We headed to a Thai cooking class for the evening in an outdoor jungle estate to learn how to cook some traditional Thai meals. First, our chef Perm took us to the markets of Chiang Mai to learn about the different ingredients we would be using in our meals. The outdoor cooking studio was beautiful. The only downside to cooking outside in the jungle in the evening are the mosquitoes. But luckily my smoking pots and pans kept the majority away.
The meals we learned to cook were:
- Tom Yum Soup
- Pad Thai
- Chicken Cashew
- Green Curry
It turned into a feast. One of the beast feasts I’ve ever indulged in. The flavours, the colours, the smells – all so divine. I was meaning to document more of the end results, but I was so hungry and everything smelled and tasted so good that I wolfed my meal down very fast. It was a peaceful experience while cooking outdoors albeit slightly stressful sometimes when the chef’s helper guy would come over and yell something at me that I could never quite understand.
I actually become really sad when I remember that back home these authentic meals are a rare find . . . unless you cook and make them yourself. So now that is what I am going to have to do. Cook. Often. I better stock up and add a few more supplies to my kitchen aside from the 4 ingredients currently in the cupboards.
The Vintage Postcard 
I love the colours of the market!
Same here! I couldn’t get enough of the displays.
Taking you to the local market was the best idea ever. I am trying to expand my limited culinary skills myself. Now up to 6 ingredients! Ha ha!
Anyway, taking a cooking class was a pretty solid idea.
Thanks! I loved the food in SE Asia so much, especially Pad Thai!!!! I’m actually obsessed now. Thankfully the cooking class has given me the knowledge to replicate it to the best of my abilities at home.
I am crazy about Thai and Indian food too. The interesting thing will be when you return to your home. I am sure there is a local Asian community there and it is probably a place you have never ventured to. Going there will be like stepping into a foreign land and they will be surprised to even see a Caucasian person. I know I get those looks here. But they turn around when they see you are interested in their culture.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Very true! I plan on bombarding the Asian food stores that are around (which are many) at home. I must get my supplies!
This must have been really interesting!
Very much so!
This is incredible- my flatmate is from Thailand and I honestly had no idea just how amazing the food is out there, let alone how cool a cooking class could be. Love the videos, too! :)
Thanks! I love the food over there . . . The Art of Thai Cooking with Alli begins! :)
what wonderful pictures and what a great experience! your posts are definitely not calming my desire to teach abroad (or at least visit) Thailand!! but don’t worry, that’s a good thing :)
Thank you! I highly recommend it!!
SO HAPPY to hear this! I am going to be in Chiang Mai next week and your post made me just so much more excited! Awesome photos of the market with all the colours I can almost smell the fragrance. Cheers!
That’s awesome! I highly recommend a cooking class – there are so many in Chiang Mai. Thank you – the markets are great. You will love it as the photographer you are!