The Lesser Known Thai Paradise: Isaan Food

Do you ever reminisce about a trip, and your mouth instantly starts to water from all the delicious food you got to try out? If not, you have this episode of 'A Niche Thing' to live vicariously through Aneesh Bhasin 's experience from a recent trip to Thailand! 

In the mainstream, Thai food is reduced to wacky insects, extreme spice, or the more common, much-loved Thai curry. While this menu might represent the more touristy areas, it doesn't merely give you a picture of Thailand's varied culinary delights.

Aneesh took a trip to Thailand with his friends, Chef Seefah, Bhakti Mehta , and Rohan, who are prominent figures in the F&B Industry. They took the road less traveled (northeastern Thailand) and immersed themselves in local culture, where they fell in love with Isaan Thai Food. 

Chef Seefah runs 'Seefah', a popular Thai restaurant in Mumbai. As someone who lived in Bangkok, she realizes that the quality and nature of food in the touristy areas of Thailand are not up to the mark. Their seafood is frozen, the flavors are diluted, and the meats are served in ways that are meant to shock. 

She desires to showcase and promote authentic Thai cuisine in India, with all its variations. While the popular content that floods out of the country features people eating scorpions off a stick, that's not the kind of food you'll find in the more traditional places. From variations in the spice and flavor profile to preparation styles, Isaan food is delicious, addictive, and light. This includes dishes with fermented crabs, raw fish, salted eggs, shrimp, and ant eggs! 

All in all, the best part about Thai food might just be the quality you get for reasonable pricing. The hospitality, too, is unmatched. Service staff across the area have a certain attention to detail and passion, which they serve with, making it an indelible experience. 

If you're planning a trip to Thailand or want to try their authentic cuisine, this episode is a testimonial to the best places to do so!