Korea:Three Easily Reachable Historical Attractions For First Time Visitors May 16, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Korea.Tags: Attractions in Korea, Beomeosa, Buddhist temples of Korea, Dongho Won, Jongmyo, Korea's high-speed bullet train, Tongdosa, Travel to Korea
2 comments
This blog as you all know is predominantly about travel, food and culture within Thailand, but now and again we like to venture outside of Thailand and into other Asian countries. This was done not long ago with the 3 part series on food, travel and culture from Indonesia.
On the blog this week the focus switches to a few introductory and easily reachable attractions for first time visitors to Korea. I welcome my guest this week and will hand over to him to introduce himself.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Dongho Won. I was born and live in Korea. I am a freelance photographer here in Korea and have been working many years for various mass media channels focused mainly in the art and travel sectors. I can also say that I love immensely my trips to Thailand (the main topic of this blog of course) and my trips to the UK and Europe. I have in fact through the capacity of my work had the pleasant opportunity to travel extensively around the world.
Please feel free to visit my blog and view my world travel photographs, thank you.
Dongho Won
Trevor: Could you give us 3 easily reachable attractions for the first time visitors to Korea?
Dongho: The three places that I mention here focus on cultural heritage sites and are certainly all easily reachable attractions. My personal recommended attractions would probably vary slightly, but these attractions are a great place to start for the first time visitor.
1) Jongmyo (종묘, 宗廟)
Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine and a place where memorial services are performed for deceased kings.As you can imagine it’s a massively important historical site in Seoul. It is located in the heart of the Seoul city centre and can be reached very easily by the efficient underground system. Get out at Jongro-3-ga underground station where the orange-coloured line number 3 and lightly purple-coloured line number 5 are intersecting with each other. From there walk straight on for approximately one minute through a small park and you will soon arrive at Jongmyo.
Please refer to the link of its official webpage shown the below for further detailed information in English
:http://jikimi.cha.go.kr/english/world_heritage_new/culture_treasure_03.jsp?mc=EN_04_01
And please also refer to the link of my blog posted about Jongmyo
http://blog.naver.com/ostuni/130097243993
Official webpage of Seoul Metro underground trains in English
http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/eng/page.jsp?code=D020000000
2) Tongdosa (통도사, 通度寺)
Tongdosa is the largest as well as one of the finest Buddhist temples of Korea. It is located in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnamdo, in the southeast region of Korea. You can get to the temple by various means of well-maintained public transportation whether from Busan or Ulsan. There are a couple of main public transportation methods to reach Tongdosa and these are….
A) This is the easiest way to reach Tongdosa for a first-time visitor. Come out of terminal 3 at Nopodong underground station where the train of orange-coloured line number 1 terminates, then walk to Busan eastern coach station connected from Nopodong underground station. The coach heading for Tongdosa from Busan (eastern coach station), is scheduled to depart every twenty minutes. This runs from six o’clock in the morning until 20:40 in the evening everyday and takes just over an hour to reach the temple.
B) You can get on the KTX, (Korea’s high-speed bullet train), in each of the major cities of Korea. The best bet is to disembark the KTX train at the KTX Ulsan/Tongdosa station. From there come out of the station and get the bus (line number 13), in front of the station. The bus ride to Tongdosa from the station takes approximately just over 30 minutes.
Please refer to the link of the official webpage of Tongdosa in English shown here for further detailed information
:http://www.tongdosa.or.kr/english/index_.html
And please also refer to the link of my blog posted about Tongdosa as well
http://blog.naver.com/ostuni/130039159899
Official webpage of Busan underground trains in English :
http://www.humetro.busan.kr/english/main/
3) Beomeosa (범어사, 梵魚寺)
Beomeosa is a temple with a very unique character along with a very long and illustrious history. Beomeosa has been termed the holiest site of the region by the Busan locals having been constructed by a monk more than 1300 years ago. It is located on the outskirts of Busan city. You can reach the temple easily by underground. Come out of exit 5 or 7 of the Beomeosa underground station on orange-coloured line number 1 and get on the local bus line 90. The bus takes a steady climb up to the mountain top to Beomeosa where the bus ends it’s service.
Please refer to the link of the official webpage of Beomeosa in English shown here for further detailed information.
http://www.beomeo.kr/eng_templestay/idt.php
And please also refer to the link of my blog posted about Beomeosa as well
http://blog.naver.com/ostuni/130040036874
DeliciousThai Buffet Food For Dinner Parties (part 1 of 3) May 7, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Thai Food, Thai Culture, Thai Proverbs.Tags: Bussaba Chumnumporn, Delicious Thai Buffet Food, Miang kham, Thai buffet menu, Thai Buffet Party, Thai dinner party, Thai Fish Cakes, Thai food proverbs, Thai Pork Satay, Thai Prawn Spring Rolls, Thai Steamed Dumplings
add a comment
Today on the blog I continue with the theme of Thai food and with the recent chat I had with guest Khun Bussaba Chumnumporn about her favourite Thai dishes. This time Khun Bussaba (nickname Kung) gives us the dishes she would put together if hosting a Thai dinner party.
In a previous post Khun Bussaba gave us her favourite Thai dishes and these were dishes that are not often found in Western Thai restaurants.
Trevor: Can You Give Us Your Full Name Please
My name is Bussaba Chumnumporn ( บุษบา ชุมนุมพร ), but my nickname is Kung.
Trevor: Can You Tell Us A Little Bit About Yourself
Kung: I am 38 years old and my home town is Lopburi. I lived in Lopburi for 15 years of my life up until grade 9 education and then I left home to study in Bangkok. On completion of my studies I made Bangkok my home and did not return to Lopburi. I do however return home once in a while to visit family and friends of course.
Trevor: Can You Tell Us A Bit About Your Work
I am self-employed and my work is making premium bags from spunbon, cotton, canvas, calico,etc and packaging under order from customers. It’s just a small business now, but 11 years ago I employed 9 ladies. Now I prefer to work alone. When I receive orders from customers I buy the materials…spunbon, cotton etc. The next step is to bring the fabric to the cutting factory for cutting by pattern of my order. After that I bring it all to the paint screen factory to screen, before finally the sewing takes place.
For more information or to place an order Kung can be contacted on her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/bchumnumporn
Kung’s Music Entertainment For The Evening
Trevor: If you were hosting a Thai dinner party for friends, what dishes would you give them? Let’s say if you were putting it together in a western style of appetizers, main courses and desserts.
Kung: Oh I am sorry, but I am in a difficult position again. There are so many dishes that I would like to do so please allow me to serve a buffet menu of assorted dishes.
Of course really when you are having a dinner party the focus should be more on friends than on the food. We all hope that we will enjoy the company of our friends, but that does not mean the food is any less important. The Thai style when we are at parties is not to eat lots, but to try to taste little portions of everything. This is why it’s better that I host a Thai buffet menu event instead of a dinner party. Nowadays people care more about what they eat, because there is more awareness about healthy eating. I have also prepared some healthy dishes for my party.
