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CONTRARY to popular belief, Thailand’s food is far more diverse than iterations of red curry and mango sticky rice.
But on these food tours, first-time visitors don’t have to worry about getting ripped off at a tourist trap – because what’s a trip to Asia without eating just like the locals do?
Grasshopper Adventures
Thai otak-otak or aromatic fish custard is just one thing you’ll be eating on this tour
Where is it
Chiang Mai
What to expect
Chiang Mai cuisine, aka Muang cuisine, is some of the richest in Thailand. To experience the best of it, hop on a bike and ride about the charming back streets and alleyways to eat at some of the city’s more under-the-radar spots.
Start with local tropical fruit, then stop at the local market for meats and vegetables alongside lip-puckering nam phrik, and finish with a spot of Mae Salong tea and Thai dessert. Bike rides are mostly conducted on flat terrains so beginners needn’t worry.
Taste of Isan
The popular som tum is a product of the Isan region. Pic: harikarn/Shutterstock
Where
Khon Kaen
What to expect
If you make it out to the eastern Thailand region of Isan, note that the food here is a bit more fuss-free and modest compared to that of central and northern Thailand. Foods are often preserved and fermented, while the ubiquitous som tum or green papaya salad originated here.
On this tour, you’ll be brought into rural villages to eat home-cooked lunches and dinners, a privilege most tourists don’t usually get. Not only will you be served a wide range of local, everyday dishes, you’ll also get a glimpse into how the Isan locals prepare unaltered versions of these dishes in their own homes.
Chili Paste
Calle Khao San in Banglamphu. Pic: Hernán Maglione/flickr
Where
Bangkok
What to expect
In Bangkok’s Old City of Banglamphu lies some of the best street food in all of Thailand’s capital. Nondescript shop houses and alleyways are home to families perfecting recipes passed down from generations.
This private tour tour kicks off with a Thai breakfast at a vibrant alleyway market before you’re whisked to a Thai herb shop, decades-old street food vendors, a lunch of Thai curries, salads and soups before you wind down with refreshing coconut ice cream at a 70-year-old ice cream shop.
Chiang Rai Food Tours
The local markets are the best place to score delicious food. Pic: CC Photography Blog
Where
Chiang Rai
What to expect
Chiang Rai, about three hours from Chiang Mai by car, is a haven for northern Thai cuisine. This tour fuses the area’s culinary clout with Thai history as your guide will explain how the two go hand-in-hand.
However, it’s not just street food you’ll be eating; you’ll also get a chance to visit Chiang Rai’s historic fine dining restaurants and unique ethnic eateries. A visit to the local market and two famous temples are also included in the tour.
The post If you want to eat like the locals in Thailand, join these exciting food tours appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com