This blog is for anyone who has ever wanted to eat, or learn more about eating, at any of the food stalls lining the streets in Thailand.
Long-time readers know that I really hate writing real, concrete facts about myself, because this opens me up to genuine ridicule. But here goes: I am a Thai-American from Pittsburgh (Steeler Nation) who is now married with two kids in Bangkok. I am a freelance journalist, mostly writing about food.
Likes: sincerity in everything, including cooking. Also, vegetable plates and offal meats (not together). And egg noodles with boiled eggs. Actually, anything with eggs.
Dislikes: crowded, high-design restaurants; fusion that is forced; menus passing themselves off as “authentic” when they are not; fried soft-shell crabs.
Luckily, since I don’t like writing about myself you can read my interviews on BK Magazine and Travelfish.
Email me at BangkokGlutton@gmail.com
What brand of fish sauce do you prefer? Do you think fish sauce should list sugar as an ingredient? And do you know if the salt used to make fish sauce is natural sea salt, or is it just plain, and unnatural, grocery store iodized salt? (If you are going to ferment vegetables, and make sauerkraut or kimchee, I have been taught that you have to use sea salt, because grocery store salt contains added chemicals and will interfere with the fermentation.)
I always look for Tiparos, Ta Trang ( I don’t know if that is the name, but it has a picture of a scales on the label), or Golden Boy, but I will sometimes buy anything and try anything!
I’ve been told to use fish sauce made from shellfish (razor clams, etc) because those are considered “less fishy”, but to tell you the truth, there doesn’t seem much of a point for me to look for “unfishy” fish sauce. I, too, like Tiparos, although Ta Trang is also good. I’ve never tried Golden Boy.
I believe sea salt is used to make fish sauce, because here it is cheaper than the “fancy” iodized salt. I haven’t checked though. A good idea for a post!
Thank you for your amazing blog, and for your comments on fish sauce! Reading all your blogs and looking at the great pictures makes me miss Bangkok, Thailand, and Thai food so much!
Here in nyc, most Thai restaurants cook food for farang, so a real connoisseur of Thai food will soon discover that the best restaurant is your own kitchen!
Geng No Mai, or Bamboo shoot soup, is one of my favorites, but I can’t make it at home. And of course I doubt any restaurant would serve it here. Occasionally it is available at a small shop in Queens called Nam Tan, or Sugar Pop.
I just learned about Red Boat Fish Sauce, and found some in nyc. The owner of the company, a Vietnamese expat in California, has it made in Vietnam using the old method, just sea salt and anchovies. It is awesome!
So I have three bottles of fish sauce in my kitchen now, Red Boat, Tiparos, and Golden Boy. I’ll test and compare them over the next few weeks!
Thank you! I’d be interested to see what you discover!
Dear Khun Chawadee, found your blog through Twitter and I am amazed of the information given to all your readers! Fantastic job and congratulation!
Thank you! Thanks for reading.
I live in Soi Lamphu, (Samsen Soi 1) just one block from Somsong Pochana on page 68 of your book. I ordered kanom jeen saonam and cha manao, and the girl looked so surprised she asked me if I had seen the place in a book. I pulled out my copy, and she excitedly ran inside with it showing the pictures to everybody working there and laughing and looking through it. I think it made there day, and this place will be on my regular food route. 2nd meal, and the food is just a great as you say!
Somsong Pochana is one of my absolute favorites. So glad you like it too!
BG!! Great blog! We love, make that prefer to eat at the stalls and carts in Thailand. The fragrances and flavors are soooo yummy. Were heading back to Thailand for the long term next year (and will be video blogging while there) – when we get there were going to need to hook up and get a signed copy of your book. Dave & Carol (aka: Jai Yen – http://jai-yen.tv)
That’s great! What a super idea. Get the word on great thai street food out there! Would be happy to sign your book.
Sawatdee krap Khun Chawadee.
My friend Chris (http://christao408.xanga.com/), whom you recently met, introduced me to your wonderful blog and book. My partner is from Bangkok, but is currently studying here in Penn State University. I am originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania so perhaps we might meet in the future. In the meantime, I am looking forward to visiting some of your suggestions the next time I am in Bangkok.
Cheers!
Hi Marc,
That’s great! Thanks for reading. Just let me know whenever you are in town and up for an evening of stuffing your face!
Hello! Great idea for a book ^_^ I lived in Thailand for a year and I just love it and even though I speak a bit of Thai, couldn’t always work out what each place sold – I’ll definitely have to get myself a copy for future travels. Best of luck with the upcoming versions!
Thanks! I just wanted to do a book I myself would have needed a few years ago. Hopefully this helps make street food here a lot less intimidating.
Nice to discover your delicious blog…what’s funny is I also follow mysousvidelife…love to eat my way through the world’s cities – especially Bangkok!
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http://everflymsq.com
The world according to Ms Q – my take on what’s interesting, stylish and cool: restaurants, food, wine, music, cocktails.
Asia-based, internationally-focused, American-flavored
Thanks for reading! Bangkok is one of the best places in the world for street food. Hope the blog comes in handy on your food adventures.
Hi there!
It’s nida ka (Uncle Noi and auntie Pui’s daughter.) I came across your blog through BK Magazine’s website. And I spent yesterday reading through ALL your posts. Everything on this blog looks so delicious ka. Thank you for sharing na ka =)
Hi! Had a look at your blog too and it’s great! Thanks for reading. You should come along sometime!
Hi I really like yr photos. Makes me want to pick up photography again. I have not been taking pictures for a long time as I have had 3 kids over the past 6 years! No time to meddle with a camera. Can I just ask what camera do you use? The only camera I use on a regular basis right now is my Sony Ericsson hp camera. I have been toying with the idea of getting a bridge camera (Micro four thirds) but have not gotten down to actually buying one. Hope to hear from you!
Hi! Thanks for the nice comment. The photos you admire are probably those by my BFF, SpecialKRB. She uses a Nikon D90 and you can see more of her pics at http://www.flickr.com/SpecialKRB.