Discovering Thailand's Hidden Dish in Ken, Northeastern Thailand

TLDRIn Ken, Thailand, we try an authentic Thai dish called 'AL' which is a roasted fish with a flavorful herb mixture. The dish is cooked in a clay pot and is a traditional Ean dish that is not commonly found in restaurants. It is a must-try when visiting this region of Thailand.

Key insights

🐟AL is a traditional Ean dish that consists of roasted fish and a herb mixture

🔥The dish is cooked over a charcoal fire in a clay pot, giving it a rich smoky flavor

🌿The herb mixture includes ingredients like galangal, lemongrass, shallots, and garlic

🌸Lotus flowers are used to make cups filled with various fillings, adding a unique floral touch to the meal

🥢AL is a specialty dish that can only be found in private home settings or special events in Ken, Thailand

Q&A

What type of fish is used in AL?

AL is traditionally made with a soft freshwater fish called bong, which is also known as snakehead fish.

What are some of the key ingredients used in the herb mixture?

The herb mixture for AL includes galangal, lemongrass, shallots, and garlic, which add aromatic flavors to the dish.

How is AL cooked?

AL is cooked by roasting the fish with the herb mixture in a clay pot over a charcoal fire, giving it a distinct smoky flavor.

Are lotus flowers commonly used in Thai cuisine?

Lotus flowers are a unique ingredient in Thai cuisine, often used to add floral notes and visual appeal to dishes like AL.

Where can I try AL?

AL is a specialty dish that is typically only available in private home settings or during special events in Ken, Thailand.

Timestamped Summary

00:00We are in Ken, a province in northeastern Thailand, to discover a hidden Thai dish called AL.

02:31AL is a traditional Ean dish that combines roasted fish with a flavorful herb mixture.

09:11The fish used in AL is called bong, a soft freshwater fish known for its delicate texture.

12:01The herb mixture for AL includes galangal, lemongrass, shallots, and garlic, adding aromatic flavors to the dish.

15:39We try a stunning appetizer of roasted salt-crusted snakehead fish with lotus flower cups filled with flavorful fillings.

18:20Lotus flowers are used to add floral notes and visual appeal to various dishes in Thai cuisine.

23:19AL is a specialty dish that can only be enjoyed in private home settings or during special events in Ken, Thailand.