Thailand is very well known in Western countries for its food. However, it is less known for it’s drinks. There are a number of alcoholic beverages that are consumed in Thailand, from beer to wine to liquor.
When I found out I was coming to Thailand more than two years ago, one of the most common reactions I got from friends was, “Oh man, the food is going to be AMAZING!”
Thai food has quite the reputation outside of the countries borders, and for good reason: it is pretty delicious. So what is Thai food all about?
Northeastern Thailand, known as Isaan, is a little bit different than the rest of the country. Here, they are known particularly for eating sticky rice. Sticky rice is different than normal rice and is made differently, too. Check out this video, from friend and fellow Peace Corps volunteer Dan, where grandpa makes some sticky rice!
Recently, my parents came to visit and we went to visit some awesome places here in Thailand and I got to tell and show them all about Thai culture. There were a couple of times that they had some misconceptions about Thailand and Thai people, just like many Peace Corps volunteers did before they arrived and many people around the world do. This is not uncommon and I thought I’d share some of the common misconceptions about Thailand and Thai people.
more “I Thought in Thailand…: Misconceptions About Thailand”
Kanoms, or snacks, are a big part of life here in Thailand. You find them all over, packaged in clear, plastic bags sold for a few baht. My host mother in Suphan Buri was an ace kanom maker and her specialty is kanom kai blah. At school, some of the students learned how to make a different kanom, called kanom dok jok. You can learn too, by checking out the video!
When I was in San Francisco for staging, the first couple days of Peace Corps before leaving for whatever country you’ve been assigned to, one of the facilitators said, “Any fruit lovers? You are going to love Thailand. There is so much fresh fruit and so many different kinds.” Having had a year to experience all of the different fruit seasons here, I can tell you for certain, that she was right. Let me give you a short run down of some of the fruits here that are not as widely available in the States. more “6 Exotic (and Delicious) Fruits of Thailand”
When I found out I was coming to Thailand, most people I told were excited for me to learn how to cook real authentic Thai food. I don’t feel like I have learned that much, but I think that is because the host family that I spent time with when my language was at the level of rudimentary communication wasn’t very good in the kitchen. My first host family was awesome and I plan to visit with them and spend all of my time with them in the kitchen. But one thing I have picked up on are the things that are in Thai kitchens. Here are five things you need in your kitchen if you want to cook like the Thais do.
I was over at my co-teacher’s house last week after buying furniture for my garage and we made some dinner together. Yom is a kind of Thai salad, as yom literally means mix. The featured ingredient for most Thai salads is not usually raw vegetables, but frequently meat or noodles. The yom that we made featured some wonderful glass noodles and really complex flavors. I thought I would share the recipe with you to make at home.
As much as I enjoy independent living, there is one thing that I find really difficult and sometimes depressing: cooking for one. I really enjoy cooking; finding fresh produce at the farmers’ marker, trying out new recipes and making a meal to be shared is something that I find really delightful. But when you are kon diao (by yourself) then it’s difficult to get the motivation to make a really involved meal. Googling meals for one is something to do when you are feeling too happy. However, because Thailand is a collectivist society, meal times are usually much less lonely.
Recently, I came home from a day out at the park and saw my host yaai with a bucket of snails. I asked her what she planned to do with them, and she said she was going to cook them. Nothing like a little escargot! I was intrigued by this, and thought you might be too, so I made a video. She thought it was hilarious that I want to record her. Anyway, check it out!