Travel report

Here, everything centres on food!

We are flying from Osaka, Japan, to Bangkok, Thailand. On the way from the airport to our hotel we are seeing one snack bar next to the other, the smoke of coal fires filling the scene. This very uncomplicated way of cooking seems to be contrary to the metropolis of Bangkok, but in reality perfectly reflects the Thai culture. People in Thailand constantly cook and eat. They eat about seven times per day!We are enjoying the view over the golden roofs of the Grand Palace in the distance on the balcony of our hotel during sunset in the early evening.Meanwhile, we are discussing with our local guide how to find the most delicious recipes of Thailand. He already conducted some preliminary investigation. He drew up a list of people who - according to their family, friends or fellow-villagers - were able to prepare at least one specific Thai dish the most delicious way. We sought out all those people and tasted their dishes. Food tastes everywhere in Thailand excellent, but those recipes were very special. Maybe this was partly due to the friendly character of the people and their personal stories.

Thai red rice has been a spontaneous addition. On one of the very early morning tours through the Thai landscape we stopped at a local market near Phetchaburi. At a stand they sold red rice with plenty in garlic marinated chicken drumsticks for breakfast. That was such a special experience for us that we directly went looking for a Thai rice farmer who could deliver pure red rice. We found the female rice farmer Pat and with her product, for us the basis for the pure Thai cuisine was complete.

Back in Bangkok, we pampered our senses by having a traditional Thai massage to step into the plane to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the following day.

Thai fact: not all dishes belonging to the Thai cuisine are spicy. Those who prefer a milder taste will almost always find chicken with cashew on the menu. Pineapple rice, in Thailand magnificently served in a half fresh pineapple, can also be highly recommended!