Thai Cooking Lessons at Thai Farm Cooking School in Thailand.

The long awaited post I have received so many emails about… Well here it is- so much to write about my day @ the Thai Farm Cooking School but will try and stay on track here…

Let me preface this by saying Chiang Mai is the culinary capital of Thailand.  This geographic area was the birthplace of what we know today as Thai Cuisine (which varies now from region to region).

Most places that have learned the game to making money is to cater to the tourists, which must include everybody and their mother! So every other 50 feet there are signs for “authentic Thai” cooking classes.Being part of a real class was on the priority list of “things to do in Thailand”. I did my research in between dropping blog posts and eating fresh rambutans   I found this place, and not only was it highly recommended by true foodies alike, but as well as the locals.

Local, Farm Fresh, Organic, Simple

So I sourced out the Thai Farm Cooking School & Organic Farm (located 30 minutes outside of Chiang Mai in the country side)

I will give a brief run through of the experience (otherwise you would be here reading for 2 hours)

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Eating Fried Insects in Thailand

For those that don’t know Thailand (especially) is known for their love of fried creatures that we typically kill with bug spray the second we see them lurking about!  I swore I would not eat anything like this on the trip, but when I saw the “insect cart” just parked behind the boxing arena I just gave in!

Here’s the video of me eating a ROACH!

After all its about the culinary adventure and going BEYOND THE KITCHEN!

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Thai Kick Boxing Championship in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Muey Thai Championship

I missed the first bit of the kick boxing, but showed up just in time- I was walking through the night market talking and visiting with all the vendors… its wild what they have there, actually I was so wrapped up in snacking and taking photos that it caused me to show up late! Oh well, its my trip and I can do what I want!

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Update while traveling in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I am a little behind on things so hope to swing in a few posts during this internet session… The internet is spotty so I am trying to squeeze in as much time as possible while it is pouring outside!

Day 1- arrival and settled in the Parimi Guest House There I was welcomed by Roger and his beautiful little daughter Vive! – After dropping my bags and grabbing a quick shower it was time to get out and explore all Chaing Mai had to offer.

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Traveling by Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Second Class Ticket.

Written by Chef Dave | 17 June 2009

I took the train from Bangkok to Chaing Mai last night- well what was supposed to be a 11 hour ride turned out to be more like 13 hrs.  It was well worth the experience though, I can’t complain! I was shocked to see that 85% of the train was filled with back packers!  There was lots to talk about and of course everyone was friendly!

The seats (2nd Class) flip open into a bed, then a top bunk drops down… crazy!  The guy comes around drops fresh linen on the fold out beds, fluffs up your pillows, and are beyond friendly.

I ate a late dinner on the train of chicken curry, vegetables, soup, rice, and some fresh cut fruit… all for the bargain price of 150 baht- which is about the equals about 4.50 USD.  And they think the “get you on the train”…

The ride was shockingly smooth, although as far as the bathrooms are concerned there is a lot to be desired! There were 2 “bathrooms” in our car. one literally had a hole in it about the size of a softball that went straight out onto the tracks… yes, straight down to the ground!  The second was a proper toilet.. then 2 communal sinks for brushing teeth, etc.  Although was kind of weird-ed out by some people giving themselves a sudo shower via the sink….

I (like an idiot) landed up deleting 2 days worth of video and photos on the train… yes, 2 days of travels gone… not good, so I just invested in a flash drive just in case I slip up again and push the wrong button!

The train is worth the experience and great way to make new friends!  Although I am going to fly back to Bangkok to meet my old friend… I think once was enough and for only 20 USD. more you can fly and be there in what turned out to be 1/13th the time

Stay tuned for more on Chaing Mai!