As I am departing Laos in a few days I thought I would touch on a subject that is core to the travel experience; food. The selecting and eating of cuisine is a highlight and a dominant feature of each day. Thai food of course is world renowned for classic dishes such as Pad Thai and Green Curry. I was suprised that these too were popular too in Thailand outside the tourist areas and are not just some western corruption of Thai cuisine. Whilst I tried many kinds of dishes I also tried many variations of Pad Thai, no two are the same. Whilst Thai food is spicy and diverse, Lao food is more subtle and limited in range. The dish that is most common and for me is now synonymous with Laos is rice noodle soup, kind of like the Vietnamese pho. Baguets abound in Lao, a legacy of the French colonial period, which is welcome given the absence of bread in Thailand. So far I have had little trouble finding vegetarian food, although tofu seems to be a rairity (more a Chinese thing?). Chang Mai was particuarly satisfying as it had an abundance of vegetarian places to eat. I would like to now mention a few of my favorite dishes so far:
~My first street food experience- Pad Thai on the streets of China Town on the second night. And for only a dollar.
~The Vegetable Masala Dosa from the Indian Emporium in Bangkok-Not Thai or Lao but oh so good.
~Tofu and mushrooms in a black sauce at the night market overlooking the river in Ayuthaya.
~ Green beans, Tofu and mushrooms with ginger over brown rice at AUM Organic restaurant on Christmas eve in Chang Mai. (and an excellent vegi burger on Christmas day)
~Mekong River Weed- Like nori sheets but with a more subtle flavour and less salty. Served with garlic and seasame seeds.
~Lao Red curry with sticky rice on the balcony of a bungalow (not my bungalow) on New Years Eve- Possibly the best curry I have ever had.
~Pancakes in Southern Thailand, Roti in Northern Thailand and Crepes in Laos, excellent after any meal.
~Fruit Shakes!
I have of course experienced some cravings, some of them odd, for food from home. Some of these include: Avocado, olive oil, oats, brown bread, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, oats, scones with cream and jam I really dont know why but I just want them. The things you only miss when you can not have them!
~My first street food experience- Pad Thai on the streets of China Town on the second night. And for only a dollar.
~The Vegetable Masala Dosa from the Indian Emporium in Bangkok-Not Thai or Lao but oh so good.
~Tofu and mushrooms in a black sauce at the night market overlooking the river in Ayuthaya.
~ Green beans, Tofu and mushrooms with ginger over brown rice at AUM Organic restaurant on Christmas eve in Chang Mai. (and an excellent vegi burger on Christmas day)
~Mekong River Weed- Like nori sheets but with a more subtle flavour and less salty. Served with garlic and seasame seeds.
~Lao Red curry with sticky rice on the balcony of a bungalow (not my bungalow) on New Years Eve- Possibly the best curry I have ever had.
~Pancakes in Southern Thailand, Roti in Northern Thailand and Crepes in Laos, excellent after any meal.
~Fruit Shakes!
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| A Banana Pancake I had in Thailand |
I have of course experienced some cravings, some of them odd, for food from home. Some of these include: Avocado, olive oil, oats, brown bread, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, oats, scones with cream and jam I really dont know why but I just want them. The things you only miss when you can not have them!
My mouth waters...Pad Thai off the street would have to be my favourite food in Thailand. Fruit shakes easily comes in first as best drink. Banana pancake dripping in rice syrup was also a fav about mid morning. A spicy green curry and a Beer Chang for dinner can't be beaten.
ReplyDeleteNow in Vietnam there is a whole new world of food. Had some really good vegetable spring rolls today!
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