Day 4 and I’m acutely aware that time is running out for us to visit this region’s famous attractions. It’s Sunday and temperatures are expected to soar (I’m told they hit 45°C yesterday). Baby Noah is back to his normal, happy self but the beautiful hotel pool beckons along with the prospect of travelling far distances in the searing heat. I » Read More
Chiang Mai Travel Diary – Part 4
October 9, 2015 by
Day Three and baby Noah is chirpier now that he’s getting a good supply of fresh mango juice, but he’s still a little lethargic. We’re in this remote part of Southeast Asia and the elephant sanctuary, the famous Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple up in the hills and the long necked mountain tribes are all on my wish list but they all involve day trips » Read More
How to Make Chor Muang (Thai Royal Steamed Dumplings)
September 22, 2015 by
One of three rare Thai dishes traditionally served to the Thai royal family, Chor Muang is a steamed dumpling delicately formed into flowers using a pair of tweezers with serrated tips. The purple colour is obtained from the petals of what we call bunga telang in Malaysia; though you can achieve the same effect with food colouring. Chef Wassana is » Read More
Chiang Mai Travel Diary – Part 2
September 2, 2015 by
We land at Chiang Mai and the isolation of this city, 700 kms north of Bangkok, is immediately palpable as we take in the high mountains and vast green fields that surround the airport. Heading to our hotel, I manage to communicate with ease with Shangri-La Chiang Mai’s limousine driver, and my concerns about language barriers is alleviated. » Read More
How to Cook Thai Mushroom Salad (Laab Hed Fang)
August 20, 2015 by
A quick and easy salad using cooked local mushrooms and fresh herbs. Recipe and instructions by Chef Kamsin of Shangri-La Chiang Mai. INGREDIENTS: 500 g Straw mushrooms 80 g Shallots 20 g Ground rice 20 g Spring Onion 10 g Chilli flakes 80 g Galangal 10 g Kaffir lime leaves, chopped 3 tbs Fish sauce 50 g Lime juice 10 g Coriander, » Read More
How to Cook Chiang Mai Snail Curry
August 13, 2015 by
I was keen to draw a distinction between the cuisine of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, and what we here in the West know as Thai food i.e. Pad Thai, red/green/yellow curry and the like. Because Chiang Mai is landlocked, seafood does not feature that prominently in its recipes; I was told pork is very popular, which I have to admit gave me pause » Read More
How to Cook Khao Soi
July 30, 2015 by
I had the opportunity to visit Chiang Mai last month courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels and whilst there I filmed a series of cooking videos consisting of dishes unique to that part of Thailand. I’ll write about my Chiang Mai travels in a separate post, but right now I just want to get this recipe across to you. This is the first in the series, and I’m » Read More