India and Thailand have maintained a cordial relationship for centuries now. There is archaeological, epigraphic and other historical evidence vouching for Indo-Thai cultural penetration from the early centuries of the common era or even earlier. Every year many tourists from India and Thailand travel to and fro, creating a healthy perpetual cultural exchange. Today we explore cultural similarities between India and Thailand through our favourite cuisines.
Thailand is known for its unique cuisines and amalgamation of flavours that delight our taste buds. Some of the leading Thailand cuisines are curry-based and trace their origin back to Indian Buddhist monks. The frequent foreign trade of herbs and spices also gave impetus to giving some Thai Cuisine a little bit of Indian touch.
Some of our favorite Thai cuisines that will rejuvenate your taste buds:
- Khao Soi Curry:
An underrated but one of the most delicious curries that all spice lovers should try. Traditionally, it contains hand-cut rice noodles in clear soup broth, topped with your favourite toppings of eggs, cabbage, and more.
- Khao Phad or Thai Fried Rice:
The Indian version of this dish is our favourite biryani. It contains a mixture of rice, egg, garlic, and onions with the taste of herbs and spices, topped with a fiery Thai fish sauce. Apart from being delicious, this dish is also very high in protein. Something to consider the next time you go through that menu.
- Gaeng Panang, aka Panang Curry: Using Red curry paste, onions, garlic, fish sauce, peppers, basil leaves, coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves, complemented by tasty, spicy, and rich ingredients. This famous Thai curry combines Malaysian, Indian, and Burmese tastes with a unique aroma.
- Kaeng Luang:
If you want something mild because the Thai red scares the bejesus out of you, this is the dish for you. With a mixture of turmeric powder, yellow paste, lemongrass, galangal, coconut cream, and coconut milk, it holds all the flavours of the red curry yet is milder.
- Massaman Curry:
Lemongrass, galangal, coconut milk, cinnamon, and cloves are some of the traditional Thai ingredients used in this curry with a unique flavour twist.
Make sure to try any of these delicious Thai cuisines the next time you visit a restaurant; you will not be disappointed by their taste, aroma, or ingredients.
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Thai Cuisines pic courtesy Takeaway, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons