Welcome back to Flavourful Journeys, where each week we take you on a global culinary adventure. This week, we’ll dive into the heart of Southeast Asia and explore a country where food is fast, fiery, and full of flavour — Thailand.
Thai cuisine is renowned for its remarkable balance, where sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami flavours all harmoniously coexist. It’s bold but never overwhelming, fragrant yet approachable, and deeply rooted in history, culture, and community. Whether it’s street food served in bustling night markets or elegant meals presented in lotus-shaped dishes, Thailand’s approach to food is both casual and deeply intentional.
The Essence of Thai Cuisine
Thai food is all about contrasts: spicy chilli's cooled by creamy coconut milk, tangy lime juice balanced by palm sugar, and fresh herbs paired with fermented fish sauce. Meals often feature various dishes eaten together — curry, stir-fry, soup, salad, and rice — designed to offer balance and variety in every bite.
Key ingredients that define Thai cooking include:
- Fish sauce (Nam pla) – Salty, umami-rich, and used in everything from sauces to marinades
- Lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime – Aromatic herbs that give Thai soups and curries their signature brightness
- Thai basil, coriander, and mint – Fresh herbs used generously to lift and finish dishes
- Bird’s eye chillis – Small but mighty, packing a fiery punch
- Coconut milk – Creamy and soothing, used in both savoury curries and sweet desserts
Where to Go for the Best Bites
Every region in Thailand has its own distinct culinary style, shaped by its unique geography, culture, and climate. Here are some must-visit spots for the ultimate Thai food experience:
🛺 Bangkok – The Street Food Capital
Thailand’s capital is a vibrant food metropolis. In Bangkok, you’ll find sizzling skewers at night markets, Michelin-rated street vendors (like Jay Fai and her legendary crab omelette), and traditional dishes served in riverside restaurants. Head to Chinatown (Yaowarat) for dim sum and noodle soups, or Ratchawat Market for spicy duck noodles and grilled meats.
🍲 Chiang Mai – Northern Thai Comfort
Chiang Mai offers a cooler climate and a unique take on Thai cuisine. Try Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles, and explore the flavours of Burmese and Laotian-influenced dishes. The night markets here are packed with delicacies like grilled sausages (sai ua), sticky rice, and herbal soups.
🏝 Phuket – Southern Thai Spice
Phuket’s cuisine is rich, spicy, and heavily seafood-based. Southern Thai food is known for its heat, often featuring turmeric, shrimp paste, and chilli. Try dishes like Gaeng Som (sour curry soup), Nam Prik Goong Siap (dried shrimp chilli paste), and grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves.
Cook at Home: Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut-Chilli Glaze
Thailand is a land where food brings people together — whether it's families sharing a home-cooked meal, friends gathered at a street stall, or strangers united by a shared bowl of noodles. The cuisine is bold, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition — yet constantly evolving with modern tastes.
Try our aromatic Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut-Chilli Glaze, prepared with ingredients from Butchers-Sundries.
Making Time: 1hr 30 mins
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 600-800g Chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch chunks
- RAPs Red Thai Magic Marinade – for coconut-chilli flavour
- Middletons Thai Glaze
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lime wedges
- Fresh coriander
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Jasmine rice or Thai salad (for serving)
Method:
· Marinate the chicken in a large bowl and coat the chicken pieces generously with the RAPS Red Thai Magic Marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavour)
· Prepare the skewers, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Optionally alternate with slices of red onion or bell pepper
· Preheat the grill; set your BBQ or grill to medium-high heat
· Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred
· In the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, brush the Middletons Thai Glaze over the skewers to add a glossy, herby finish
· Transfer skewers to a platter. Garnish with fresh coriander, lime wedges, and chopped peanuts. Serve with jasmine rice or a fresh Thai salad