TAT’s Journey of Local Co-Creation: A ‘feast’ for the senses
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) pulled out all the stops with their sensational Journey of Local Co-Creation showcase, offering a tantalising glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry. This exclusive event celebrated the success of their Local Co-Creation project, spotlighting the vibrant Ban Sawathi Community in Khon Kaen province and the culinary haven of Ban Nai Nang in Krabi province.
Attendees were treated to a mouth-watering array of local delicacies and fascinating workshops, available for booking directly with these bustling communities. The event also highlighted exciting collaborations between local communities and food and beverage hotspots in Bangkok and beyond.
Tour operators, DMCs, chefs, and hospitality gurus are being urged to team up with these local gems to bring the Journey of Local Co-Creation to life and serve up a feast of value-added tourism products.
Anyarin Sapsimanee, personal assistant of Sivatel Bangkok, also spoke during the opening to highlight Sivatel Bangkok’s sustainable and zero-waste practices, with the goal to become a fully zero-waste hotel by the end of 2024.
During the event, Tribodin Boontengchan, sales manager at Sivatel Bangkok, gave attendees a tour of the hotel’s sustainable food waste handling practices and its urban rooftop garden.
During the event, plaques were displayed to showcase community products from five other Local Co-Creation Communities, including:
- Mun Homestay Conservation Group, Ban Suksomboon, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Ban Thammachat Lang Community Tourism Enterprise, Trat
- Tha Chai-Si Satchanalai Community Tourism Promotion Club, Sukhothai
- Phrom Lok Community Tourism Club, Nakhon Si Thammarat; and
- Ban Ko Rian Community Tourism Enterprise, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Thitiphan Chongyingcharoen, or “Chef Phrik Phet” as he’s known from Hell’s Kitchen Thailand, whipped up a storm at a recent extravaganza. Guests were treated to an exclusive chef’s table where the star ingredient was none other than pla kramong – a native fish cherished in the breakfasts of the Baan Sawatee community.
This speciality, prepared using local techniques like pickling in brine for an hour, sun-drying for a day, and then deep-frying to perfection, was sourced straight from the heart of the Krabi community. Chef Phet’s culinary masterpiece not only wowed the crowd but also showcased the mouth-watering potential of chef-local community collaborations.
During the event, Divana Signature Cafe also displayed a prototype of an afternoon tea set that is soon to be available in collaboration between Divana Signature Cafe, community-based tourism operator Local Alike and local communities.
Featuring Savathee’s crispy sticky rice crackers and Nai Nang’s exquisite Song Pana honey from Indian honey bees, this unique experience will highlight the magic of local ingredients and charm visitors’ taste buds with a delightful fusion of traditional Thai flavours that honours local ingredients.
Afternoon Tea menu highlights
- Savathee Sticky Rice Crackers
- Crispy and light sticky rice crackers, lovingly made using age-old recipes from Savathee, offering a delightful crunch and unique flavour.
- Honey Glazed Delights
- Honey-drizzled cheesecake bites, creamy cheesecake squares topped with a generous drizzle of Nainung’s raw honey for a hint of sweetness.
- Sticky rice cracker sandwiches
Savathee sandwiches featuring fresh herbs, local cheeses, and a touch of honey for a surprising flavour contrast.
- Sweet Treats
- Honey pandan panna cotta
Silky panna cotta infused with fragrant pandan, topped with a honey glaze to create a refreshing finish to your tea experience.
Contact information
Facebook: Divana Signature Cafe
Instagram: www.instagram.com/divanasignaturecafe
Location: 2nd Fl., Atrium Zone, Central World
Local community experiences featured in the showcase
Sawatee Community, Khon Kaen products highlighted
Chef Pairsarn from the famed local Kaen restaurant in Khon Kaen, which is soon to open a Bangkok branch called Kaenkrung on September 29, presides over a sticky rice cracker workshop with Baan Sawatee community members.
The rice cracker, a local snack for generations in the Khon Kaen community, has been slightly repackaged into a canape-style treat with the guidance of Chef Paisarn, who has a passion for locavorism and storytelling for local cuisine.
The grilled puffed rice cake, also known as “khao krieb,” dough from Sawatee is unique in that it incorporates a local medicinal herb Paederia foetida which enhances the elasticity of the dough. The herb is also known to support virility.
