Bangkok Food Tours: The Truest Taste of Thai Cuisine
Nida Sampattavanich
In addition to its rich supply of natural attractions and outstanding cultural heritage, Thailand is globally renowned for its unique gastronomic delights. Tom Yum and Pad Thai have attained such a high degree of recognition worldwide that the names of these dishes hardly require further explanation to the majority of non-Thais these days, while a large number of visitors to the kingdom arrange their trips with the specific aim of sampling authentic Thai cuisine.
Bangkok Food Tours is a company that organizes highly original culinary tours, during which visitors are introduced to some of the capital’s oldest communities in order to get the opportunity to sample a large number of authentic local specialties. The enterprise was founded earlier this year by a group of friends who share a passion for travel and Thai cuisine. After organizing numerous private tours for their foreign friends and acquaintances, covering numerous Bangkok eateries, the founders recognized a high level of interest among their guests, who seemed keen to learn more about the origins of the dishes they tried during these informal outings.
Online Impetus
The group began by establishing a blog at http://www.thaifoodinsider.com, where readers are able to browse among a host of fun stories about Thai dishes from the country's different regions and provinces. The blog also provides the opportunity to publicize various outlets where visitors to the kingdom can “eat like a Thai” during their travels. Since the blog proved to be a huge success, the group decided to establish Bangkok Food Tours, which takes visitors to interesting communities located “off the beaten track” to sample dishes in places where the local people dine.
I recently had the chance to join one of Bangkok Food Tours' three-hour tours, which lead us through an old neighborhood within Bangkok's Bang Rak district. Before setting off, we were issued with a wireless earpiece, which ensured that we could hear the guide at all times. Areas of the Thai capital can often be quite noisy, so this solution ensures that participants don't miss out on any of the commentary provided by the guide.
A Cultural Mosaic
Our guide explained how the main road through Bang Rak – the eight-kilometer-long Charoen Krung – was one of the capital's first thoroughfares when it was established in 1861. Bang Rak became something of a 'melting pot', as people of various religious and racial origin live side by side in harmony.
The neighborhood includes many long-established eateries, including Charoen Wieng Pochana, which was the first stop on the tour. Established in 1960, the restaurant serves khao na phed ('roast duck with rice' [see main photo]), along with many Guangdong-style dishes.
At Charoen Wieng Pochana, participants learned about the various condiments provided at Thai eateries, which tend to vary from one restaurant to the next. While most eateries provide diners with a container of nam pla prik ('fish sauce with chili'), Charoen Wieng Pochana also provides dark soy sauce and cayenne pepper since khao na phed is its specialty offering.
Before visiting the second culinary landmark on the tour, we stopped off at the 200-year-old Wat Suan Plu. This temple is renowned for its rich history, as well as the beautiful white stucco that adorns the exterior of its ubosot (main chapel).
From the temple, we headed to The Muslim Restaurant, which serves foods that are popular among Thai followers of Islam, such as roti mataba (various forms of filled roti [see photo, left]). Here we sampled some small portions of boiled egg, topped with curry, along with beef satay. While many regular Thai restaurants offer pork and chicken satay, beef satay is a specialty of eateries catering to members of the Muslim community. It is served with peanut sauce and ar-jad, a kind of 'dipping sauce' that includes chili, cucumber and red onion with vinegar and sugar.
To reach our next destination, we took a short journey across the Chao Phraya River on a local ferry. The river was particularly busy while we made our way across, as longtail boats transported tourists along the canals that branch off into Thon Buri.
Gastronomic Gusto
On arrival, it was only a short walk from the pier to reach our next destination. This particularly cozy eatery specializes in dishes originating from Thailand's northeastern region, which is widely known as Isan. But instead of sampling somtam (spicy papaya salad), which is one of the region's best known dishes, we had the chance on this occasion to experience some tasty yum pla duk fu (crispy catfish salad with a sweet and sour mango salad) instead.
After crossing back over to Bangkok, we stopped by the French-built Assumption Cathedral – Thailand's principal Catholic church. During this part of the trip, we got to see lots and lots of food carts, the source of the capital's wonderful, world renowned street food.
Nestled within an old commercial row house back in Bang Rak district is Pan Lee Bakery, which has been producing fresh buns with a variety of fillings since 1955. During this visit, we were served with some sang kha ya (pandanus custard) and mu daeng (barbeque pork), which are the best selling items at Pan Lee Bakery. The bakery also has its own small coffee shop, which includes a wall dedicated to the history of Charoen Krung Road and Bang Rak district.
After enjoying a refreshing iced lemon tea at Pan Lee Bakery, we were ready to head for Wat Sri Maha Mariamman, which is Bangkok's oldest Hindu temple. Located along Pan Road, just off Silom Road, this temple is richly adorned with colorful sculptures of Hindu deities. Many local entrepreneurs pay a visit to the temple to pray for success and prosperity.
We ended our tour in style with a visit to Kalapapruek, a fine dining restaurant that was founded 41 years ago. This restaurant is famous for its authentic Thai dishes, including kaeng khiew wan khai (green curry with chicken), which is served with roti. The tour closed with a sweet-tasting finale, as we finished our meal with a refreshing portion of traditional Thai coconut ice cream.
Exquisite Excursions
The Historical Bang Rak Food Tasting and Culture Tour costs 950 baht per person (US$30), or 750 baht for children (under 12 years old).
Bangkok Food Tours offers several other interesting tours, such as the Chinatown Foodie Walk (a three-and-a-half hour nighttime walking tour), Bangkok Bites and Bike Tour (an all-day tour around Bangkok by bike) and a Private Group Food Tour, which is the most exclusive option and can be tailored to suit a sightseeing or teambuilding focus. This option is also suitable as a form of corporate event, for culinary or cooking groups, as well as a bachelor/bachelorette party or bridal shower.
For further information about Bangkok Food Tours, or to make a reservation, contact Tel: +66 (0)89 126 3657, or visit the official website at http://www.bangkokfoodtours.com/.
Credit: TAT News (www.tatnews.org)
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