Trevor: On my first visits to Thailand many years ago it did not take me long to note that eating alone is not a favourite pastime of Thai people. During the mid 1980′s I would often wonder just why I received so many strange looks dining at a table alone. For me it was quite normal to have lunch by myself. For Thai people eating is considered more of a social event and company is much preferred to eating on one’s own. As you say Kung that way you get to taste many different types of dishes instead of my one dish and rice.
I am quite a fan of proverbs and it’s amazing how many Thai proverbs are food related. At the same time they often have very little to do with food, but whilst enjoying your buffet appetizers I will run a few of them by you.
Welcome to Kung’s buffet party starting of course with the appetizers.
Appetizer Choices
1) Thai fish cake
Thai fish cakes consist of fish, winged bean, red curry paste, fish sauce and oil.
The cucumber dipping sauce can be used with fih cakes and includes cucumber, shallots, vinegar, sugar and a fine sprinkling of red chillies.
Kung: My mother would use a special trick when preparing this dish. She would pound the fish mix after dipping the pestle in to salt water. By doing this it caused the fish to become sticky and not soggy. In turn it also served a couple of other purposes, first it stopped the fish from breaking and two it made it taste absolutely delicious.
Proverb: Thailand is renowned the world over for food and also for a few spicy dishes. However the king of the spices is the little red bird’s-eye chilli ” Lek Phrik Khii Nuu ” (เล็กพริกขี้หนู). That little chilli is so pretty and looks so nice. If you like your food hot then take a bite of the little red chilli. You will more than likely find you are left with your mouth wide open and desperately in need of water. The morale of the story is don’t underestimate something small it can still have one almighty punch.
2) Fresh spring roll- Guay diaw luy suan ( ก๋วยเตี๋ยวลุยสวน)
This dish consists of big flat noodles, lettuce, basil , coriander, minced pork, carrot, mushroom, mushroom and radish.
Culture Note: Whilst dining as a guest at a Thai dinner engagement remember not to touch any of the food before the host, oldest or wealthiest person attending announces that eating should commence. This is usually done in an informal way by quietly announcing ” Gin khao” กินข้าว which simply means eat rice.
Proverb: Here are a couple of noodle based Thai idioms or proverbs. When two people have fallen out and are not speaking to each other they are said to be ” Mai Gin Sen ” (ไม่กินเส้น), not eating noodles. A person who is (Sen Yai เส้นใหญ่ – a big noodle), is known as an important person.
3) Prawn spring roll - Po pia Gung (ปอเปี๊ยะกุ้ง)
Kung: The ingredients for this include prawn meat, garlic, pepper, coriander root, cabbage, carrots, coriander, celery and glass noodles.
Culture Note: Don’t be surprised if there is a brief interlude during the meal. This will usually come in the form of the host beaming a smile your way and saying ” aroy mai ” Is it delicious ”. The smile will stay and all will be well with the world as you reply ” aroy” or even better ”aroy maak” Very delicious. So you now know what to say to Kung if you are lucky enough to be invited to her buffet party and she asks the question of is it delicious?
Proverb: If a man is ” Gin nam phrik thuay diaw ” (กินน้ําพริกถ้วยเดียว) or in other words eats chilli paste from a single bowl then he is said to be faithful to just one woman. If a man stays with a woman a long time then he is said to be ” Gin Nam Phrik Thuay Gao ” (กินน้ําพริกถ้วยเก่า) to eat chilli paste from the original bowl.
4) Pork Satay – Muu Satay (หมูสะเต๊ะ)
Kung: The ingredients here consist of pork meat, garlic, pepper, coriander root, oyster sauce, soy sauce, turmeric, dark soy sauce and a bit of sugar
For the Satay dip there are two popular choice dips.
The peanut sauce dip consists of one teaspoon Massaman curry paste, 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil, 1 Tablespoon of Peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of Sugar and 4 Tablespoons of Coconut Milk. The peanut sauce dip is the dip on the left in the photo above.
The cucumber dipping sauce located on the right of the photo above includes cucumber, shallots, vinegar, sugar and a fine sprinkling of red chillies.
Culture Note: We are talking here in the form appetizers and Main Dishes being brought out in a Western type of way, but really Khun Kung is correct to do this buffet style. Normally at a Thai eating event all dishes would be placed on the table at the same time. Diners will wait until everything has been brought to the table before getting down to the eating.
Proverb: When you are in the honeymoon period of a romantic relationship the Thais call this ” Khao Mai Pla Man ” (ข้าวใหม่ปลามัน), new rice and juicy fish. On the opposite side of the fence to this is a long – term relationship that’s gone bad. The Thais call this ” Khao Buut Pla Raa ” (ข้าวบูดปลาร้า), in other words spoiled rice, rotten fish.
5) Thai Steamed Dumplings – Kanom Jeeb (ขนมจีบ)
Kung: The main ingredients here are pork and prawn meat, soy sauce, pepper and wrapping sheet pastry.
Culture Note: Don’t pick up the serving dishes and bring to you. The correct way is to take your spoon to the serving dish and place the food on your plate. If you cannot reach then someone who is near your food dish of choice will put the food on the plate for you. Thai people are excellent at attending to every whim at eating occasions and will see instantly notice if you can’t reach the dish you require.
Proverb: To try to give flavour to a wide and expansive river would be a difficult and pointless task. Spending money pointlessly is said to be the same as ” Tam Nam Phrik Lalai Mae Nam ” (ตำน้ำพริกละลายแม่น้ำ), in other words making chilli paste one after another and throwing them in the river.
6)Fresh Ingredients Wrapped – Miang kham (เมี่ยงคำ)
This dish is a special Thai snack and consists of lots of healthy and exciting ingredients all wrapped finally in a leaf called bai cha plu (ใบชะพลู) ” wild pepper leaf”. The ingredients are shallots, coconut meat, dried shrimp, lime, ginger, roasted peanuts, garlic and chilli.
Miang Kham ready to wrap
Miang Kham ready to wrap and complete with sauce
The dipping sauce consists of cooked roasted shredded coconut, finely grounded dried shrimps, roasted peanuts, palm sugar and fish sauce.
Finally wrapping the ingredients in a leaf called bai cha plu (ใบชะพลู) ” wild pepper leaf”.
I hope that you enjoyed the appetizers of Kung’s buffet party, but please make sure you have some room left as the Main Courses and desserts will follow soon.
