World famous Thai cuisine: regional dishes (video)

Kaeng tai pla

Thailand geographically consists of four distinct regions: the Central Region, the North, the Northeast (often referred to as Isan), and the South. These four regions developed their own unique and distinctive dishes. You can see some examples of this in this video.

The central region is known for green curry and Tom Yam. From the north comes Kaeng ho, a soup made with bamboo shoots. Khao Soi, a curry broth with egg noodles and chicken, pork or beef is also recommended. You should definitely try Kaeng hang. This is a pork curry spiced with ginger, tamarind and turmeric. The northeast is famous for the delicious Somtam, a spicy papaya salad. The taste of the south comes into its own in Kaeng tai pla, a very hot curry made with fish, green beans, bamboo shoots and potato and Massaman curry is also delicious.

Here is an overview of the culinary characteristics of each of these regions:

Central region

The central region of Thailand, including the capital city of Bangkok, is characterized by its fertile paddy fields and abundant waterways. Here, Thai cuisine is at its most refined and varied, with influences from both the court and foreign merchants. Rice is the main ingredient in this region and is usually served with a variety of curries, stir-fries and soups. Typical ingredients are coconut milk, palm sugar, fish sauce and a range of fresh vegetables and herbs. Some famous dishes from this region are Tom Yum (a spicy shrimp soup), Kaeng Kari (yellow curry) and Pad Thai (fried noodles).

Northern region

The mountainous northern region of Thailand has a cooler climate and is less fertile than other parts of the country. This has led to a cuisine based largely on seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits, as well as the meat of animals that live in the mountains. Northern Thai dishes use less coconut milk and are generally less spicy than dishes from other regions. Well-known dishes from the north include Khao Soi (a noodle soup with a creamy curry base), Sai Oua (a spicy sausage) and Nam Prik Noom (a green chilli dip).

Northeast Region (Isan)

The Isan region is located in the northeastern part of Thailand and is a poor, dry and largely agricultural region. Isaan's cuisine is influenced by both Thai and Laotian culinary traditions. The dishes in this region are often spicy and often use fish sauce, fermented fish and spices. Glutinous rice (glutinous rice) is the staple food and is traditionally eaten by hand. Some popular Isaan dishes include Som Tam (a spicy papaya salad), Larb (a spicy meat salad), and Gai Yang (grilled chicken).

Southern region

The southern region of Thailand is surrounded by the sea and has a tropical climate, leading to a cuisine rich in seafood and tropical fruits. Southern Thai cuisine is heavily influenced by Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine, and is characterized by the use of coconut milk, turmeric and a range of spices. The dishes from this region are often spicy and have a rich, creamy taste.

One of the most famous ingredients in Southern cooking is "gapi," a fermented shrimp paste used as a seasoning in many dishes. Other commonly used ingredients include tamarind, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Some famous dishes from the southern region of Thailand are:

• Kaeng Massaman: a milder curry with influences from Persian cuisine, often prepared with chicken, beef or lamb and potatoes.
• Kaeng Tai Pla: A spicy and fishy curry based on fermented fish innards, often served with vegetables and bamboo shoots.
• Khao Yam: a rice salad with a mix of spices, toasted coconut, lemongrass, lime leaf and a sweet and sour dressing based on fish sauce and tamarind.

Over the years, Thai cuisine has gained international acclaim for its complex flavours, textures and aromas. Thailand's four geographic regions contribute to this diversity and allow foodies to explore a wide variety of flavors and culinary traditions. From spicy salads and soups to creamy curries and fragrant stir-fries, there's something for everyone in Thailand's rich and varied cuisine.

Video: World famous Thai cuisine - regional recipes

Watch the video here: