Exploring Thailand's Hidden Dishes: The Rare Thai Curry with Toddy Palm Fruit

TLDRJoin Mark Wiens as he travels through Thailand to uncover the hidden dishes of lesser-known provinces. In this episode, he explores a rare Thai curry made with toddy palm fruit, a unique ingredient with multiple uses. Watch as Mark learns about the process of harvesting toddy palm fruit and the creation of the curry paste. Experience the flavors of this traditional dish and discover the resourcefulness of local communities in utilizing every part of the toddy palm tree.

Key insights

🥥The toddy palm fruit is a versatile ingredient used in various Thai dishes, including desserts and curries.

🌴Local communities in Thailand have found innovative uses for every part of the toddy palm tree.

🍛The rare Thai curry made with toddy palm fruit features a unique flavor profile and is a must-try for food enthusiasts.

🌾The toddy palm tree is also important for its palm sugar, commonly used in Thai cuisine.

🌿The curry paste for the toddy palm fruit curry is made with fresh, local ingredients, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor.

Q&A

What is toddy palm fruit?

Toddy palm fruit is the fruit of the toddy palm tree, a versatile ingredient in Thai cuisine known for its unique flavor and texture.

What are some other uses for toddy palm?

Apart from being used in curries, toddy palm is also used to make desserts, jellies, and palm sugar, which is a common ingredient in Thai sweets.

How is toddy palm fruit curry made?

Toddy palm fruit curry is made by pounding a curry paste made with ingredients like finger root, dry chilies, and grilled mackerel. The curry paste is then cooked with toddy palm fruit and other ingredients to create a flavorful and aromatic curry.

What does toddy palm fruit curry taste like?

Toddy palm fruit curry has a unique flavor profile, combining the sweetness of the fruit with the spices and herbs used in the curry paste. It has a rich and aromatic taste that complements the tender texture of the toddy palm fruit.

Where can I try toddy palm fruit curry?

Toddy palm fruit curry is a regional dish that is commonly found in provinces where toddy palm trees are grown, such as Pepburi in Thailand. Local restaurants and communities often serve this specialty dish.

Timestamped Summary

02:58Mark explores the community in Pepburi that specializes in toddy palm fruit and discovers its multiple uses.

09:15Mark witnesses the process of harvesting toddy palm fruit and learns about its importance in Thai cuisine.

13:09Mark joins the locals in preparing the curry paste for the toddy palm fruit curry.

14:01The curry paste, along with grilled mackerel and other ingredients, is used to create the base gravy for the curry.

14:51Mark discovers the versatility of toddy palm fruit and its significance in Thai food culture.