How to experience food in Khao Lak? - A Culinary Adventure

Laid-back yet lovely is an apt description for Khao Lak, one of Thailand’s captivating beach destinations in southern Thailand. Apart from the beaches, enchanting waterfalls and mountainous landscapes entice visitors. The eclectic mix of food complements these with ethnic choices alongside international cuisine. Discover some of the unique local dishes you must savour during your visit.

Introduction

Though giving the impression of a quiet beach town as compared to the busier beach vibes of Phuket, on the food scene Khao Lak does not disappoint visitors. While the town caters to German, Italian, and other Western cuisine due to many visitors from these countries opting for a Khao Lak beach resort during their stay, its ethnic food choices are simply tantalizing. This includes seafood dishes made from fresh catch each day, relished by visitors just as much as by locals.Thai food is widely popular and most visitors to any part of Thailand prefer to imbibe in local dishes. Using the main 5 flavours of spicy, salty, sweet, sour and creamy, most dishes have a mix of these with the right balance. Here are some of the quintessential local dishes.

Thai Green Papaya Salad

Also called som tum, this colourful mishmash of salty, crunchy, tangy, sweet and spicy salad topped with chilli sauce and roasted peanuts can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or meal. Some have it combined with sticky rice and grilled chicken to make it more filling.Made with shredded green papaya, bean sprouts, tomatoes, green beans, fish sauce, and lime and mixed in a deep bowl, this healthy dish provides a blend of 4 out of the 5 flavours.

Hanschrists, TOMYUM, CC BY-SA 4.0 

Tom Yum Goong Naam Kon

This famous soup is known for its unique hot and sour flavours with the authentic fragrant spices used in the broth. This is made with stock well mixed with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, fish sauce, lime juice and crushed chilli. This creamier version of the soup uses milk (even coconut milk can be used) and includes seafood (in this case prawns, goong in Thai) and chilli jam.Once the aroma-filled soup is ready it is served with Thai Jasmine rice or sticky rice at hotels like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort while street vendors turn out this delicious soup at various stalls pairing it with sticky rice.

Pad Thai 

A dish of aromatic noodles heaped with bean sprouts and a lot of other things to add variety and give bits of protein, greens etc. to nibble on. The stir-fried hot noodle dish is mixed with tofu, shallots, garlic, bean sprouts, dried shrimp, chilli flakes, roasted peanuts, and eggs.The final mix is a fine mix of salty, sour and sweet flavours heaped onto a plate, garnished with a bit more roasted peanuts and a sprinkling of fresh lime. A tantalizing meal for lunch or dinner.

Banana Pancake

Also known as Banana Roti this street food is quite popular among visitors and one can see them alongside the roti carts trying this fast-moving snack. The crepe or roti is filled with fresh banana and tender coconut meat and cooked to a golden crispy goodness. Adding icing to the cake is the topping of condensed milk making it a delight for sweet lovers.There are variations to this pancake in certain areas such as using Nutella, just using the tender coconut flesh etc.

Khao Soi Gai

This is a curried noodle soup with chicken popular throughout Thailand. It is a curry with egg noodles, onion and chicken topped with crispy fried thin noodles accompanied by sliced shallots and coriander which can be added to the soup just before eating. This yummy noodle soup can be eaten by itself and is a filling meal.