Rockets, Biker Gangs, and Exploding Salads
1 OF 18 |
I came to write a feature on this cultural phenomenon. And like many places I've passed through in Thailand, I left seduced by the food.
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
14 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
2 OF 18 |
These tiny frogs are used in curries or served deep-fried in Isaan. We found them at the morning market. |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
3 OF 18 |
Tiny watermelons for sale.
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
4 OF 18 |
A plaa-raa (thick, fermented fish sauce) vendor also sold these catfish, which are fermented in a paste made with sticky rice. |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
5 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
6 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
7 OF 18 |
This was the best version of grilled chicken we found, in a region famed for it. Upon return, the vendor was gone--she had set up only for the first day of the festival, in front of her husband's garage.
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
8 OF 18 |
Here, the same chicken, as it is eaten in Issan--with a blisteringly spicy salad of green papaya and long beans, with a bouquet of raw cabbage and herbs (served here on ice, because of the withering heat).
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
9 OF 18 |
Men sit at a table on Yasothorn's main street, drinking whiskey, eating salads, and awaiting the parade.
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
10 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
11 OF 18 |
Water buffalo is a lean, gamey meat that is transformed by this citrusy chili sauce.
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
12 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
13 OF 18 |
Pork laab served at Mong Saap, with baby eggplants.
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
15 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
16 OF 18 |
Anu, Bruno's wife, who heads up the excellent kitchen Mong Saap, is also a talented tattoo artist, and fed me flying ants. |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
17 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.
18 OF 18 |
Jarrett Wrisley visits the Issan region of Thailand, finding
in a place where the food and the people are straight-up country.