JANUARY 26, 2024
Explore the Delicious Delights of
Northern Thai Food
F rom chilli pastes, pork curries to lesser-known pumpkin fries, cuisine from the north of Thailand is a quaintly spicy world of its own. Next time you head up north, here’s a list of dishes you shouldn’t miss. Amid the setting of mountain valleys with a cool, rainy climate, the food served in this region will not be complete without a side of pungent dips and some warm sticky rice. Much influence has trickled down from the Lanna and Isan kingdoms, which explains the many similarities northern and Isan dishes share. The good news for chilli newbies is that the northern palate is not as fiery as its Isan counterpart. But you can be sure to expect lots of fresh vegetables, smoky grills and herb-rich curries.
3. Khao Soi Gai This dish made from egg noodles with a curry broth is arguably one of the main poster dishes for northern Thai cuisine. It comprises a comforting coconut-based curry broth, egg noodles, chicken thighs (or beef) and is topped with a tangle of nest-like crunchy fried noodles. Served with sliced shallots, chilli oil and lime wedges for a refreshing zing, it’s a dish easily loved by all. There are also Muslim variations using beef or lamb.
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Image by Huen Lamphun Image by Nicrazii Wdfc/ Wongnai
Image by Pongpipat Makchouy
4. Sai Oua Every nation and region has its own version of sausages and the type from the north of Thailand, sai oua, is one that packs a spicy punch. Literally translated from Thai as intestines (sai) and the local dialect for “to stuff” (oua), the minced pork sausage is seasoned with garlic, herbs, red curry paste and chilli. Enjoy them with sticky rice as an entrée if you will but they’re equally delish as an hors-d’oeuvre at a whisky party.
2. Khao Lam This inexpensive sticky rice in bamboo dessert (usually starting at 20 baht apiece) is made by stuffing a mixture of sticky rice, sugar, coconut milk and sometimes boiled black beans into a hollow bamboo joint. For fancier choices for the stuffing, taro or young coconut are sometimes thrown into the mix too. It’s a sweet treat that’s enjoyed in the north as well as in Isaan (Thailand’s northeastern region). After being roasted over charcoal, the sweet snack is then enjoyed while still warm. Grab yours while it’s still hot! 1. Krabong Fans of all things fried will love this lesser-known snack from the north. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, krabong makes for a flavourful snack as the flour batch used to coat the strips of vegetables are also mixed with a spicy paste. Papaya, banana blossoms or onions may be used, but the main star is usually pumpkin. Chiang Mai fries, anyone?
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Image by Pixabay
Image by Huen Lamphun
5. Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiew Getting its red colour from the main base of tomatoes, the watery broth in this noodle dish is a sweet and sour mix which also includes cubes of pork blood alongside pork meat. The freshness you’ll get from these rice noodles with pork and tomato also comes with the bean sprouts, pickled mustard greens, fried garlic and chilli and a touch of lime and crispy pork rinds to top it all off.
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THAILAND ONE
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