Travel And Enjoy The Cuisine In Asia (Thailand)

Thai food has become the world's most popular cuisines. It is highly regarded as culinary forms throughout the world. Influenced by Indian and Chinese cookery skills, Thai cuisine has combined those arts and created the uniqueness of its own. Like all local and national foods, the Thai cuisine exposes a great deal about the country.

Thai cuisine is known for its spicy, sour, sweet, salty and bitter flavors. Thai food is popular in many Western countries especially in Australia, New Zealand, some European countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Each Thai restaurant has its own specialties.

Some of the most-preferred dishes of Thailand are Kai Ho Bai Toei, Thotman Plakrai or Thotman Kung, Fish or shrimp fritters; Yam or Thai salad, Tomyam (hot and sour soup); curry and namprik with fish vegetables the sweets famous in Thailand are salim, thapthim krop, lotchunng, khanom chan, coconut-cream gelatine, thong yot, foi thong etc.

Thai Curry - There are four main curries in Thai cuisine including green, red, yellow and massaman. The curry pastes made from herbs and spices are the heart of all Thai curries. Its main ingredients are chili, garlic, shallot, galangal, coriander root and krachai.
Titbits - These can be appetizers, accompaniments, side dishes or snacks. They comprise satay, spring rolls, puffed rice cakes with herbed topping.
Thai Noodles - Thailand is also famous for its fragrant stir-fried noodle dishes. Most Thai noodle recipes call for rice noodles rather than those made with wheat or egg, although these can also be found in Thai cooking. Some of the popular Thai noodle dishes are Pad See-U, Land-Da Noodle, Pad Thai, Pad Woon Sen, and Pad Kee-Mow.

Salads - Thai salads are an important part of Thailand's foods. Thai salads are sour, sweet and salty. It is prepared from fish sauce, lime juice and a dash of sugar. Fresh herbs like marsh mint, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and cilantro are used for garnishing. Enjoy different salads varieties in Thailand including Som tam, Larb, Namtok, Yam, Thai Grilled Chicken Salad, Rose Petal Salad, Tossed Green Salad with Cashews, Pineapple Salad with Cucumber, Peanuts, & Fresh Herbs and much more.

Thai Meat Dishes - Thai cuisine is incomplete without having Thai meat dishes. Some of the popular meat dishes are Chicken Curry, Gaeng Gari Gai, Green Bean Curry, Masaman Curry with Beef, Pineapple Prawn Curry, Ginger Chicken, Laab Gai, Spicy Chicken with Thai Basil etc.

Thai Soups - These are really tangy. Some of the best varieties of Thai soups are Tom Yum Gung, Tom Kha Gai, Authentic Thai Coconut Soup, Cindy's Thai Hot and Sour Soup, Duck Legs in Green Curry, Spicy Chicken Thai Noodle Soup and Hot-and-Sour Prawn Soup with Lemon Grass.

How to Make a Thai Steak Salad

Steak is delicious when you pair it with salad but you can also use it as an ingredient in salad. The following Thai salad recipe is really good and it makes a big different which cut of meat you choose. Get the best piece of steak you can afford and this gourmet salad is sure to become one of your favorites. Take care not to overcook the steak. Medium rare is good and medium is all right but do not go beyond medium or it will not have such a nice texture.

You can serve this delicious dish over rice or lettuce and anyone who loves Thai food will love this because the Thai flavor is unmistakable. This recipe is cool and refreshing and ideal for a summer day when you want something cold but also meaty and satisfying.

Typical Authentic Thai Ingredients

This is an authentic Thai dish rather than one of those westernized Thai recipe so, if some of the ingredients are unfamiliar to you, go easy with them. Fish sauce, for example, has a very strong and salty flavor. This condiment is served with everything in Thailand but you might find the flavor unusual or the concept of adding fish sauce to a beef-based dish strange.

The mint is also unusual if you are more accustomed to western style salads but it really does give this recipe a fresh flavor and bring out the flavor of the marinated meat. You can tinker with the marinade, adding more sugar if you have a sweet tooth or more fish sauce if you think it is too sweet. This is an aromatic dish rather than a spicy one and a lot of Thai recipes would fit this description. The lack of spices means the flavor of the steak really stands out.

