Thailand, a land of vibrant culture and delectable cuisine, offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend ancient traditions with modern influences. This journey through Thailand will take you from bustling markets to serene temples, revealing the heart of Thai culture and its irresistible food scene.
Bangkok: The Heartbeat of Thailand
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in the world, is a treasure trove for food lovers. Sprawling over 35 acres, it boasts more than 15,000 stalls. The market’s food section is a sensory overload with vendors offering everything from coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell to the famed mango sticky rice. The aroma of grilled meats and freshly made pad Thai fills the air, making it impossible to resist sampling the offerings.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
No visit to Bangkok is complete without a stop at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located within the Grand Palace complex, this temple is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha, a statue carved from a single piece of jade, is revered by Thais. Visitors can witness traditional ceremonies and rituals, gaining a deeper understanding of Thai spirituality.
Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
Bangkok’s Chinatown, especially Yaowarat Road, is a haven for street food enthusiasts. Here, the streets are lined with vendors selling dim sum, duck noodles, and a variety of exotic fruits. The atmosphere is electric, with the hustle and bustle of traders and the enticing scent of food wafting through the air. Chinatown is not just a place to eat but a cultural experience that reflects Bangkok’s diverse heritage.
Chiang Mai: A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the city’s vibrant night scene. The market offers an array of goods, from artisan crafts to fashion. But the highlight is the food. Here, you can savor Khao Soi, a rich coconut curry noodle soup, and Sai Oua, a flavorful Northern Thai sausage. The Night Bazaar encapsulates the essence of Chiang Mai’s cultural fusion and culinary diversity.
Doi Suthep Temple
Perched on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep Temple is both a spiritual and tourist destination. The temple’s golden pagoda shines brightly, visible from the city below. Visitors can climb the 309 steps to the temple, where they are rewarded with panoramic views and a peaceful ambiance. The temple is a testament to the importance of Buddhism in Thai culture and offers insight into local religious practices.
Cooking Classes
Chiang Mai is renowned for its cooking schools, where visitors can learn the art of Thai cooking. These classes often start with a market tour to select fresh ingredients. Under the guidance of experienced chefs, participants prepare traditional dishes such as green curry, papaya salad, and sticky rice with mango. This hands-on experience is an excellent way to immerse oneself in Thai culinary traditions.
Phuket: Coastal Cuisine and Cultural Festivals
Old Phuket Town
Old Phuket Town is a charming area filled with Sino-Portuguese architecture, reflecting its historical influences. The town’s streets are dotted with local eateries where you can enjoy Hokkien Mee, a stir-fried noodle dish, or sample dim sum. Walking through Old Phuket Town feels like stepping back in time, with its preserved buildings and traditional shops.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, held annually, is one of the most unique cultural events in Thailand. The festival is known for its extreme rituals performed by devotees, including body piercings and fire-walking. However, it’s also a gastronomic event where local vendors serve an array of vegetarian dishes. The festival showcases the spiritual devotion and culinary creativity of the Thai-Chinese community in Phuket.
Phuket Night Markets
Phuket’s night markets, such as Chillva Market and Malin Plaza, are popular spots for both locals and tourists. These markets are vibrant, with colorful stalls selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. The highlight, however, is the food. Grilled seafood, tropical fruits, and roti pancakes are just a few of the delights on offer. The lively atmosphere and diverse food options make Phuket’s night markets a must-visit.
Ayutthaya: A Glimpse into Thailand’s Past
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya, once the capital of Thailand, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, with its ancient ruins and temples, offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. Walking among the ruins, visitors can imagine the grandeur of the former kingdom. The historical context enhances the experience of enjoying local culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Riverside Dining
In Ayutthaya, dining by the river with a view of the ancient ruins is a unique experience. Many riverside restaurants serve traditional Thai dishes, such as river prawn curry and boat noodles. The combination of delicious food and a scenic backdrop creates an unforgettable dining experience that connects the past with the present.
Ayutthaya Floating Market
The Ayutthaya Floating Market is a smaller, more tranquil version of its counterparts in Bangkok. Vendors on boats sell a variety of goods, including handmade crafts and traditional foods. Visitors can sample boat noodles, coconut pancakes, and tropical fruits while enjoying the serene environment. The market is a reflection of Thailand’s rich trading history and river-based culture.
Floating Markets: A Unique Thai Experience
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak is the most famous floating market in Thailand. Located just outside Bangkok, it offers a bustling atmosphere with vendors selling their goods from boats. The market is a sensory feast, with the sight of colorful boats, the sound of vendors calling out, and the smell of freshly cooked food. Iconic dishes such as boat noodles, coconut pancakes, and a variety of tropical fruits are a must-try.
