Recipes from the North

This book is the third volume in a series dedicated to the regional cuisines of Thailand. It follows Recipes from the South and Recipes from Isan, and will be followed by Recipes from the Central Plains. The cuisine of Northern Thailand is so rich and diverse that it was a real challenge to choose from among all these delicious recipes. We hope you will enjoy our selection. But first, let us say a few words about the distinctive features of the North.
 
The cuisine of Northern Thailand is unlike any other. The North is a vast mountainous region with a cooler winter climate, very different from the rest of the country. Here, you will find trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables that cannot be grown elsewhere in the Kingdom.
 
Its proximity to neighbouring countries has also had a strong influence on its people and culinary traditions. Northern Thailand shares borders with Myanmar and Laos, and China is not far away.
 
Many villages, some of them remote, are home to hill tribes who have preserved their own traditions and languages.
 
The local cuisine is marked by dishes that are less spicy than in other regions, frequent use of vegetables, and meats rarely eaten elsewhere in the country. Curries are mostly cooked in broth, with coconut milk used only occasionally. The use of sugar and lime juice, common in other parts of Thailand, is almost absent here. The dominant flavours are salty and spicy, and dishes are served with sticky rice.
 
All the recipes in this book are designed for two people, except for the curry in jelly, which is difficult to prepare in small quantities.
 
The quantity of chilli given corresponds to authentic Thai recipes. Although Northern cuisine is milder than that of other regions, many of these dishes will still be considered very spicy by Western standards. If you have never cooked Thai food before, we recommend starting with less chilli. You can always add more after tasting the dish.
 
If you have any questions about certain ingredients or recipes, feel free to write to us. We are always happy to help.
 
We wish you a wonderful culinary journey and happy cooking.