Last Saturday (31/03/2018) we attended the colorful opening of Samai Thai Take Away in Kontich. Owner’s Mai and Damiaan treated friends and family to a preview of the authentic Thai food they will be serving up in the outskirts of Antwerp. Authentic food demands authentic Thai dance, which is why my wife and her friends performed a few times as well. What did I do? Well, I mainly sampled the menu and gave it my blessing. For pictures of the Grand Opening, the blessing of the restaurant and details of the new eatery, just continue reading.
Food hack: Isaan hot pot meal at home
One of our favorite date night types in Thailand is visiting a hot pot restaurant. MK and Hot Pot Buffet are fine but if we have the choice, we always opt for an authentic Isaan-style hot pot eatery. Tonight we recreated such a meal at home, with fresh produce and a cheap electronic appliance. This is how we did it.
Intercontinental breakfast
Finally, she has arrived. Last Saturday, Khwantippa safely arrived in Belgium. Having been apart for months, we’ve spent the weekend doing literally nothing, which was absolute bliss. Like we’ve never been apart, we have fallen into couples routine, starting with food. Breakfast might have the strangest spread for outsiders.
Siam in-between: Ahaan Krung, cooking reveals ‘Thainess’
Conscious or not, prolonged exposure to anything will influence a person. Whether dramatic (like radiation) or just slightly worrying (like Ed Sheeran), the impact cannot be denied. Over the past years I have been significantly exposed to Thai culture. Cooking up dinner, I just realized how profound this impact has become. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Review: Siam Senses restaurant (Antwerp, Belgium)
‘Three servings of Somtam with fermented crab, extra spicy’. When I heard the couple next to me order spicy papaya salad with their ice coffees, I knew I had to stick around. ‘Maybe you could try one portion first?’. The friendly waiter really wanted to ease them into Isan cuisine, but there was no stopping these weekend warriors out for an authentic adventure. Last Saturday, I paid a visit to Siam Senses in Antwerp.
I Love Thailand Festival 2017 in pictures (Bredene, Belgium)
Every year, the Thai community in the Benelux area meets up late August in the seaside city of Bredene for the event formerly know as Thaise Markt (Thai market). Rebranded as I ❤ Thailand Festival and on a slightly different location, this year’s edition on August 19th seemed to draw in an even bigger crowd than before. With a large food court, a market area, traditional Thai dance, family-oriented activities, an outdoor live music stage, an indoor party area, this year’s introduction of a Muay Thai boxing competition and plenty lot of Chang beer, there is something for virtually anyone. Just like last year, I did a photo spread in my signature style. Available if you continue reading. I do hope you’ll enjoy the pictures.
Unlikely things I like to bring from Thailand
Whenever I return to Europe after a longer period in the Land of Smiles, I always take a selection of products with me. Let’s skip the ones that are to be expected and let me tell you about the more unlikely apparel, cosmetics and seasoning.
Ang Sila seafood market revisited
In spite of reports that the Ang Sila seafood market had been closed down in August (due to structural work to the pier) we decided to head over on December 5th and found it to still be thriving at the same location. The Ang Sila market sells extremely fresh and prepared fish and seafood, right on the local pier. Worth a visit for seafood lovers or anyone into authentic local markets. Pictures are available in this gallery.
Review: Phimai Inn Restaurant (Phimai, Thailand)
The restaurant of the Phimai Inn hotel is easily my favorite proper eatery in the town of Phimai. Sadly, I cannot extend the praise to the outdated and rather dingy hotel rooms, but the dining experience is top notch. Allow me to convince you.
Going native
Key to living the Thailand lifestyle is eating local food, sometimes derogatorily referred to as going native by expats. Sure, Western food is readily available in the city and the cost of life is significantly lower when compared to Farangland, but I still stick to my opinion. Let me tell you why.