Next Time: Thai Buffet Main Course with Khun Bussaba Chumnumporn (Kung)
Bangkok Noir Edited By Christopher G. Moore: A Walk On The Darker Side of Bangkok April 23, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Living In Thailand, Thai Culture.Tags: Asian fiction, Bangkok crime fiction short stories, Bangkok noir, Bangkok Noir Authors, Bangkok Noir Review, Bangkok Noir Writers, Christopher G. Moore, Thai and Western Authors, Thai and Western Writers
2 comments
My location Suvarnabhumi airport departure lounge Bangkok and my destination Heathrow airport London. This was nothing new and I really can’t remember the amount of times that I had made this journey back and forth, but it’s an awful lot. However there was one thing that was always certain I am always a lot happier on the London to Bangkok route than I am on the Bangkok to London route. As my old friend depression started to kick in I realised I had 6oo Thai baht left burning a hole in my pocket. Should I get something to eat and drink and see the currency off that way or should I visit the book shop and find a book to ease my depression. You see when I leave Thailand it appears that Thailand seldom leaves me and I need a fix to contain this.
I decided it was more the soul than the stomach that needed nourishing and made my way to the Asian fiction section of the book shop. I had a craving to be dumped in to the land of Asian fantasy by a magical author who knew me well. And do you know there is always an author out there who knows you well. Your job is to find him or her.
The first Thai related novel I ever read was ” A woman of Bangkok” by Jack Reynolds, but the first Asian based novel was ”The World of Suzy Wong” by Richard Mason, these were my introductory books to the Orient and that was before ever setting foot inside of Thailand. I must admit to nowadays buying more books in Thai script than English. Reason one for this is to enhance my Thai language ability and two is to open further cultural doors that might normally be otherwise closed off.
Although the first two books whetted the appetite it was not until 1986 on reading the novel in Bangkok ”Ne’er The Twain Shall Meet” by Nick Noye that I became a massive fan of Asian based fiction, especially Thailand. This book turned me in to an Asian fiction junkie. After that the lion’s share of books on my shelves from any Asian based fiction author was from the work of Christopher G. Moore. In my time of travelling back and forth to Thailand over the last 25 years it has been his name that I have consistently seen on the Bangkok book shelves and in fact bookshops all over Thailand. So it was no surprise that the book I selected was edited by Christopher G. Moore, set in Bangkok and called ‘Bangkok Noir”.
I sometimes feel I maybe out there on my own, but I am a massive fan of short stories. I love the fact that I can pick up a book, start any chapter and by the completion of that chapter have a story under my belt. Often my time is limited like most people these day’s and short stories suit me down to the ground. Not only is Bangkok Noir full of short stories, but you have 12 different internationally known Thai and Western authors who each pen a short story. Some of the authors I knew of and some I did not. The authors I did know produced the usual quality that they are renowned for. As for the authors I did not know, it left me wondering just what else I had missed as they were all excellent. The thing I loved the most about the book was the different writing styles of the authors.
On the plane no sooner had I taken my seat than I was straight in to the Christopher G. Moore introduction. He was informing me that I was about to meet some dodgy lawyers, corrupt cops, transsexuals, minor wives, killers and ghosts to name but a few. Bring it on (as the saying goes), I thought to myself.
What Will You Find In Bangkok Noir
Gone East by John Burdett
In the first story alone I was transfixed and in the fantasy world I wanted to be in. There is nothing like a secret diary to kick the fantasy world off and one that advises you to travel east is even better. Follow this up with a family who want pay back for the high role in society they have carved out for you, add in some corrupt dealings and of course a sexy and passionate mistress and you have my undivided attention. Finish the story with ancient Khmer script, magical incantations, a shrine, a missing paragraph from the diaries, a life threatening disease followed by the final sadness and guilt and my mind was blown. I don’t even think we have taken off for London yet.
Inspector Zhang and the Dead Thai Gangster by Stephen Leather
Straight in to the next story where the brilliant inspector Zhang is called upon to solve a murder on a flight from Singapore to Thailand. A brilliant murder mystery where a man dies after being shot in the chest. The problem is that nobody hears anything or see’s anything and there is no gun to be found. Over to Inspector Zhang to solve the mystery.
Thousand and One Nights by Pico Iyer
It’s night-time in Bangkok and the streets are alive with loud music, bright neon lights and pretty girls in short skirts,high – heels with long black shiny hair and they are for hire. Life for a widower can get pretty darn lonely you know. To employ the services of two beautiful young ladies can only mean one thing, can’t it? Loneliness is well and truly put to bed, but not in the way you might think.
Half Head by Colin Cotterill
A different location than Bangkok this time as this story is set in the Northern City of Chiang Mai. Samart Wichaiwong who was also known as Teacher Wong is a Shaman or claims to be. His day’s are filled with drinking copious amounts of beer and making a living off of people’s gullibility by claiming to be able to contact dead relatives. Teacher Wong is hired to help the police catch some villains, but experiences terrifying and very frequent nightmares by way of a spirit visiting him. The spirit has the answers to help him assist the police, but her required payment is interesting to say the least. As the story unfolds the stakes are upped considerably with regards to pay back for the spirit.
Dolphins Inc. by Christopher G. Moore
Set in Bangkok in a virtual reality world the story location wise drops in at the Nana Entertainment Plaza, the Port of Klong Toey and to a fishing village in Taiji, Japan. It starts with an aborted assassination of a Japanese businessman. Drops in to the popular ”smoke but no fire bar” In Nana Plaza after a hidden cash tip off from one of the dancing girl’s that work there. Besides this, there is brothel money being laundered through an iceberg business and lots of intriguing dialogue.
The Mistress Wants Her Freedom by Tew Bunnag
A bit on the side (or gig) as they say who upgrades to mistress with all the luxuries a mistress craves. To maintain this lifestyle all she has to do is provide a firm, sexy body and a listening ear to darling. That was the name she used for him and with the help of her youthful beauty and Viagra the system worked well for Darling as well. As life goes on though the mistress becomes unfulfilled and wants her freedom back. The relationship becomes complex and messy when the wife and a gay lover join the finale.
Hansum Man by Timothy Hallinan
Wallace reflected on how he had fallen in love with Bangkok after his first 6 months of duty in Vietnam. Back then Wallace was lean, young and handsome and that’s exactly what his Teerak (Thai for sweetheart), called him. His sweetheart was Jah and she worked at the Thai Heaven bar on New Petchburi road. She would be so pleased to see him and call him hansum man for sure. He remembered how she had cried at the airport the day he left. Now a much older Wallace returns to Bangkok expecting to carry on where he left off all those years ago. However Bangkok has changed now. It’s not the same anymore, as Wallace finds out when trouble appears to follow him.
Daylight by Alex Kerr
There’s a stabbing on the BTS platform, but when a reporter tries to get to the bottom of what happened he meets with silence. The same person had been pin pointed as the murderer by many and questioned by the police. The crime was after all committed in broad daylight in a very busy area, but why the stony cold silence and why was there never any mention of his name?
Death of a Legend by Dean Barrett
An ex successful Muay Thai fighter who left the ring and became a legend as a hitman is hired to do a job he’s not completely elated about. The man is a legend as a hit man a very professional cold calculating character, who asks no questions. This time though the job is not so straight forward.
The Sword by Vasit Dejkunjorn
A policeman who quickly learns that suspects are willing to pay for their freedom, whether innocent or guilty. But could the words of a pledge that the policeman made earlier in his career later turn around to haunt him.
