Thai cheese from Vivin Grocery in Bangkok
Years ago, this blog asked whether cheese was also produced in Thailand in addition to the many dairy products. The general conclusion was that some “soft” cheeses were only made by a few enthusiastic hobbyists. “Hard” cheese – compare Gouda, Edam, Stilton – of Thai origin was then and still is not commercially available.
But look, at least for the soft cheeses there is a positive change. Vivin Grocery in Bangkok offers a range of more than 20 Thai cheeses on a number of pages on its website. All cheeses are produced using traditional methods from unpasteurized milk from Thai cows and goats. In addition to common names such as feta, mozzarella and ricotto, there are cheeses with Thai names such as santhong, ton kwen, huay bong. So plenty of choice and the cheese can be ordered on those pages, see https://vivingrocery.com/product-category/grocery/cheese
Vivin Grocery in Bangkok
Vivin Grocery's range is not limited to Thai cheese, there is a wide choice of organically grown fruit and vegetables, fine meats, luxury bread products, even Iranian caviar is in stock. These products can also be purchased or ordered, but what is special is that each of the two shops has a bistro restaurant, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. The two branches are located in the Thong Lor and Asok districts, the exact location can be found on the website.
Thai Cheese Tour with VIVIN Grocery and Friends: “Thai Cheese Rocks!”
In the coming year, VIVIN Grocery will tour Thailand. The Thai Cheese Tour 2023-2024 presents a culinary odyssey in collaboration with a number of renowned establishments, promising to merge the excitement of a rock concert with the delights of artisanal Thai cheeses. This innovative tour will tantalize cheese lovers with a fully Thai cheese experience like never before.
Hua Hin Today
The next performance in the series will take place on Saturday, January 27th at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel. The detailed program of Hua Hin Today can be found at this link: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/the-thai-cheese-tour-hits-the-beachside-at-nomada-dusit-thani-hua-hin
Other places visited during the year are Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Kao Yai and Bangkok. Earlier in November 2023, Hua Hin Today published the complete program of these places via this link: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/thai-cheese-tour-with-vivin-grocery-and-friends-2023-2024-thai-cheese-rocks-2
Finally
Unfortunately, my hometown Pattaya is missing from the list of places that can expect the Thai Cheese Tour. I'll have to travel to Bangkok at least for that. However, I secretly hope that a third branch of Vivin Grocery will be opened somewhere in Pattaya, because let's face it, isn't Pattaya, after perhaps Bangkok, the culinary capital of Thailand? Well then!
Coincidentally, I am currently making my own cheese again.
In August 2023 I published another series of articles, here on TB, on how this works.
It's really not difficult and certainly not labor intensive. You just have to be patient as the entire process takes about three weeks.
I remember your contribution. Was very interesting.
Cheese in Thailand is anything but cheap, especially if it is imported. I see on the website of this topic that they offer an extensive range. However, the prices are for people with deep pockets.
On the other hand, I think this is a great initiative, especially if all this is produced locally. Hopefully the quality is a lot better than the locally produced wines because unfortunately the latter is of no use.
If you search on Google or the Lazada site you will find various online shops that have many types of cheese. Dutch, Swiss, Italian etc. cheese. Lots of choice and cheaper than the shop in Bangkok!
Thai local cheese production is indeed getting better and more tasty.
I think there are currently about 3 very good producers and suppliers who are now able to copy French cheeses. The price is of course also a lot more attractive because the import tax is then eliminated.
However, if you are interested in Dutch Gouda or Old Amsterdam cheese, you can visit the web shop http://www.dutchcheese4you.shop which, in addition to cheeses, also offers various cold cuts, sausages and other items.
I entered Thailand 2 months ago, with 5 large round cheeses in my wife and I's suitcase.
Not that I couldn't afford them here, NO, just call it too stubborn or too economical to pay these absurd prices.
Just like with many foreign products, I also have the impression that the export costs are certainly not the only ones that make these products so expensive.
In the eyes of the State and certainly the large supermarkets, it is almost a free pass, because the farang/expat has no other price alternative.
Of course, if you live in Thailand, you also have to adapt to their eating habits, it is often said.
But which expat who has worked hard all his life, for his pension and a beautiful evening of life, is prepared to slurp his rice soup in the morning like a Thai, instead of a delicious piece of bread with cheese, etc.?
The same applies to a wine lover, who now suddenly has to pay the top price of 5 or even more Baht for his wine that he bought in Europe for 8 to 1000 Euro.
I know that other things are cheaper, but in sum if you don't want to or can't miss all this, Thailand is quite expensive for a spoiled European.
I love my wife very much and respect her for coming to live in Europe for me, because I doubt I could fall in love enough to leave all this behind.
Not that I don't think Thailand is a beautiful country, but the price was too high for me, because I had to pay what I imagine would be a beautiful evening of life.
That's how we do it, every year we go on holiday to the Netherlands and back with 4 suitcases of 23 kilos full of cheese, salami, smoked sausage, licorice, etc.
We don't carry any clothes with us, they stay with family for next year.
Back from the Netherlands three months ago after staying there for a few weeks.
My partner loves: French smoked sausage, French cheeses and Dutch Beemster cheese, salted herring, smoked mackerel, smoked rainbow trout, bitterballen and croquettes.
So everything packed, more than 15 kg plus a bottle of Grand Marnier, 1 1/2 liters of whiskey, NZ white wine and French Cote du Rhone, suitcases full, all in all 2 times 23 kg (including Sinterklaas and Christmas gifts for partner and children) and little or nothing in terms of clothing for myself because I live here and have more than enough. were busy b
Is it allowed to import this (everything except the cheese is frozen), I have no idea, once in Chiang Mai 1 suitcase had to go through the scanner for inspection, as the officials were busy with a couple from India who had a suitcase full of parcels and boxes, I took my suitcase out of the machine, to the surprise of one of the officials, and walked to my partner and children.
In September I have to go to the Netherlands again, this time for the very last time and I will take the delicacies with me on my return trip, again I don't know whether it is allowed, but I can see it all, it's a shame if it doesn't work.
Best regards,
MeeYak