When we think about Thai food, we think of fiery, strong-tasting dishes such as tom yam or kerabu. But Thai cuisine is much more diverse than that – from the boiled and grilled dishes in Isaan (north-eastern Thailand) to the diverse curries of central Thailand and spicy, piquant soups down south.
Malaysia’s northern states’ close proximity to Thailand means that their food has distinct Thai influences – from the types of herbs to the generous use of santan (coconut milk). It also means that northerners get to easily sample authentic Thai food.
Penang, on top of its myriad cuisines, has a wide array of Thai eateries, from restaurants to hole-in-the-wall establishments. While a lot of the dishes are distinctly southern Thai, here and there one finds gems that serve up mouth-watering, less familiar dishes.