What you will need:

1 1/2 lbs steak fillet, 1 inch thick
1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 chopped green onions
1/2 diced English cucumber
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoons sweet chili sauce or red curry paste
1 cup lime juice
1 stick lemongrass in 1 inch pieces
1 head lettuce, in bite sized pieces
1/3 cup fish sauce

How to make it:

Stir the cilantro, mint, green onions, lime juice, lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, and chili sauce together in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. You can add more fish sauce or sugar to balance out the flavor if necessary. Grill the steak for about five minutes per side until it is medium rare or medium. Slice it into thin strips and add the meat and its juices to the sauce.

Stir the mixture and let it marinade for at least three hours in the refrigerator. Arrange the lettuce in a serving bowl and top it with the cucumber. Spoon the steak and sauce over the top and arrange the cherry tomatoes on it. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

A Look at the Connection Between Coconut and Cholesterol

If you are fond of Thai food then you may also be worried about the effects of coconut and cholesterol. This is because it is widely believed that coconut milk is rich in cholesterol. There is however no clear indication whether coconut is indeed healthy or even unhealthy.

Those who study and know nutrition caution us against the misinformation that is being spread about coconut and cholesterol. In this regard, ordinary persons as well as medical fraternities and also the media are all clueless about the truth of the matter. A lot of the disinformation being spread can be ascribed to the motives of the American oil industry that frowns on the consumption of tropical oils such as coconut oil.

Thais tend to consume plenty of coconut oil in large amounts but when these people underwent tests to find out the effect of coconut oil on their cholesterol levels, no alarming facts came to light. The reason why nothing was found was because almost fifty percent of fatty acids contained in coconut fat are nothing but lauric acid which is something that is also present in the milk from mothers.

Lauric acid provides a number of health benefits and one such benefit is that it helps to transform itself into an antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal monoglyceride called monolaurin that will normally easily destroy viruses such as those that cause influenza, HIV and herpes.

Many studies are being conducted to establish the effects of coconut consumption on cholesterol levels. Not even one study has been able to find anything seriously wrong with those who consume coconut oil in significant amounts. On the contrary, studies have shown that nothing goes wrong with the serum cholesterol levels even after consuming a lot of coconut oil.

Many people have the wrong idea about coconut and cholesterol. They actually believe that coconut is not good because it is a saturated fat that is bad for their health. Though it is indeed a saturated fat, it must be remembered that not all saturated fats are bad and so in the case of coconut oil, the saturated fat from it is in fact loaded with good cholesterol.

More than two thirds of the coconut oil fat is nothing worse than medium chain fatty acids. These medium chain fatty acids can easily be assimilated in the body and so are not dangerous.

In fact, eating coconut oil offers you a chance to enjoy many health benefits. This is because of its high amount of lauric acid content which among other things helps to ward off heart diseases.

How to Prepare Yourself For Cooking Thai Food

Ever wondered how Thai stir fries and noodle dishes taste so fresh and appetizing? The secret behind it is the manner in which they are cooked. Typically, Thais cook their food at flaming temperatures and just for a few minutes. This method helps retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients, especially vegetables that retain their crunchiness.

The secret to cooking delicious Thai food lies in preparing ingredients before starting the actual cooking process, because cooking in a wok is 'fast and furious.'

Preparing to Cook Thai Food

The best way to start preparing for cooking Thai is to complete the grinding first. So, if your recipe requires some paste, get that done and ready first. You can use a food processor or a traditional pestle and mortar to do the grinding and retain the taste and authenticity. Else, use a coffee grinder for dry grinding.

Once you've got the grinding done, ready the vegetables. Cut your vegetables in to desired shapes and sizes and place them in separate dishes on your kitchen counter based on how they are to be used in your recipe. Chop any meat (if the recipe demands it) or meat substitute such as tofu, if needed once the vegetables have been chopped.

Cooking Thai Food

In order to cook Thai food at home, you don't need any special cookware.

Wok: the most important cooking tool. If you don't have a wok, you can even use a deep frying pan. Buy a wok made of high-quality SS (stainless steel). You can also buy a wok with non-stick coating.

Spatulas: also known as wooden spoons or shovels, they are used to stir-fry the various ingredients. Use soft wooden spoons if your wok has a non-stick surface. Spatulas made of hard material can damage your wok's coating.

Oil: peanut or coconut oil is the preferred choices for most Thai chefs. Both oils give a good flavor to Thai food dishes whether stir-fried or deep-fried. Other oils that can be used include canola, sunflower, and corn etc.

Heat: heat should be kept on medium-high or high for best tasting Thai food.