The Lunch That Got Away by Eric Stone
A big restaurant with a rich and well-connected owner want the secret family recipe of a local street vendor. The street vendor on Sukhumvit Soi 11 is massively popular with her customers for her delicious Green curry coated banana leaf – wrapped bake fish which she keeps in a cooler box. It’s a case of don’t you just hate it when the rich steal from the poor. When robbed of her cooler box including special recipe and money it’s time with assistance for the little guy to fight back.
Hot Enough To Kill by Collin Piprell
If your dreams are of luxury cars, a pretty girlfriend beside you, wearing the latest brand name clothes, eating in the finest restaurants, drinking the finest whisky then you need money, good money. If your talents are found wanting then you must do what you have to do, it’s just the business of the day you know. And after you shall drink good cold beer.
The pilot was announcing that the weather in London is minus 2 degrees and we will shortly be making our descent in to Heathrow airport. Was I having a nightmare? Was it really London already? And is it really that cold? It was no nightmare I was back in reality. I had a slight chuckle to myself as I put the Bangkok Noir book in my bag. It could have been a worse nightmare. I could have had a visit from Halfhead.
I thoroughly enjoyed these short stories and highly recommend them. it was a great idea to bring together such fine writers each with their own and unique writing style.
Further more it was a fantastic gesture to find that the authors and the publisher are donating half of their earnings from the book to charity organisations that provide education to needy children in Thailand.
10 DeliciousThai Dishes That Are Rarely Found In Western Thai Restaurants April 15, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Thai Food, Thailand.Tags: Bussaba Chumnumporn, Fried Curry Chicken ไก่ผัดพริกแกง, Fried eggplant (aubergine) with eggs มะเขือทอด, Kanom Jeen Nam Ya ขนมจีนน้ำยา, Kanom Jeen Namprik ขนมจีนน้ำพริก, Khaep Muu แคบหมู, Khao Kluk Kapi ข้าวคลุกกะปิ, Lopburi, Mi Krob Rad na หมี่กรอบราดหน้า, Nam Prik Kapi น้ำพริกกะปิ, Spunbon
8 comments
I am grateful to my guest today ”Kung” for sparing some time to talk about her favourite Thai food dishes. In fact not only today, but over the coming weeks she will not only be talking more about Thai food, but also about travel and culture within Thailand.
Trevor: Can You Give Us Your Full Name Please
My name is Bussaba Chumnumporn ( บุษบา ชุมนุมพร ), but my nickname is Kung.
Trevor: Can You Tell Us A Little Bit About Yourself
Kung: I am 38 years old and my home town is Lopburi. I lived in Lopburi for 15 years of my life up until grade 9 education and then I left home to study in Bangkok. On completion of my studies I made Bangkok my home and did not return to Lopburi. I do however return home once in a while to visit family and friends of course.
Trevor: Can You Tell Us A Bit About Your Work
I am self-employed and my work is making premium bags from spunbon, cotton, canvas, calico,etc and packaging under order from customers. It’s just a small business now, but 11 years ago I employed 9 ladies. Now I prefer to work alone. When I receive orders from customers I buy the materials…spunbon, cotton etc. The next step is to bring the fabric to the cutting factory for cutting by pattern of my order. After that I bring it all to the paint screen factory to screen, before finally the sewing takes place.
For more information or to place an order Kung can be contacted on her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/bchumnumporn
Trevor: What Are Your Three Favourite Thai Dishes?
Kung: It’s very difficult for me to select my top 3 very favourite Thai dishes. I am a woman who enjoys her food very much so this is a difficult job.When my friends call me to go shopping I am generally not interested, but when they call me to have lunch or dinner I ask only two questions. Where and when?
Thai food has two different styles for main courses.There is the style of dishes with rice and the single stand alone dishes without rice.
First I will give you my 3 favourite dishes with rice.
(You only gave me the choice of three dishes, but this way I can choose six ha ha)
1) Nam Prik Kapi น้ำพริกกะปิ
When Thai people have Nam prik with rice we always have a side dish to dip in to the Nam prik. some people like to use fresh vegetables as the dip,but my favorite side dish for dipping into Nam Prik Ka Pi is listed below.
Nam Prik Kapi
Favourite Dipping Dishes
Fried eggplant with eggs – (photo below), Consists of eggplant, eggs, tempura flour, soy sauce and vegetable oil. In Britain and in France the eggplant is actually known as an aubergine. After cutting up and blending together, the ingredients are then fried until golden brown on each side. You are now ready to dip into your Nam Prik Ka Pi.
Fried eggplant (aubergine) with eggs (มะเขือทอด)
Fried cha om with eggs (photo below),consists of cha-om, eggs, soy sauce and vegetable oil. Cha om is a Thai vegetable or more specifically a species of acacia which is native to south and south-east Asia. It’s a shrub or small tropical tree. If you cannot get cha-om where you live then the next best thing to use would be either water crest leaves or very well chopped up broccoli.
Fried cha om with eggs (ชะอมทอดไข่)
Thai people love nothing more than munching their way through a bowl of pork rinds or as they are known in the UK …. pork scratchings. This is pure delight to most Thais and complete with the Nam Prik Kapi dip it;s the next best thing to heaven.
Khaep Muu (แคบหมู)
2) Boiled Mackerel soup with coconut milk and lotus stem (ต้มกะทิสายบัว)
This is a very traditional Thai menu and made more complete of course with the addition of Thai jasmine rice. The dish in itself is not extremely hard to cook and consists of mackerel, lotus stem, coconut milk, red onions, white pepper, fish sauce, tamarind juice and shrimp paste. This dish has three flavours that being sweet, sour and salty.
3) Fried Curry Chicken (ไก่ผัดพริกแกง)
I like this dish because it’s very delicious. It has sweet and tender chicken pieces and is not too hot in the form of spicy from too much chilli. When you have the taste of this dish in your mouth you close your eyes and say ” ohhh heaven!!!”. My mom loves to eat this dish with cucumber, you can adapt to use minced pork instead of chicken if you want and that is also delicious. The ingredients include chicken, dried red chilli, garlic, shallots, galangal, lemon grass, fish sauce, soy sauce and a bit of sugar.
They have this dish in my home town of Lamnarai, Lopburi. When ever I go back home I always have this dish and have done since I was a child.
Now my favourite stand alone dishes
4) Mi Krob Rad Na (หมี่กรอบราดหน้า)
Tasty crispy fried noodles with pork in gravy. A great little dish for lunch and absolutely full of flavour. You will find that a number of these dishes might well not be found in western Thai restaurants, but now you are getting to the heart of Thai cuisine.
5) Kanom Jeen Namprik (ขนมจีนน้ำพริก)
Kanom Jeen are the rice noodles and these are more often than not served with curry. The two popular types of curry to serve with Kanom Jeen are Nam prik and Nam Ya. Nam Prik is made from shrimps and is the sweet one, whilst Nam Ya (featured below) is made from fish and is the spicy one. Besides the rice noodles and the curry you are sure of a good helping of fresh vegetables to go with it.