This sticky rice cracker workshop culinary experience can be booked by travellers in Krabi directly through Baan Sawatee’s Facebook page. Any number of travellers will be accepted with the direct booking. Prices and schedules can be inquired with the community. Tour operators and DMCs are also invited to collaborate with the community to bring the workshop to their clients.
Other recommended activities from BAAN SAWATEE
- Admire Sin Sai murals on the ancient ordination hall at Wat Chai Sri
Enjoy exploring and hearing stories about the ancient ordination hall or old Sim, renowned for its unique and well-preserved murals known as Hup Taem – a standout example of cultural preservation in Isaan, and a beloved gathering spot of the Ban Sawathi community
- Pretty & Yummy Edible Plate Workshop
Have a blast with a unique activity that takes Khao Kriep (puffed rice cakes) to the next level. Discover medicinal food products made with herbs from the dog fart plant, also known as Paederia foetida from the stinkvine family. Despite its quirky name, this herb is packed with benefits, like easing bloating, indigestion, and food poisoning—living up to the true meaning of food as medicine.
- Sin Sai Den Dong
Three-Curry Vermicelli Set
Experience the rich flavours of traditional Thai rice noodles with this elaborate platter. Enjoy a taste sensation comprised of three distinct flavours — sweet, creamy, and spicy – served with fresh & blanched vegetables & numerous other sides and garnishes. It’s not only yummy but also nutritious!
- Mor Lam Noi Roi Pee band
Two Generations, One Heart
Enjoy a captivating performance by the local group Mor Lam Noi Roi Pee or A Century of Young Mor Lam. They will delight the audience with lively folk tunes while weaving the story of Sin Sai through the power of music.
- Spider Web Craft Workshop
Spider web crafts are connected to local community beliefs, symbolising the superstitions of the Isaan people. Isaan people believe that spiderweb crafts can ward off bad luck and unseen misfortunes.
Contact information
To book any of these activities, simply reach out to the community’s Facebook page. Sawathi Community accepts direct bookings from travellers with no minimum group size (even one or two travellers will be accepted).
Facebook: Baan Sawatee’s Facebook page
Phone Number: 087 640 6718 (Nongnut)
Location: Moo 8, Sawathi Sub-district, Mueang Khon Kaen district, Khon Kaen.
Nai Nang Tourism Community, Krabi products highlighted
All recommended activities from Nai Nang Tourism Community (all can be booked directly through Nai Nang’s Facebook page
- Zero waste cooking class: Nang spicy salad tartlets.
Enjoy making Nai Nang Krathongthong (shrimp salad in tartlets), a creative twist on a classic appetizer made by mixing shrimp shells and shrimp heads into the pastry dough. This not only reduces food waste but also adds an innovative touch to a beloved treat.
- Workshop: Baan Nai Nang mojito mocktail workshop.
Refresh and cool off with our seasonal fruit drinks, made with fresh produce from the Khok Nong Na Model and honey from Nai Nang. Enjoy a revitalising sip that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Workshop: Learn the natural way of raising & conserving Indian honey bees, and taste our delightful honey-lime jelly.
Enjoy engaging activities to learn about natural Indian honey bee farming, and discover how it produces the renowned Song Pana honey. Plus, see how honey is transformed into a healthy, age-defying, and body-balancing treat with our honey-lime jelly
- Tour: cruise down the river, visit the Khao Garos landmark, and enjoy Nai Nang crispy Roti.
Enjoy the stunning seaside atmosphere at Baan Nai Nang. Visit the landmark Khao Garos, which offers a viewpoint of the Devil’s Valley (Ghost Face Mountain), a cliff with a distinctive shape, and the ancient caveman window that you can walk up to.
Climb up to admire ancient cave art and breathtaking scenery, all while savouring a delicious snack of crispy roti from Nai Nang
- Tour: Kayak through scenic island channels in a nature-harmonious adventure for a happier planet.
Immerse yourself in stunning surroundings as you paddle through sea caves, taking in the lush beauty of mangrove forests. Enjoy a fun and engaging green activity that’s good for the earth and for you!
Contact Information
Facebook: Baan Nai Nang
Phone number: 087 802 2353 (Nim) or 093 607 0310 (Ba)
Location: Moo 3, Khao Kram subdistrict, Mueang Krabi district, Krabi province
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