Southern Cuisine: Spicy and Yellow

       Southern cuisine is another regional cuisine that is often discussed and debated in terms of its spicy taste. It is commonly believed that Southern and Northeastern cuisines compete to see which one is spicier. Why is Southern cuisine known for its fiery flavors, and why does turmeric play such a prominent role in almost every dish? Let's explore more about Southern cuisine with ThailandCONNEX today.

       In many Southern menus, there are numerous dishes with a spicy taste. This is because the main ingredient of Southern cuisine is the spice blend itself. Due to its historical role as a trading hub for Chinese and Indian merchants, the Southern region adopted their culinary culture and cooking techniques, including the use of spices from India. Turmeric, in particular, is a primary ingredient that gives a yellow color to almost every dish in Southern cuisine. Furthermore, the aroma and taste of spices help to counterbalance the seafood's inherent brininess, which is a primary ingredient in Southern local dishes.

Examples of famous yellow-colored Southern dishes include:

  • Kua Kling: A signature Southern dish known for its spiciness and aromatic flavor. It is made with a curry paste made from herbs and minced meat, such as pork, chicken, or fish.

  • Nam Ya Kati Pak Tai: A special yellow-colored sauce in the Southern style. It is served with tender crab meat on top of hot Chinese-style noodles.

  • Gaeng Tai Pla: A famous dish of Southern cuisine consisting of fermented fish entrails mixed with shrimp paste. These ingredients are well-known souvenirs that visitors often buy when visiting the region. It represents the combination of Southern characteristics.

The Southern Thailand Tourism Authority is one of the organizations involved in the ThailandCONNEX platform, aiming to promote and facilitate tourism activities in Southern Thailand. It serves as another channel for promoting Southern tourism, providing easy access to information and enhancing engagement compared to the traditional methods. It's an opportunity to get to know and explore Southern Thailand more conveniently than ever before.