Kanom Jeen Nam Ya (ขนมจีนน้ำยา)
This dish although hot does have a sweet taste and in fact you can eat Kanom Jeen with many different curries. It’s delicious with fish curry though eaten over a bed of thin rice noodles.This dish is a little on the hot and spicy side, because of the red chillies…. So go careful.
6) Khao Kluk Kapi (ข้าวคลุกกะปิ)
My mom she had very good skills at cooking this dish. Before my mother got sick she had a little restaurant in the village that we lived in called ‘daamsang’ (ร้านอาหารตามสั่ง).The restaurant did not have khao kluk kapi (ข้าวคลุกกะปิ) on the daily menu, it was a special dish that was used only some days. The customers loved it. I also used to help my mother in the restaurant.
Trevor: By the way Kung, 3 dish choices turned into 6 that turned in to 10 ha ha, but all very enjoyable and thank you. We look forward to hearing more from you soon on Thai food.
All photos were kindly provided by Khun Bussaba Chumnumporn
For further information about Thai food, travel and culture please visit
A Fantastic English Breakfast In Hua Hin, Thailand April 5, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Hua Hin, Living In Thailand, Thai Food, Thailand.Tags: Chomsin road Hua Hin, English Breakfast Hua Hin, Poonsuk road Hua Hin, Top Marks Guest House
add a comment
If you visit the Royal sea-side town of Hua Hin on your travels in Thailand then I know a great breakfast spot for you. Even though I love Thai food and that is my preference for lunch and evening meals I do stick with a western breakfast. My usual is two poached eggs on toast as I must have my eggs of a morning.
If like me you enjoy your eggs or a bit of cooked breakfast in the mornings then Malee at Top Marks guest house is the lady to go and see whilst in Hua Hin. She produces the mother of all English breakfasts.
Malee lived in the UK for 7 years before returning to Thailand and certainly perfected the art of cooking an English breakfast and of course her English is brilliant. You will find Malee is a very hard-working, courteous and delightful lady.
Malee’s place is situated right at the end of Poonsuk Road. That is the Poonsuk road end that joins on to Chomsin road. It’s actually set inside another guest house called Top Marks.
Beware that there was talk of the name changing from Top Marks guest house to something else, due to a change of ownership. So that is possible. However whatever the name of the guest house and whoever it is owned by, you will still always find Malee’s place there and a great breakfast awaiting you. Malee is there from approximately 8-30am – 2-30pm.
‘Watching The Thais’ by Tom Tuohy: All Of Your Living In Thailand Questions Answered April 2, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Bangkok, Life Design, Living In Thailand, Thai Culture, Thai Food, Thai Language, Thai Travel, Thai women, Thailand.Tags: Education In Thailand, Life In Thailand, Living in Thailand, Thai language learning, The Thai Smile, Tom Tuohy, Watching The Thais
5 comments
This book is jam-packed with great stories, anecdotes and lived experiences by the author. No matter whether you are somebody arriving in Thailand for the first time to work, just to spend some time or somebody who has been in the kingdom of Thailand for a while already. This is a must have product. There are some incredible insights in the book and the author has covered an awful lot of ground. I thoroughly recommend the book ‘Watching The Thais’ by Tom Tuohy.
Watching The Thais’ by Tom Tuohy
Even somebody who has never even set foot inside the kingdom of Thailand before is well aware of the Thais natural ability to smile. At times I feel so jealous about just how easily the Thai can smile and that is promptly followed by a jealousy of how graceful and beautiful they look doing it. As an Englishman my attempts at smiling and especially for photographs leaves me in a sort of half way house situation. The captured outcome bears more resemblance to the grin of a serial killer than a smile. It comes to something when your best photographs are passport photographs, because you are not allowed to smile in them.
However the Thai people are just naturally brilliant at smiling. After all Thailand of course is known affectionately as the land of smiles. The land of smiles it certainly is, but what meaning is behind the smile. In the book ‘’ Watching The Thais ‘’ author Tom Tuohy identifies 13 different meanings behind the smile. So the next time or in the next situation that a Thai is smiling your way and with the help of this book, you might now have a better idea as to why.
The Delightful Thai Smile
The author looks at Collectivism versus Individualism and the way in which Thais like to do things in a group. I must admit to always finding this difficult as being a reserved Englishman my own space and solitude are high on my priority list. Tom points out that although the Thais may operate more as a group it still allows for a great deal of freedom within the realm.
There are some great stories and experiences throughout the book. I love the old adage that ‘people travel a thousand miles but never really leave home’. It applies to the western woman who complained bitterly because her food did not arrive on time or when she thought it should have arrived. The woman was so full of her own importance as an individual that she failed to see that it hits a brick wall in a collectivist society. The mistake made by the western lady was travelling thousands of miles and expecting everything to be the same as in her own country. The one thing to expect when visiting Thailand is that things are definitely going to be different.
There is also the account of what can happen when the normal cool hearted Thais lose their cool. This is illustrated in the story of the two feuding Thai males. An altercation took place between the two men and a weapon was introduced by one of them. It was only a respectful and lengthy wai from the younger man to the older machete wielding man that saved the younger man’s life. A wai is a gesture of respect made by placing the palms of the hands together at chin height.
A view Over Bangkok
They say the gaining of a true understanding of a race of people is through their customs and beliefs. This is certainly true, but furthermore an even greater understanding is through the superstitions of a race of people. The Thais are a very superstitious people and these superstitions apply throughout the various life categories. The author identifies superstitions for every occasion including marriage, death, gambling, sport and shopping just to name a few. There are superstitions like ‘do not drop chopsticks during the Chinese new year because you won’t make a good living’. Another one is ‘do not take off a ring from someone else’s finger because you will be taking away the people they love’ One of my own favourites has a lizard (jing jok) keeping you housebound.
‘If you hear a jing jok singing or making a racket when you are about to go out, then think again. This is a bad luck and means you should not go out today’
The author takes an in-depth look at Thais in the office and the areas in which Thais and Westerners differ with regards to work and these are plentiful. For myself having worked with Thais in Thailand and in the UK for the last 25 years I am well aware of the complications that can arise. This is not only from a western point of view, but from the Thais point of view as well. In the book there are some terrific insights on working with the Thais and life around the office.
Tom Tuohy has lived in Thailand for 15 years and his profession is a teacher. So when it comes to talking about Education and his time as a teacher in the kingdom of Thailand then he really comes in to his own. It impresses Tom at how highly valued education is in Thailand. Add to that the very high status a position of teacher holds in Thai society and you would think all is hunky dory. Yet besides the high regard for education, it has not been without its problems. The author speaks fondly of his time as a teacher in Thailand with some smashing stories and anecdotes. However at times it has been a battle against poor facilities, unmotivated students and disgruntled teachers. On the other hand some of the International schools in Thailand are some of the finest you will find anywhere in the world. They really are of an extremely high standard.
Lumpini Park, Bangkok
The Royal Thai Government are taking continued measures to improve and upgrade the standard and quality of teaching in Thailand. The author gives some tips in the book for improving your job prospects and skills as a teacher in the kingdom. Things like adding a certificate or two to your CV or teaching a course you have never taught before. Learning of course is something we should do continually in our professions anyway. As they say ‘the day you stop learning is the day you stop earning’.
One of the main topics of anyone’s time spent living in Thailand is the language. For me it’s a must and I am still a continued learner today. I can read, write and speak the language to a fair degree, but am still way off where I would like to be. I can still put my foot in it with regards to using tones which gives my Thai friends a few belly laughs. My claim to fame had to be back in 1986 when I got big-headed after learning a few lonely planet phrases. I was in a hotel somewhere on Sukhumvit road in Bangkok and decided to order some food in Thai over the phone. The conversation went on with difficulties admittedly, but when all discrepancies had been ironed out I waited for the room service. The amount of food that arrived could have fed an army I mean there were still things cooking that were being carried in. The look on the faces of the room service people and mine must have been a picture. It was a hard lesson learnt as I thought I had ordered about 3 dishes. In the end and when I had eaten my quota I invited any passing staff, chambermaids etc to sit and eat. I think it took about three sittings and there were still leftovers. It was quite funny as everyone had a good laugh at my expense and nobody was hungry. Tom gives some classic language stories and I can totally relate to him on language and word play. There is a passage that goes in to word play in-depth that is really very funny. Have you ever tried any Thai tongue twisters?
It’s then on to the serious side of business for a Thai and that’s eating. Having worked in the business of Thai food for over 10 years now I am totally aware of how important food and eating is to the Thai people. When I was up-country staying in Nakhon Sawan it would not be where are we going today, but what would we like to eat today. When having found out just what everyone would like to eat (as in where their favourite food or food vendor is located) then we would know the day’s destination. The author takes you through the various tastes of the regions of Thailand. The various regions all have their different tastes and influences and you are unveiled to a world of flavours. For me Thai food has to be the most delicious and most interesting in the world and it’s well explained by the author.
Food Glorious Food In Thailand
Finally the author touches on a number of subjects including the Thais fondness for shopping, romantic cross-cultural relationships and what can happen when things go bad in the relationships.
The author covers a great deal of ground giving chapter and verse of his time living and working in the land of smiles. There is something new here for everyone. The author covers all of the important questions we all ask about Thai life and living in Thailand. A thoroughly good read of which it is both amusing and informative.
Read more from Tom Tuohy at his blog here.
Two Weeks In Thailand: Visiting Bangkok, Hua Hin And Chiang Mai March 26, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Lamphun, Thai Culture, Thai Food, Thai Travel.Tags: 10 days vacation in Thailand, Bangkok to Hua Hin to Chiang Mai, Escape To Hua Hin Thailand, Khao Khalok Pranbury, Thailand itineraries, Two week vacation in Thailand
1 comment so far
I have been getting a few requests recently requiring advice on where to go and what to do in Thailand for an approximate 2 week period. The requests are not from people who want to sit on the beach all day, but from those that would like to get a fair grounding of the country in the time provided. The requests have expressed that the quieter sea-side town of Hua Hin and the culture of the north sound just the ticket. Combining these places with of course the bustling capital city of Bangkok gives a nice little trip in my opinion.
Wat Arun – The Temple Of Dawn, Bangkok
De-cluttering
With Thailand being a very warm climate I like to keep baggage down to the bare minimum. I have never found any fun in lugging around large suitcases in the hot sun full up with clothes that I won’t need. Most of the time you can get away with short sleeve shirts, shorts and flip-flops.
Having said that make sure you do bring some decent long sleeve shirts and smart trousers for men and classy dresses for women that cover the shoulders just in case you want to enter some of the fine temples. The Grand Palace for instance in Bangkok has a strict respectful dress code upon entering. If your attire is not acceptable you will have to change in to the temple provided attire before being allowed entry. Now before thinking to yourself I don’t think I will go to that much trouble, then think again. The Grand Palace is a must see as they say so dress appropriately.
The Grand Palace Complex, Bangkok
Welcome To Bangkok
As most people’s point of entry in to the kingdom of Thailand is Bangkok then it’s a good place to start. I have spoken before at odds that I could spend lots of time in Bangkok and never get bored. The country’s capital has always enthralled me. There are so many things to see and do in Bangkok it’s basically a Thailand trip on its own. From the older and fascinating China Town to the newer and glitzier Siam, Bangkok just oozes life. Last year I did a post on a 5 day itinerary to Bangkok. It doesn’t matter whether you intend to stay in Bangkok for two day’s or the full 5 day’s there is something here for everyone.
Link Here: Bangkok: A 5 Day Itinerary
From the traffic jams, heat and madness of Bangkok to the Royal sea side resort of Hua Hin on the west coast of Thailand. Incidentally I love the madness of Bangkok, but it is the Bangkokians themselves that choose Hua Hin as their preferential weekend escape. A lot of the Bangkok residents have second homes in and around the area of Hua Hin for just that reason…. Escapism.
The Royal Sea-side Resort Of Hua Hin
Hua Hin is just one beach town in the beautiful region of Prachuap Khiri Khan. There are plenty of other beaches literally a stone throw away at Cha – am, Suan Son, Ao Manow and some real beautiful beaches in the Pranbury area of Khao Khalok. In fact this is my favourite. Hua Hin at night has several excellent night markets to browse and the street food is really excellent. Pull up a seat in the night market at one of the many vendors specialising in their chosen dishes and be amazed by the delicious cuisine and the next to nothing prices. Of course with Hua Hin being a seaside resort there are always plenty of top class sea-food dishes to choose from. This once sleepy fishing town is not so sleepy any more and you can find plenty to do in and around Hua Hin both during the day and evening.
Khao Khalok, Pranbury
Here are a few of my tips regarding a guest house, breakfast place, bar , places to go and various other essentials. These tips are still current at this present moment.
Link Here: Hua Hin Guest House And 10 Helpful Tips
Once again to do with Hua Hin I enclose a link to another excellent site that covers a lot of information. This includes beaches, restaurants, accommodation, attractions you name it and they cover it.
Link Here: http://www.huahinafterdark.com/
Hua Hin, Thailand
From frantic, bustling but exciting Bangkok to the quieter sea-side and coastal life of Hua Hin it’s time to go North.
North To Chiang Mai
The North is a hot bed of culture, beautiful scenery and a slower pace of life. I must admit to having a soft spot for Chiang Mai. As Thailand’s second largest city It has all the everyday things a person could want, but without the mayhem of Bangkok. Don’t get me wrong it can still be busy during the rush hour traffic, but compared to Bangkok it’s nothing.
