Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SALT AND SPICE IN SOUTHERN THAI CUISINE
Don't say we didn't warn you: southern Thai cooking is undoubtedly the spiciest regional cooking style in a land
of spicy regional cuisines. The food of Thailand's southern provinces also tends to be very salty, and seafood,
not surprisingly, plays an important role, ranging from fresh fish that is grilled or added to soups, to pickled or
fermented fish served as sauces or condiments.
Two of the principal crops in the south are coconuts and cashews, both of which find their way into a variety
of dishes. In addition to these, southern Thais love their greens, and nearly every meal is accompanied by a plat-
ter of fresh herbs and veggies and a spicy 'dip' of shrimp paste, chillies, garlic and lime.
Dishes you are likely to come across in southern Thailand include the following:
» Gaang đai Ъlah - An intensely spicy and salty curry that includes đai Ъ lah (salted fish stomach); much tastier
than it sounds.
» Gaang sôm - Known as gaang lĕu·ang (yellow curry) in central Thailand, this sour/spicy soup gets its hue
from the liberal use of turmeric, a root commonly used in southern Thai cooking.
» Gài tôrt hàht yài - The famous deep-fried chicken from the town of Hat Yai gets its rich flavour from a marin-
ade containing dried spices.
» Kà·nŏm jeen nám yah - This dish of thin rice noodles served with a fiery currylike sauce is always accompan-
ied by a tray of fresh vegetables and herbs.
» Kôo·a glîng - Minced meat fried with a fiery curry paste is a southern staple.
» Kôw yam - A popular breakfast, this dish includes rice topped with sliced herbs, bean sprouts, dried prawns,
toasted coconut and powdered red chilli, served with a sour/sweet fish-based sauce.
» Pàt sà·đor - This popular stir-fry of 'stink beans' with shrimp, garlic, chillies and shrimp paste is both pun-
gent and spicy.
Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is actually an area that holds several beaches that span the northeastern nub
of the island. Samrong and Ton Son to the north are home to small communities and
some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Those with mortal budgets tend to stay
on the beach at Choeng Mon proper whose perfect (although busy) half-moon of sand is
considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island.
Ô Soleil
( 0 7742 5232; osoleilbungalow@yahoo.fr; Choeng Mon; r fan/air-con from 500/700B; ) Located in a
sea of luxury resorts, Thai-Belgian family-run stalwart Ô Soleil offers a welcome scatter
of budget concrete bungalows and semidetached rooms extending inland from a gorgeous
stretch of sand. As long as your expectations keep in line with what you're paying, this
simple place will charm you.
BUNGALOW $
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