When visiting Thailand many tourists tend to bypass its cities and head straight for the island of Phuket to enjoy its beaches or the jungles of Khao Sok National Park for its diverse wildlife. But spend some time in Bangkok – a relaxing Chao Phraya River cruise will introduce you to the impressive grounds at the Grand Palace. Close by is the iconic statue of the reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho and the beautiful Buddhist Temple of the Dawn (the view of the city from its spire is unmatched). “Foodies” will want to spend some time in Bangkok as its bustling street markets and floating markets are not to be missed!
Signature Drink: Sabai Sabai (the Thai ‘Welcome Drink”)
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Mehkong liquor
1 ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
1-2 fresh sweet Thai basil leaves crushed in your palm
Club soda to taste (1-4 oz)
Instructions:
Place all ingredients except club soda in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice (if using more soda, use a highball glass). Add club soda.
Signature Wine – Chenin Blanc grown in the Monsoon Valley
Signature Dish – Pad Kra Pao
While Pad Thai is Thailand’s most well known dish, Bangkok locals prefer Pad Kra Pao which has a distinct peppery flavor owing to the holy basil. You may need to visit an Indian or Thai market to find this herb – regular basil is not a substitute in this recipe.
Ingredients:
2T oil
4 garlic cloves, peeled
4–8 Thai chilis (to taste)
1 pound ground pork
1½ cups holy basil leaves (tulsi), packed loosely
2T oyster sauce
2T light soy sauce
1T fish sauce
1½t sugar
Preparation:
Crush garlic and chilis to form a dense paste.
Mix sauce ingredients until sugar dissolves.
Stir fry garlic/chili paste until fragrant and add ground pork. Stir fry 2–3 minutes until pork is no longer pink.
Add sauce and stir fry until pork is thoroughly coated.
Turn off heat and add basil leaves, tossing until fragrant and wilted (just a few seconds).
Serve over jasmine rice topped with a crispy fried egg if desired — this is the traditional presentation for the dish.
