Southern Thai Cuisine

Southern Thailand is famous for its scenic coast. The region approximately aligns with the fourteen southernmost Thai provinces on the Malay Peninsula. It is surrounded by ocean to the east and the west; the sea has helped shape Southern Thai culture. Southern Thailand was once controlled by the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Southern Thai people speak a distinct Southern Thai language.

Southern Thai cuisine is closely related to Central Thai cuisine. Some of the same dishes can be found, like tom yam. Other dishes are clearly related but distinct, such as the two versions of sour curry in . the regions: Southern Thai sour curry is known as yellow curry in Central Thailand to distinguish it from Central Thai sour curry.

Traders from Arab regions and India, Malays, and Chinese people have all contributed to the mixed culture of Southern Thailand. Muslim influence in Southern Thai cuisine, especially dried spices and curry techniques, can be traced back to Middle Eastern influence. Khao hmok is a Southern Thai adaptation of biryani. Masman curry(แกงมัสมั่น), or massaman curry, is even named for its Muslim influence: the Southern Thai word masman(มัสมั่น) derives from a Middle Eastern term denoting Muslim.

Similarities with neighboring Malay cuisines are especially strong. Many spices are shared as well as several dishes. Southern Thai nam ya is like Malay laksa. Southern Thai khao yam is like Malay nasi ulam.

Ingredients

Rice is a staple in Southern Thailand, not unlike neighboring regions. Jasmine rice is preferred. Adding coconut is not uncommon. Sometimes rice is colored yellow with turmeric or blue with pea flowers.

Stink bean(สะตอ) is a specialty food.

Coconut is widely grown and used, especially for its cream which is used in curries and more. Palm sugar and oil are also harvested from palm varieties and used widely.

Kaffir lime is native to the region. The fruit and leaves are used.

galangal, turmeric

Thai holy basil

Seafood is common as Southern Thailand is bounded with coast to the west and the east. Fish, shrimp, and squid are common.

Dishes

• tom yam(ต้มยำ): sweet and sour soup
• tom kha(ต้มข่า): soup with galangal and coconut milk
• khao yam(ข้าวยำ): mixed rice salad
• khao hmok(ข้าวหมก): rice cooked with turmeric and other spices, usually served with grilled chicken
• phad kraphrao(ผัดกระเพรา): stir fry with Thai holy basil
• sour curry*(แกงส้ม): sour curry with turmeric
• masman curry(แกงมัสมั่น): mild curry with complex flavor from multiple spices
• khua kling(คั่วกลิ้ง): spicy, dry curry with chili, coconut cream, and kaffir lime leaf
• nam ya(นำ้ยา): curry broth with turmeric and usually fish, normally served with noodles
• vegetables in coconut milk