, the leaves and buds undergo a lengthy boiling process before being simmered in a coconut milk-based curry. The outcome is a velvety, aromatic, and subtly bitter broth that brings comfort, particularly on cooler days. Across various regions in Thailand, you'll encounter diverse renditions among many places, like variations found in a Sukhumvit hotel.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