Finally, arrange your dish on a serving platter or simply eat it from the wok. Thai food tastes best that way!

For more information on how and where to get a traditional pestle and mortar or Asian kitchenware visit our Thai Food website.

Simple Pad Thai Recipe - An Authentic Thai Taste With No Cooking Experience Need

Pad Thai is one of the most Authentic Thai Food Restaurant prepared. This delicious dish is filled with some of the healthiest ingredients. So, cook great, get healthy, and enjoy yourself with this simple yet authentic Thailand mealthat taste exactly like the original!

Tools
Wok/large skillet
Pot
Blender to chop,and grate some ingredients
Large Spoon

Ingredients
salt
4 eggs
3 cups bean sprouts
6 ounces pad thai rice noodles
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup fish sauce ***
3 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup green onions cut in 1-inch pieces
2/3 cup chopped peanuts

(it is best to chop, and grate the ingredients before you begin)

Servings 4-6

*** There is no substitutions to fish sauce, it can be purchased at any local food store. I normally get mine at Meijers in the traditional foods aisle. Do not get oyster sauce, nor clam sauce, but a labeled fish sauce.

Steps

1.Boil water in pot and put in the bean sprouts in boiling water for approximately 30 seconds then remove, and bean sprouts drain well. Set off to the side.

2.When the water returns to a boil then add noodles. Let the noodles cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender but firm; drain and rinse under cold water.

3. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and add a pinch of salt.

4. In another small bowl, stir together the lime juice, ketchup, brown sugar, and fish sauce in a separate bowl. Set aside for later use.

5. Heat the peanut oil in a wok/large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and let it fry for a few seconds. Then add the pepper flakes and grated carrots. Let it cook for one minute, then remove.

6.Again, add a little bit of peanut oil to the wok/large skillet. Add the beaten egg, and gently scramble.

7. When the eggs have set, pour in the sauce mixture, carrots, bean sprouts, noodles, peanuts, and green onions and toss together.

8. Serve Hot.

9. For more flavor, you can add the lemon juice before serving to each plate.

Discover Authentic Asian Dishes in Dorset

Discover the amazing taste and smell of authentic Asian dishes in Dorset. There are quite a few Asian restaurants that serve authentic dishes in Dorset. You can enjoy some of the exotic dishes during your holidays in Dorset and also during you Torquay holidays. There are many restaurants you can try during your holidays in Dorset and also during your Torquay holidays; however, there are two that you should not miss during your Torquay holidays and during your holidays in Dorset. They are Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant and Indis - an Indian restaurant.

Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant

It is an authentic Thai restaurant you should try during your holidays in Dorset. It is located in Bournemouth. You can drive over to this restaurant and enjoy a unique dining experience. If you want to enjoy authentic Thai hospitality and cuisine, then Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant is the best place for you to enjoy a fine dinner. One of the most popular dishes in any Thai restaurant is the Pork dishes, and this restaurant is no different. However, the pork dishes available at this restaurant are some of the best in Dorset. You can also choose poultry and seafood dishes at this restaurant. If you like seafood, you will enjoy the authentic Thai seafood dishes at this restaurant. Lobster and prawn are some of the popular seafood dishes Available at the restaurant. One of the must-try dishes at Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant is the Chicken Green Curry, you can ask the chef to go easy on the spice if you are not too comfortable with spicy food. The restaurant also has a take-away service, so you can order some Thai food to take back to your holiday cottage. Enjoy a unique dining experience at this restaurant during your Torquay holidays.

Indis

Indis is an Indian restaurant that you must try dining-out at during your holidays in Dorset. This was started in the year 2002 and has since then has become one of the popular Indian restaurants in Westbourne. Indis is situated in Westbourne. The restaurant uses separate curry pastes in all its dishes, unlike many of the other Indian restaurants. Many Indian restaurants serve spicy food; however, at Indis you can enjoy authentic Indian dishes that are not too spicy. The dishes at this restaurant are cooked with the best ingredients. A few of the dishes you should try are; Chicken or Lamb Tikka or Sheek Kebab and Paneer Chicken (Succulent chicken cooked with capsicum, fresh herbs, onions and served with homemade cottage cheese), the Goa duck, Minty Lamb and the Whole Lobster Platter are worth trying. These are just few of the dishes available at the restaurant. In case you do not know what to choose, you can ask the chef for suggestions. You should dine-out at this fine Indian restaurant during your Torquay holidays.