Thailand: Eating With Locals

All over Asia you'll find one street stall after the next serving up the same dishes. In Bali, it's Bakso Ayam and Nasi Goreng. In Vietnam, it's spring rolls and pho.  When walking down the street these regional delicacies appear exactly the same, but each is prepared slightly differently making all the difference to your taste buds.

When all the food looks identical how do you know which kiosk is the ticket? Word of mouth.

In Chiang Mai, Thailand you'll find three or four stalls set up in the market near the North Gate serving up a pork stew over rice. I found out by talking to some locals that the woman with her trademark cowboy hat has built up a reputation for serving the most tender meat. Boy, were they right. She first scoops moist steamed rice into a styrofoam container. She then slides her fork across a large pig's bone which has been soaking in its juice. The meat falls right off the bone and she places it dripping on top of the rice. She then dresses the dish with a tangy, spicy sauce and finishes it off with a soft-boiled egg.

Most tourists head to the Anusarn night market by the river for dinner. It's packed every night of the year with foreigners shopping for souvenirs, getting foot massages and eating in overpriced seafood restaurants.

The North Gate market which is right out of the city center is definitely not in your Frommer's guide, cheaper and more delicious. Especially if you stop by to see my friend with the cowboy hat.

Morale of the story is that the best way to have great dining experiences in Asia is to talk to locals. Even if you have to walk a little further out of the city center you won't regret it. Not only will the food be better, but you'll get invaluable insight into the culture by stepping beyond the most conveniently located restaurants with English menus.