Comfort foods to try during Thailand’s monsoon season
The monsoon season in Thailand offers refreshing rains and a vibrant culinary scene, attracting tourists to explore the rich variety of Thai cuisine, known for its spicy warmth and diverse flavours, providing comfort during rainy days.
Comfort Foods to Enjoy
1. Tom yum soup
The strong and fragrant qualities of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves paired with either shrimp or chicken makes tom yum soup a great option for damp and cool weather
2. Khao soi
This creamy coconut curry noodle soup, paired with tender chicken and crispy noodles delivers a comforting texture that is perfect for a rainy day in Thailand.
Street foods not to miss
1. Mango sticky rice
The delightful pairing of sweet mango with creamy, coconut-infused sticky rice brings a touch of sweetness to any rainy day.
2. Moo ping (grilled pork skewers)
Moo ping is a must-try! Marinated and grilled in garlic, pepper, and coriander root, this easygoing food paired with sticky rice can fill you up and bring comfort during a rainy day.
Easy Thai recipes when stuck at home
The monsoon season in Thailand presents an ideal time to delve into the rich and comforting flavours of Thai cuisine. Both locals and tourists can enjoy making these traditional dishes at home, experiencing authentic local tastes while staying cosy indoors. Here are some simple, classic Thai recipes to try:
1. Khao pad (Thai fried rice)
If you got leftover rice don’t throw it! Put the rice in a pan and pair it with some stir-fried eggs, onions, baby corn and red bell peppers then season it with some fish sauce for more flavour. Mix it around until it’s a little bit brown from the mixtures then serve it on a plate! Good for if you’re stuck inside and can’t figure out what to eat.
2. Gaeng keow wan (green curry)
Saute green curry paste with some coconut cream. After a few stirs, add either chicken or tofu with some aubergine and bamboo shoots. When simmered together, the aroma will fill your stomach before you enjoy it with the sound of the rain.
3. Tom yum soup
This soup is celebrated for its bold, spicy, and sour flavours, making it ideal for cooler weather. The recipe includes simmering fresh ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chillies. Adding shrimp or chicken not only incorporates protein but also enhances the soup into a robust meal that can help boost immunity.
4. Mango sticky rice
Traditionally served as a dessert, mango sticky rice brings a slice of Thai summer into the monsoon season through its blend of ripe mangoes with sticky rice drizzled in sweet coconut milk – providing an indulgent treat after meals.
Foods to avoid
Ensuring good health during the monsoon demands mindful food selection. Though delicious, street food is dangerous since it is more likely to be contaminated by bacteria that are carried by water and grow in wet environments. Raw salads and juices from roadside vendors should be avoided as they might not adhere to strict sanitation regulations.
Selecting prepared foods can protect against the frequent gastrointestinal infections that are widespread at this time of year. In addition, cutting less on fried and highly spiced foods will help avoid indigestion—a common side effect of the humid monsoon season—and improve general comfort.
Enjoy the local culture and satiate your palette by indulging in mouthwatering dishes like Tom Yum Soup and Mango Sticky Rice during Thailand’s monsoon season. Steer clear of items that might not be appropriate for the wet weather.
