Thai Meals/Snacks
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Grilled banana - Thai Yet another "I don't know" regarding the name (Pisang something?) It was a grilled banana, wrapped in banana leaves. A nice, quick snack from my favorite Thai grocery on Bayard street. (I think the guy is tired of my asking "what is it?" all the time.) Amazing to think there was a time I couldn't stand the thought of eating bananas. (It was a texture thing, but based on my reaction to this and other food items, I think I'm over it.) Would I try again? Theoretically, yes. But it wasn't filling enough to go out of my way. Where I found it: Udon's
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Drunken Noodles
(Pad Kee Mao) - Thai A stirfried dish distinguished by wide, flat triangular noodles (known as Sen Yai), mixed together with a tangle of vegetables, and a meat/tofu of your choice. Tasty stuff - though faintly reminiscent of good Chinese. Would I try again? Yes - but it's not so amazing that I'll rush for it next time its on the menu. Where I found it: Sripraphai |
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Insects
(Roasted) - Thai Yes, I have now eaten bugs. Roasted, slightly spiced bamboo worms, larvae and mole crickets - served in a pop-top can. Didn't like 'em, although not in a knee jerk, Western-biased 'ew, they're bugs' way. They did look exactly like bugs - nothing lost in translation. They were very light and insubstantial - crispy crunchy, like popped air. They had a slighty greasy sheen, with a nutty aftertaste that lingered in the air. They weren't horrible...but I didn't finish the can, either. Would I try again? No. Definitely no. Where I found it: Thailand Unique.com |
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Jungle Curry
(Kaeng Paa Moo) - Thai I'd been warned against this stuff. Too hot for a Westerner. But I grew up savoring Egyptian curry and Tex-Mex, and I'm not afraid of a little spice. This didn't do me in, despite the looks the staff gave me when I ordered it without rice. But it was very strong (which is good!) Green beans, chile peppers, bamboo shoots, all served soup-style in a big porcelin bowl. I licked it clean. Would I try again? Theoretically, yes. But there's so much more still out there. I recommend it, though (as long as you really like it spicy...) Where I found it: Sripraphai |
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- Thai I'd been looking for this one - it's usually in the salad section - ground chicken or pork (I hear it's sometimes served raw, which would be yummy) with fish sauce, lime juice and mint. Served on a bed of lettuce with little Thai peppers. VERY Atkins Friendly (!), and also very tasty. I did make the mistake of munching on several Thai peppers by themselves, and found out that my stomach wasn't quite as cast iron as I'd thought. But a wonderful dish anyway. Would I try again? Yes - but no more straight up Thai peppers for me! Where I found it: Sripraphai |
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| Mee Krob/Grob -
Thai aka Bihun Goreng Manis Dried, Thai-spiced rice noodles. How to make Mee Krob? Fry the Mee (rice noodles), then toss with tamarind, salt, sugar and lime. It's not a heavy meal by any means, more of a snack. It's crispy, with a nice sweet/sour taste. Would I try again? Occasionally Where I found it: Sripraphai |
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Pad Thai -
Thailand The signature dish of Thailand. Rice noodles with crushed peanuts, tamarind, palm sugar, and garlic. If you're an American who knows almost nothing about Thai food, there's a chance you've still heard of Pad Thai. It's that well known. And yes, it's good. Rather than describe this dish, I'll just say - find a restaurant and try it. 3.8 stars. Would I try again? Of course! Where I found it: Basically, any Thai restaurant. |
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Som Tam (Green
Papaya Salad) - Thai Also a dish of Laos, som tam is a mix of shredded green papaya, chili, garlic, peanuts, fish sauce and lime. Som means sour. Tam means pounded. It's hot, tart and sweet--all at the same time. And did I mention delicious? This is a great meal! And as a bonus, completely vegetarian....! 3.8 stars - if you are interested in Thai food, this is a must try. Would I try again? Yes! Where I found it: Yum Yum Bangkok |
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Tom Yum Gung -
Thailand The favorite soup of Thailand. Also called hot and sour soup, it's a mixture of shrimp (Gung), lemongrass, lime, galangal (a type of ginger), straw mushrooms and chilis. The version I had, I actually suspect was sub-par...a flotilla of mushrooms, floating on a broth, with only two shrimp inside. And it was still delicious - a tangy, sweet, sour yummy experience (literally - for "yum" in Thai means sour-salty-spicy). I can only imagine how great it would be done in a place like Sriprathai. DEFINITELY worth trying!. 3.7 stars. Would I try again? Yes - and I'd love to try at Sriprathai Where I found it: Basically, any Thai restaurant. |
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Yum
Woosen - Thai Thai green salad, topped with fiber thin vermicelli noodles, peanuts and a lime/chili dipping sauce. Simple in concept, strong in taste...and light on the stomach. All in all, a tasty, refreshing dish. (Note: Woo-sen noodles are used throughout Thai cuisine. If you like 'em, search for them in other dishes, from curries to soups.) Would I try again? Yes - the noodles have a *wonderfully* light texture. (I'm a big fan of vermicelli) Where I found it: Bangkok House |
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The Cheat Sheet
Essential Vocabulary Gai = Chicken
Gaeng = Spicy Broth/Curry Khao = Rice Mee = Noodles Nam = Water Pad = Stir Fried Pla = Fish Prik = Pepper Som = Sour Tam = Pounded |
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