Kantoke at Cultural Chiang Mai
If you are not short on time then visits to Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle, Mae Hong Son, Pai and Yunnan are all must see places. For those perhaps on a two-week vacation then there are plenty of terrific places to visit on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. These places include some superb national parks like Doi Inthanon, the beautiful flower gardens and nature of Krisdadoi, the horse and cart riding town of Lampang and the very historical town of Lamphun to name a few.
The very beautiful Krisdadoi, Chiang Mai
More Information On Chiang Mai
Link Here: Images of Chiang Mai And Northern Thailand: 10 Must See And Do Attraction
Link Here: On The Way Up To Chiang Mai: Things To See And Do
Link Here: Sailomjoy Restaurant: A fantastic Restaurant In Chiang Mai, Thailand
Link Here: Where Can I Find A Guest House In Chiang Mai
Combining the capital city Bangkok with the seaside resort of Hua Hin and then taking in the culture of the North is an ideal mix for a trip. For a 10 day stay you might want to split your time in to a 3 day Bangkok, 3 day Hua Hin and 4 day Chiang Mai. For a 14 day stay you could then spend longer in the Chiang Mai area and get outside the area of Chiang Mai to some of the places mentioned above. If you have three weeks then I would stretch to 4 day’s in each Bangkok and the Hua Hin area use Chiang Mai as a base and explore the North with the rest of the time. You will need to add in time for travelling. The time you will need to allow will very much depend on how you are going to travel.
Domestic Travel
For speed and efficiency then domestic flying will be the way to go. If flying up to Chiang Mai then it will be best to arrive in the country first and head straight off to the sea-side resort of Hua Hin. After spending your 3 or 4 day’s in Hua Hin you can then spend another 3 or 4 day’s in Bangkok. The reason for this is so that you are in Bangkok to take your flight from Don Muang domestic airport straight up to Chiang Mai.
The other options of bus and train will take much longer. Approximate times and various ways to travel to Chiang Mai from Bangkok are covered in link 3 here. The lonely planet links cover most other general information.
Link Here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/transport/getting-there-away
Link Here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/transport/getting-around
Link Here: http://voices.yahoo.com/how-bangkok-chiang-mai-thailands-most-2347469.html
For more information and articles on Thailand please visit
Three Favourite Eating Places In Chiang Mai,Thailand March 5, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Chiang Mai, Thai Culture, Thai Food, Thai Travel, Thailand.Tags: Chiang Mai, Kaeng Ron Ban Suan, Khao Soi Noodles, Khao Soy Islam, Northern Thai food, Restaurants In Chiang Mai, The Goodview Restaurant Chiang Mai, Utsanee Treeyawarakul
add a comment
Guest Feature: Utsanee Treeyawarakul
For the final part on Northern Thai food with Utsanee Treeyawarakul I wanted to get a few tips on her favourite eating establishments in Chiang Mai.
Part One saw Utsanee give us her favourite Northern Thai dishes
Part Two saw Utsanee give us a superb Thai dinner menu that she would serve to invited guests.
Trevor: Can You Give Us Your Full Name Please
My name is Utsanee Treeyawarakul
Trevor: Can You Tell Us Your Line Of Work
Utsanee: I am a middle level manager in a modern trade company. My function is to serve the Board Of Directors responsible for ensuring that a company complies with the SET & SEC Ministry of commerce regulations and maintains standards of corporate governance.
Trevor: Could you give us three of your favourite eating places in Chiang Mai
Utsanee
1) One of my favourite places to eat in Chiang Mai is Khao Soy Islam.
Khao Soi noodles are immensely popular and a speciality dish here in the North of Thailand. They are really quite delicious and consist of egg noodles with either beef or chicken in a soup like base. Other ingredients consist of Shallot wedges, sweet and spicy pickled cabbage, lime, garlic, turmeric, curry powder and a red chilli sauce. The ingredients may vary as there are several versions of Khao Soi noodles.
The serving of chicken or beef is the same, but the noodles are eggy with very little coconut milk. The Nam Prik Pao or the Chilli jam is made of roasted chillies and salt in oil. This style is based on the Yunnan / Sichuan style.
Details Here
http://www.bangkokpost.com/food/restaurants/listing/khao-soy-islam/9274/
2) Another of my favourite restaurants in Chiang Mai is Kaeng Ron Ban Suan
This restaurant serves real authentic northern Thai dishes and the food is absolutely delicious. It’s known as Lanna cuisine. The dishes are influenced by a combination of Northern Thailand, Burmese, Indian and Chinese. They do a fantastic ‘’ Gang Hanglay’’.
Details Here
http://www.bangkokpost.com/food/restaurants/thai/listing/kaeng-ron-ban-suan/9763
A write up about the restaurant and the type of dishes it serves here.
http://tableforthreeplease.com/2011/01/chiang-mai-kaeng-ron-ban-suan/
3) The last restaurant is called ‘’ The Good view Restaurant’’
This restaurant is quite well known and serving great food and laying on fine entertainment. In fact this restaurant has been going since 1996 and has a wide range of choices including Thai, Japanese, Chinese and European cuisine. A great venue for bands, singing, dancing and eating. In fact the street on Chareonrat road where the Goodview is located has a few of these types of venues. If you want a livelier setting then this is your restaurant.
http://goodview.co.th/2010/about.php
Trevor: Thankyou to Utsanee for giving us her favourite eating places in Chiang Mai. I am hoping in the near future to get Utsanee’s travel tips.
For more information and articles about Thailand Please see here
A Truly Delicious Thai Dinner Party Menu February 25, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Chiang Mai, Thai Food, Thailand.Tags: Crispy Golden Brown Prawn Cakes, Crispy rice crackers with a seasoned creamy shrimp and ground pork dipping sauce, hosting a Thai dinner party for friends, Mixed Vegetables With Stir – Fried Pork, Pork Panang Curry, Stir – Fried Crab Curry, Thai style Pork Satay, Utsanee Treeyawarakul
1 comment so far
Guest Feature: Utsanee Treeyawarakul
I was grateful to Utsanee Treeyawarakul a northern Thai lady who’s passionate about her regions food for giving me her time to answer a few of my questions on her favourite dishes and must have dishes in Part one.
This time I ask Utsanee to give me a dinner party menu that she would put together if entertaining guests. Utsanee did not disappoint as this is a classic menu.
Introduction To Utsanee
Trevor: Can You Give Us Your Full Name Please
My name is Utsanee Treeyawarakul
Trevor: Can You Tell Us Your Line Of Work
Utsanee: I am a middle level manager in a modern trade company. My function is to serve the Board Of Directors responsible for ensuring that a company complies with the SET & SEC Ministry of commerce regulations and maintains standards of corporate governance.
Trevor: If you were hosting a Thai dinner party for friends, what dishes would you give them? Let’s say if you were putting it together in a western style of appetisers and main courses.
Appetisers
1) Moo Satay
Thai style Pork Satay
หมูสะเต๊ะ
A superb appetiser that’s not only fairly simple to make, but also absolutely delicious at the same time. You will find this tasty morsel all over Thailand whether in the restaurants or out among the many food vendors that line the streets. Serve with a peanut dip and the white cucumber dip these are a must for complimenting fine Satay.