Amphawa Floating Market
Amphawa Floating Market, another popular destination, offers a more relaxed evening market experience. Located on the Mae Klong River, the market is famous for its seafood, particularly grilled prawns and squid. The market’s charm lies in its setting, with wooden houses lining the canal and vendors cooking on their boats. Amphawa provides a glimpse into traditional Thai riverside living and culinary practices.
Conclusion
Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene offer an array of experiences for travelers. From the bustling markets of Bangkok and the spiritual temples of Chiang Mai to the historical sites of Ayutthaya and the coastal delights of Phuket, each destination has its unique charm. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a culture buff, Thailand promises a journey filled with unforgettable flavors and traditions. So pack your bags and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful country.
Thai Green Fish Curry
Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai Green Fish Curry. This easy recipe features tender fish, fresh herbs, and a rich coconut curry sauce.
Thai Green Fish Curry is a vibrant and aromatic dish embodying Thai cuisine’s essence. Known for its balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, this curry features succulent fish simmered in a rich and creamy coconut milk base infused with fresh green curry paste. The addition of vegetables and fragrant herbs like basil and kaffir lime leaves enhances the dish, making it a delightful and satisfying meal. Perfect for those who appreciate the complexity of Thai flavors, Thai Green Fish Curry is both a comforting and exotic culinary experience.
Preparation and cooking time
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Easy
- Serves 2
Your midweek lunch will taste better with these flaky slices of fish cooked in a mild Thai green curry sauce and creamy coconut milk—they’re ready in only 10 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Curry Paste
- 1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), including stems
- 4-6 green chilies, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 piece of fresh ginger (1-inch), grated
- 1 piece of fresh galangal (1-inch), grated (optional)
- 2 lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Curry:
- 1 pound firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 cup fish stock or water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1-2 tablespoons green curry paste (store-bought or homemade from above)
- 1-2 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce, to taste
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, snap peas, bamboo shoots)
- Fresh basil leaves and coriander for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Green Curry Paste:
Blend all the curry paste ingredients in a food processor or blender until you get a smooth paste. You can add a bit of water if needed to help blend the ingredients. Set aside.
Cook the curry:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of the green curry paste (adjust according to your spice preference) and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk and fish stock, stirring well to combine with the paste.
- Add the torn kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the Fish and Vegetables:
- Add the fish chunks and mixed vegetables to the pan.
- Simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked and the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce or sugar if needed.
Serve:
- Garnish the curry with fresh basil leaves and coriander.
- Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice and lime wedges on the side.
- Enjoy your “Thai Green Fish Curry,” a delicious and aromatic Southeast Asian dish that brings the flavors of Thailand to your table!
VISIT US FOR SUSTAINABLE PACIFIC COD
Tips:
- Fish Selection: This dish calls for fresh, whole white fish. We recommend using Pacific Cod (also called gray cod and grayfish), which are smaller than their Atlantic cousins, averaging 2-3 feet in length and around 15 pounds.
- These true cod have a gray coloration with extensive dark brown spots across their bodies. Pacific cod live in the northern Pacific Ocean, particularly the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Their meat has a slightly firmer texture and sweeter flavor than Atlantic cod. These Pacific cod are a staple of Alaskan cuisine, specifically in fish tacos, baked Pacific cod, blackened cod, and smoked fish dip.
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of Thai chilies or remove the seeds.
- Presentation: For a more dramatic presentation, you can serve the fish on a platter with additional garnishes, such as thinly sliced lime, extra cilantro, and some thinly sliced lemongrass.
- Be sure to “dry out” the curry paste. The first step in this recipe may be crucial for an excellent curry to have the depth of flavour you desire. Drying out the curry paste and sautéing the aromatics improves the dish’s taste.
- Avoid simmering the sauce too long. The sauce needed to have been decreased after the fish was added. This is not a thick curry recipe, so it will still be on the thinner side, which is how it should be. Simmering the sauce too long can cause it to darken.
Serving Suggestions
Thai green curry is typically served over jasmine rice. You could try brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa for a lower-carb option. Since the sauce is thin, having some sort of rice is essential to soak up all the flavor!
Naan bread is another excellent addition for soaking up any extra sauce, and the cool flavour of this creamy cucumber salad contrasts with the spicy green curry.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- How to store leftovers. Leftover Thai curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store leftovers promptly, and do not leave them at room temperature for more than an hour before refrigerating.
- How to reheat leftovers. Leftover curry can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reheat until hot, and do not simmer the sauce too much to avoid thickening it or overcooking the fish.