Ministry serves up a vote: Help ‘dish’ out Thailand’s best local eats

The Ministry of Culture has called upon the public to vote for Thailand’s best local food in a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisine while boosting its economic value.

Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced yesterday, August 4, that the nation’s culinary heritage is a significant cultural asset that embodies Thai identity. The ministry launched the Thailand Best Local Food: The Lost Taste project for the 2024 fiscal year to align with the government’s policy of enhancing Thailand’s soft power.

The initiative seeks to showcase local dishes from all 77 provinces, under the theme: One Province, One Menu, Celebrating Local Recipes. Each province has already submitted its signature dishes for consideration.

Selected by provincial food committees, these dishes—whether savoury, sweet, or snacks—are distinguished by their uniqueness and are at risk of vanishing. They have been chosen for their need for protection and restoration, said Sudawan.

“Many dishes today are available only in local communities and are at risk of being forgotten. They reflect a valuable connection between people and local ingredients under cultural diversity and biodiversity.”

Each dish must meet six criteria: historical wisdom and unique culinary value, conservation value, indigenous ingredients, potential for dissemination and economic development, nutritious value, and environmental value.

The public is encouraged to vote for the provincial dish they believe deserves recognition as the best local dish. Voting is accessible via the provincial cultural office’s Facebook page.

Residents in Bangkok can cast their votes through the Department of Cultural Promotion’s Facebook page or by visiting forms.gle/gJkno9mpJMEBTYAWA until 4.30pm on Friday, August 9, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Culture Ministry voiced its intentions of capitalising on the increased popularity of Thai locations, brought on by their appearance in the latest Korean television series, King the Land. Recognising this upswing in interest, the ministry plans to attract more Korean tourists and fans of the drama to these specific sites, boosting Thai tourism.