Special food to try in Phuket.
Thai cuisine is known for its incredible mix of flavors sour, salty, sweet, bitter, and spicy in every dish. This balance of tastes is achieved by using a range of spices and ingredients. A great example of this is the dish Gaeng Som.
Gaeng Som is a popular dish among the people of Phuket, reflecting the regional preferences and culinary traditions of this beautiful island in southern Thailand. It’s a testament to the diversity and richness of Thai cuisine, where different regions have their own signature dishes and flavors.
Gaeng Som, which translates to “sour curry” is a delightful Thai dish with a thin, soupy curry texture. It’s made from basic ingredients like turmeric, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, and vegetables such as pickled bamboo, papaya, or coconut shoots. While you can use various types of firm white fish, sea bass is a popular choice. What makes it uniquely sour is the addition of lime juice or tamarin paste, and it gets its spiciness from red Thai chilies.
Absolutely, Gaeng Som, when paired with fried rice and fried salty fish, along with a side of stir-fried Melinjo with egg, creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This mix of sourness, saltiness, and the unique taste of Melinjo with the richness of egg enhances the overall dining experience. Try them out when you visit Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga next time.
