Showing 1 - 10 of 27
The non-national national dish
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 26/05/2019
» Chinese food served in Thailand can be divided by Chinese language groups. The Cantonese specialise in roasted and grilled dishes such as roast duck, grilled pork, bamee moo daeng (noodle with red pork), and bamee rad na naw mai (noodle topped with bamboo shoots in gravy). Hakka Chinese are very good at preparing noodles served with pork balls and tofu balls. The Hainanese are famous for khao man gai (Hainanese chicken rice) and stewed mutton while the Suchow Chinese (Teochew) are experts in boiled and stir-fried foods.
Only a prawn in the game
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 31/03/2019
» If you were thinking of treating yourself to some fine freshwater fare, then giant river prawn might well be high up on your wish list. Be prepared to get the wallet out, though, because if you've ever wondered what the most expensive freshwater creature in Thailand is, now you know the answer.
Little shops of honour
Brunch, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 21/01/2018
» While I have written many times about fresh markets in various regions, it should not be forgotten that the humble grocery store can also play an invaluable role in home cooking.
Old names for a new sensation
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 10/07/2016
» When a popular food or way of eating remains a favourite over time, it lodges deep in people's memories. Even if the food in its original form changes or disappears completely, new ones that come in to replace it will often be referred to by the famous old name.
Ugliness is only skin deep
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 08/05/2016
» I'm pretty sure that there are few people who would call the plaa chon, or snakehead, an attractive fish. Its head really does look like the head of a snake. Its scaly skin looks serpentine and sometimes has patterns that resemble those of some snakes. What's more, it has a powerful fishy smell and is so vigorous that when selling it at the market the vendor has to kill it by smashing its head before impaling it on a long steel skewer to straighten it out, since even after its head has been destroyed it continues to writhe. This is done because the snakehead has slimy skin that would otherwise make it hard to hold on to for scaling. Animal torture very definitely, although you will only have to witness it if you buy the fish to cook yourself.
The old and the new
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 24/01/2016
» When you read old Thai cookbooks, you will find certain very specific descriptive words often appear with the instructions on how to prepare a dish. These can be very interesting, as they give an insight into how cooks of the past chose the ingredients and techniques that would ensure the dish would turn out at its best.
Gather around Chinese table
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 25/10/2015
» Most people who have enjoyed a to jeen (Chinese table) meal probably think it is a style of eating of Chinese origin that was spread though the world, including to Thailand, by Chinese emigrants. A to jeen meal is eaten at a large, round table that seats 10, with Chinese dishes brought out gradually over time, from appetisers through soup, main dishes of different types based on fish, chicken, duck, pork, then fried rice, and finally dessert. In all, 10 dishes will be served to the 10 people sitting at each table, and afterwards the guests are expected to be so full that they could not manage even one more mouthful.
On farms, the grass really is greener
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 27/09/2015
» In the past, people in Thailand, both ordinary villagers and farmers, always enjoyed good quality meats that came from natural sources like forests, fields and rivers. But nowadays meat of this kind has become scarcer as demand has increased. The result is that many kinds of meat have to be farmed.
Save our small shops
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 26/07/2015
» Supermarkets and small retailers have been on hostile terms ever since supermarkets first showed up here. If a supermarket opens in the provinces or in some amphoe, warlike rumblings can be heard.
A taste of adventure
B Magazine, Suthon Sukphisit, Published on 12/07/2015
» Travelling brings knowledge as well as pleasure and excitement. As we explore new places we find out about their famous sites, religion, traditions and society. But just as importantly, we have the opportunity to taste and learn about new food; local dishes not to be found elsewhere.