One of the most exciting things about traveling is discovering new flavors- exotic fruits, gnarly veg, savory juices, and fried insects to name a few. In Thailand, though I’ve been there dozens of times, I’m always learning about new ingredients and how they’re used. Two unique ingredients that might be a bit strange/disconcerting for Westerners…
Tag: Bangkok
Holy Basil!
Basil, it’s that gorgeous herb that’s heady and fragrant, that announces it’s appearance before a dish has even been set upon the table. It turns pasta vibrant green and adds a hint of freshness to a tomato soup. But in Thailand, Basil is often flash cooked, wilting the soft leaves until they are incorporated into…
Beautify in Bangkok
Thailand’s huge draw for me lies in the food, friends, and culture. Bangkok, in particular, is quivering in colors and sounds. From the street vendors squeezing fresh bright orange mandarin juice, to the colorful Hindu temples and Thai wats, to the whizzing motorcycle taxis, to the women who sell fragrant jasmine flower wreathes for offerings,…
Duck Dynasty: A Thirty Year Old Street Stall
Last month when I was in Bangkok with my sister Julia, I ran her all around the city, making sure she tasted all of my favorite snacks and street food finds. I was most excited about this little gem that my friend Nhoi had shown me a while back. In Thailand, I’ve eaten many an…
Raan Jay Fai, Do or Die
This evening I went back to Raan Jay Fai for maybe my sixth time. I came here for the first time about five years ago…and that was the beginning of my love story for Jay Fai. Jay means ‘sister’ in Thai-Chinese and Fai means mole, as in a beauty mark (not the subterranean mammal). Sister…
Taste the Day, and Then Keep on Tasting!
This is what a Sunday looks like when you’re an avid eater in Bangkok. Parental supervision advised. Do not try this at home. As Giada de Laurentiis would say, “I eat a little of everything and not a lot of anything.” Perhaps she thinks she sounds wise, but perhaps she’s never eaten Thai food. You…
Duck, Duck, Duck….Duck!
The other night, my friends Nhoi and Korn took me to Asiatique (http://www.thaiasiatique.com). Situated right on the water, the location couldn’t be more perfect. But the shopping mall cum tourist trap is kitchy and sweetly syrup-y. We took a walk around the stalls, looked at trinkets and thought about eating something, but in the end,…
We All Like it Hot: Southern Style Thai Food
On our drive home from Chaiyapum this morning, we all had rumbles in our tummies and only one thing on our minds: Southern Thai curries and fried chicken. As we were driving North on Saturday, Ba had mentioned that there was a fantastic restaurant we should stop at for lunch. He sometimes travels out of…
Thai Desserts: So Fun to Make, Even More Fun to Eat
Thai desserts have become my main heart throb, my raison d’être…after my lovely boyfriend of course! Every time I come to Bangkok now, I make a beeline straight to the back of Nahm’s kitchen. My good friends Pi Pat and Pi Ta welcome me back with squeals and semi-hugs (Thai’s don’t hug) and they ask…
Growing Some Balls to Learn How to Cook Brain
You know when you really want to do something but don’t have the balls to do it? And then you do it and it’s like, why didn’t I do that earlier?? Last night I went to one of my favorite street vendors in my neighborhood, Khun Yu, and ordered a new dish I hadn’t tasted…
Tiger Thai Tattoo
I already have two Thai-style tattoos and have been wanting a third for several years. I’ve held off because I wanted one from a monk, but I was hesitant to just go to anyone. In Thailand tattoos, or sak yan, received from monks have mystical powers, magic of sorts, and protect the bearer of the…
My Favorite Lunch Spot in the Whole Wide World
I’m learning to read and write Thai, and let me tell you, it’s quite the challenge. I’m mainly inspired to learn because I really really really want to be able to talk with people (obvious). Specifically about food. Many of the street vendors here I’ve been visiting for years and we have a very…
passport to eat 