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Exploring the Vibrant World of Thai Vegetables

A Journey Through the Thai Market

Vegetable shopping in Thailand is a feast for the senses. As a Westerner, stepping into a local ‘talaad’ (market) can be an eye-opening experience. Prepare to be amazed by the vast array of vegetables, some common and others truly exotic. After your TEFL course, you’ll settle into work mode – and start cooking for yourself sometimes. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a captivating journey through the vibrant world of Thai vegetables.

Familiar and Exotic

In the West, our grocery shopping lists often consist of familiar vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans. However, as the trend of cooking foreign and fusion food gains popularity, supermarkets have started including ‘exotic’ vegetables, many from Asia. But even with these additions, nothing compares to the surprises awaiting you in the Thai market.

The Ever-Expanding Green Horizon

Let’s rewind a few years. Eating your “greens” in the West typically meant spinach, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and green beans. The variety was limited, and exploring further seemed unnecessary. However, as Asian-inspired dishes gained popularity, kale and bok choy found their way onto supermarket shelves. Today, Asian markets in most big cities offer a wide variety of Asian fruits, vegetables, and other products.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Thai Vegetables

Visiting a local market in Thailand is a delightful adventure. The vibrant colours, unique shapes, and enticing aromas will leave you spellbound. To navigate this culinary wonderland, it’s helpful to bring a Thai friend along or join a cooking class that includes a market visit. Not only will you learn how to select the veggies, but you’ll also discover how to prepare and savour them.

The Astonishing World of Thai Eggplants

Prepare to meet eggplants like you’ve never seen before. While the big, purple, and shiny eggplant familiar to Mediterranean cuisine is available in Thailand, there’s a whole world of eggplants waiting to be explored. From tiny ‘pea’ eggplants used in curries to pale green and white Thai eggplants used in green curry, the variety is astounding. Don’t be fooled by the small, watery-looking tomatoes either—they may lack colour but burst with flavour.

Greens That Defy Expectations

Thai greens cover the full spectrum of flavours and shapes. Prepare to encounter the extraordinary ‘long bean,’ which truly lives up to its name with a length of about a foot or more. Wing beans, with their strange irregular shape and serrated edges, offer a delightful crunch. Delve into the world of roots as well, with taro and yucca roots adding a unique touch to Thai desserts. And let’s not forget the lotus root, which finds its way into both desserts and drinks.

Beyond Veggies—Bananas and More

While not technically vegetables, bananas play a significant role in Thai cooking. From the fruit itself used in desserts to the leaves used for wrapping ingredients, they are truly versatile. Bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and daikon radishes are staples in various dishes, adding a delightful texture and flavour. And who can resist the sweet taste of sugar cane sticks, either chewed on as a treat or used to enhance the flavour of broths and skewers?

The Fine Line Between Herbs and Vegetables

In Thai cuisine, the line between herbs and vegetables is blurred. While Western cuisine mainly uses herbs in cooking, Thai cuisine brings herbs to the forefront. You’ll find bunches of herb-like greens lying alongside the vegetables at the market. These greens are not only used in cooking but are also enjoyed raw, adding depth to salads and serving as palate cleansers. Explore the bitter sadoa flowers and leaves or the citrusy-tasting tia for a truly unique experience.

Embrace the Adventure!

The world of Thai vegetables is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The best way to truly understand and appreciate their unique flavours and textures is by immersing yourself in the local markets. So, during your TEFL course downtime, gather your classmates and head down to the local market. Embrace the adventure, taste the unfamiliar, and savour the rich tapestry of Thai vegetables.

Note: If you’re planning to embark on a TEFL adventure in Thailand or other exciting destinations, be sure to check out Destination TEFL. Their comprehensive TEFL courses and invaluable resources will prepare you for an unforgettable teaching experience. And for more tips on immersing yourself in Thai culture, read our blog post on “5 Interesting Facts about Thailand.”

Rose-Anne Turner – Head of Admissions