An activity we’ve been looking forward to for months is taking a Thai cooking class as a family in Chiang Mai. We booked it for the day after Christmas and decided to go for a full-day class that took place outside the city at the company’s farm. It was really nice to get out into the Northern Thai countryside away from the hectic Chiang Mai city center.
The first activity was stopping at a food market near the farm to learn about all the ingredients we’d be using and to see how and where the locals do their shopping. Probably the most fascinating area for us was the pig parts room where every pig part imaginable was on display. On our way back to the van, we saw some yummy-looking chocolate-covered donuts, but unfortunately the black topping wasn’t actually chocolate, and they weren’t actually yummy. My best guess is it was coagulated fish sauce mixed with soy sauce and a dash of jello.
The farm where the class was held was really pretty, and our instructor gave us a tour of the grounds once we arrived, explaining what was growing and letting us sample the various plants.
As for the cooking part, we were all so amazed we were actually able to replicate many of our favorite Thai foods! I had a really fun time partnering with Keegan and figuring out when to let him take the lead and when to go ahead and help him chop with the massive knife we were given. Tate and Anya also partnered up and William and Findlay each got their own stations. We had some choices to make regarding what to cook, and Keegan and I made Phad Thai, spring rolls, Tom Kha soup, Penang curry (including the curry paste from scratch), spicy minced chicken salad, and fried bananas. It was incredibly fun and delicious and gave us confidence we can do this when we get back home! We’ll be sure to practice as soon as we get home, and once we have it down we’ll be excited to make Thai food for any of you who like that cuisine!
Wow!!! I see woks, traditional market and fresh ingredients… that’s the way I’m familiar with my own culture. I’d love to learn from you on how to make thai cooking and please consider to do a Thai cooking workshop when you return to Seattle!
It was so fun! We may need a bit more practice before hosting a workshop, but I love the idea 😁
What an incredible experience! I surely would enjoy being on the receiving end of some of your yummy Thai cooking and would enjoy learning a few things from you myself if you had it in you. It looks like an amazing time!
You got it! I hope you like spicy…
That sounds so delicious and fun! I love to cook and I’d love to learn in the country where the food originates. What a wonderful activity. Tate’s poses are hilarious.
Yes, he keeps us in stitches!
We previously envisioned you opening a family coffee/waffle shop upon your return. Now, we’re thinking it might be a Thai food/coffee/waffle establishment. We’ve been working on coming up with a name for your restaurant, and so far our best recommendations are “Thai Jitters House” or “Thai Java House”.
Those are great ideas! As of now I’m pushing for “When a Man Loves a Waffle”, but that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue and may only appeal to Michael Bolton fans.