My Take on Thai Cuisine

June 22, 2012

During my stay in Thailand, one most important to-do in my list of things-to-do in Bangkok was taking Thai Cuisine cooking classes. Luckily, I was able to take these cooking classes in the most unique setting. The class was in a house situated in an area known as slums of Klong Toey District in Bangkok. These slums were way cleaner then most streets in big cities- a true depiction of Thais love for cleanliness. It was an experience of it own, way better than taking a class from a fancy school.

The instructor- nicknamed Poo taught us in a most sincere and happy-go-lucky way (a Thai trait) again. We made a variety of dishes but Pad Thai was my favourite. Three months later, when i got the chance to stay again in Bangkok, i tried cooking Pad Thai and many more dishes. The ingredients were readily available and cooking Thai dishes was so easy. Cooking Thai Food with its unique flavour and aroma (which initially didn’t tickle my appetite) became the highlight of my day. Luckily Shahab loved Thai food more than I did and provided the necessary critique to ensure that the flavours were perfect. For weeks, I only cooked Thai food at home.

I thought i will share the joy of cooking Thai food with everyone here. Most of my friends are huge fan of Thai Food too and have been asking me to share these recipes. The ingredients that are the basis of Thai cuisine are not so readily available in Pakistan but I am sure we can find some, grow other or search a little more for the rest. No wonder most of the local Thai food restaurants can’t offer that authentic flavour!

Thai cuisine offers a lot of quick recipes. Notorious for the spice levels, Thai food can get as spicy as you want it to be! However, its a very healthy cuisine, as only natural spices (red chillies) are used and food is never over-cooked. Vegetables are used in almost every dish.

Thai Food Ingredients: Lemon Grass, Galangal, Red Chillies, Kaffir Lime Leaves and Lime

If you want to start cooking Thai food, some basic ingredients include red chillies, fish sauce, black soya sauce, galangal (a milder form of ginger), lime, basil leaves, Kaffir lime leaves and lemon grass. Always try and cook Thai food fresh, right before you want to serve it. Otherwise, it loses its flavors.

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