Ingredients include marinated tenderloin pork, soy sauce, garlic, pepper, coconut milk, turmeric powder, coriander root, lemon grass water and a bit of sugar and salt.
Moo Satay
2) Khao Tang Na Tang
Crispy rice crackers with a seasoned creamy shrimp and ground pork dipping sauce
ข้าวตังหน้าตั้ง
Traditionally the rice crackers are made from the rice at the bottom of the rice cooker. The chefs would roll the final layers of rice in to ball shapes and dry in the sun for about two days. The rice crackers are then deep-fried until crispy and served with the delicious shrimp and pork dipping sauce.
The dish consists of ground pork, shrimps, coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, roasted peanuts, chopped garlic, finely chopped coriander and chopped shallots.
rice crackers with a seasoned creamy shrimp and ground pork dipping sauce
3) Thot Man Gung
Crispy Golden Brown Prawn Cakes
ทอดมันกุ้ง
Another very tasty dish especially with the appropriate chilli dipping sauce and I must admit for this one I enjoy more for dinner party eating than the stroll around the market nibbling eating. Either way though you will love them.
Ingredients include Red Thai curry paste, lime leaf, long green beans, egg, fish sauce and the vitally important chilli dipping sauce.
Prawn Cakes
Main Courses
1) Lon Pu Khem
Salted Crab Meat Stew
หลนปูเค็ม
Now we enter the world of sea-food and Thais have restaurants specifically designated to sea-food lovers. In Thailand you can eat sea-food until your heart’s content.
Ingredients include Salted crab, coconut milk, shallots, tamarind juice, palm sugar, coriander and spring onion.
Salted Crab Meat Stew
2) Panang Moo Ruu Nua
Pork Panang Curry
แพนงหมูหรือเนื้อ
There are so many choices of curry to choose from in Thailand that it’s easy to become confused, but once you have learned the names of the curries you will be home and dry. The reason for this is because each curry has it’s own distinct taste. Most Thais prefer Panang with either pork or beef meat. This example is of Pork.
Ingredients include Pork meat, Panang curry paste, coconut milk, lime leaf, sweet basil, sugar and fish sauce.
Pork Panang Curry
3) Nua Pu Phat Pong Gari
Stir – Fried Crab Curry
เนื้อปูผัดผงกะหรี่
Out of the sea-food restaurants I have been to I would have to say that this dish is my favourite. I certainly have a strong liking for the yellow curry taste and the crab is tremendous. One restaurant in Bangkok I like has this dish as it’s signature dish and it’s simply superb.
Ingredients include crab meat, curry powder spring onion, garlic, celery, soy sauce and fish sauce.
Stir Fried Crab Curry
4) Pla Gao Nung Manow
Steamed Fish With Lemon
ปลาเก๋านึ่งมะนาว
Some superb delicious ingredients go in to this dish and a very healthy meal in to the bargain. What could be better than steamed fish, fresh chillies, lemon and garlic……. hmmm so good?
Ingredients include steam fish something like snapper or sea bass, slices of lemon, garlic, fresh chillies, lemon juice and fish sauce.
Steamed Fish With Lemon
5) Phat Phak Ruam Mit Muu Grop
Mixed Vegetables With Stir – Fried Pork
ผัดผักรวมมิตรหมูกรอบ
No dinner Thai dinner party is complete without a mixed vegetable dish and add in some slices of crunchy roast pork and you will have most Thais in heaven.
Ingredients include Roast pork belly, stir fried with 4 or 5 of your favourite mixed vegetables, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce and a sprinkling of sugar.
Mixed Vegetables With Stir – Fried Pork
Thank you Utsanee a truly wonderful menu for a dinner party and one I would like to be invited to.
Coming Very Soon
Utsanee gives us a few of her favourite eating out places in Chiang Mai.
Don’t miss the third part on food by Utsanee
For more information and articles about Thailand Please see here
Retirement Abroad: Ever Thought About Hua Hin,Thailand? February 18, 2013
Posted by scholes346 in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Life Design, Living In Thailand, Thai Culture, Thai Language, Thai Travel.Tags: Early Retirement Thailand, Hua Hin, Life Design Hua Hin, Life Design Thailand, Lifestyle Thailand, Living in Thailand, Mark Stephens Freelance Writer, Retirement Hua Hin, Retirement Thailand, Visiting Hua Hin
1 comment so far
I have had a few inquiries on travel destinations in Thailand that I have already covered on the blog. So it got me thinking that as so many posts have been posted now,you might have missed them or had trouble finding what you were looking for.
I have decided that in between continuing with new posts on this blog that I would tidy up and organise some of the existing posts as well. So I have decided to put them in to categories. There have been some absolutely outstanding guest interviews and articles posted and a lot of information based posts. So I thought it was time for a clear up operation.
Today starts with the beach resort town of Hua Hin which is one of the 8 districts of the Prachuap Khiri Khan region.
Whenever I am in Thailand and no matter what else I do. I always make sure I get over to the beach resort of Hua Hin to spend a few quality days.
Hua Hin Posts
We start off with the interview I did last year with British Ex pat and superb Freelance Writer and Editor Mark Stephens. This was actually an updated version to the one I did with him in 2011. You can find the links to those through these more recent editions. Like the professional Mark is he did not just slightly alter what he said in the first interview, but merely started from scratch giving chapter and verse. He not only spoke about Hua Hin where he lives and has lived for 8 years, but gave some fantastic advice on living in Thailand in general.
Beaches of the area
1) In part One Mark talks about
- His favourite Thai food dishes
- Favourite places to visit in Thailand
- Favourite eating places in Hua Hin
- Three must visit places in and around Hua Hin
- Money saving tips for Thailand
Beach town of Hua Hin
2) In Part two Mark talks about
- Life in Hua Hin
- Cost of living in Hua Hin
- Crime rate of Hua Hin
- Cross-Cultural relationships
Fantastic indoor markets
3) In Part three Mark talks about
- Learning Thai
- Writing
- Favourite Thai songs
- Gives an important piece of advice
Life in Hua Hin
4) For the next post whilst in Hua Hin I went in to life Design mode. This is what my day looks like. I had a combination of ….
- Work
- Exercise
- Sunshine
- Good food
- Nutrition for the mind
http://engagingthailandtips.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/life-design-in-hua-hin/
Wow an empty beach
5) The final post was based on a few top tips I have put together for finding the important things of Hua Hin and as of now February 2013 they are all still there.
Tips On….
- Accommodation
- A great bar for a drink and watching the football
- Night markets
- The beach
- Mall
- Getting around
- Super internet cafe with great rates.
http://engagingthailandtips.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/hua-hin-guesthouse-and-10-helpful-tips/
Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin
I hope you found the information in these posts useful and for more information on Thailand please visit the website at www.engagingthailand.com
