Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October

The yearly Phuket Vegetarian festival is always a must-see for any local or foreign traveler to Thailand. Usually observed on the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, it is widely commemorated by devotees and general residents in the island. For 9 days, sacred rituals are conducted, including those infamous 'sword-on-face' and walking on fiery coal displays.  It was said that the original practice was started when the people of the island had prayed from deliverance from some plague or disaster, but to most folks it is a time for reflection, cleansing, wearing of white clothes to 'remain pure' and without doubt, the tastiest and most amazing parade of Thai creative vegetarian cookery.

Where else can you see the widest array of vegan diet on the planet. You will find no-meat in all the pictures here. Plainly the best vegetarian recipes I have seen that have come from the Thais' natural love of food and eating out, plus a religious festival that had required some strict food practices.

Vegetarian food need not be boring. It can be crispy, saucy, spicy, sweet, sour as much as you desire. But always only making sure that the are no animal products used. Coconut replaces milk, really delicious gluten-types for meat and all prepared to look, feel and almost taste like the real thing (faux fish would even have scale markings) You will not miss meats of any color, from hereon. I would not even be surprised if the whole world had turned vegan, if vegetarian food was this good.

Come and enjoy the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, every year around October. And for whatever lofty or pedestrian reasons you have for coming, I am sure you will be very surprised and pleased with the quality, range and colors of vegetarian food offerings in the island.Book a trip now and find the best places to stay here

Phuket Festivals, Fairs and 'Som Tam'

The lovely people of Phuket love to party. That is why there seems to be a local fair every other day as you pass by those many, colorful 'tambon' in the island.

I had a chance to visit one such 'festival/fair/party' last Saturday night.This one was to celebrate 'Moon Festival' at the Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town.It was organized by the city as a way to "pay respect to the moon with fruits, peanuts and moon cake" and to showcase the variety of arts and food offerings in the island.

While I do love moon cakes, tonight's object of desire is my beloved 'Som Tam' or Thai green papaya salad (you will surely find it in every big Thai celebration) The dish incorporates the five major food tastes of the region: sweet, sour, salty, savory and spicy. And what more could you ask for? It's the one-dish meal for the ages.

Som Tam is made from unripe green papaya, lime, chilies, fish sauce, shrimp paste,palm sugar, string beans, tomatoes, peanuts, and all sorts of 'secret' ingredients. They are all mixed in a large earthen mortar and pounded to get the harmonious blend of all the many flavors.There are many versions of the delicacy. From Bangkok 'hot', recipes with bananas, apples, carrots, brined crablets, and even Laotian And Cambodian variations. The list goes on. It is probably just limited by one's creativity or available ingredients at the market.

Som Tam is traditionally taken with grilled pork (moo ping) or chicken (khai yang) and of course sticky/ glutinous rice. It's very filling, and not at all expensive, and ideal for budget-conscious traveler. It's everywhere. You can find it at the street corner and even fine restaurants It's the stuff of princes and ordinary folks, and foodies of course.

So when in Phuket, try some Som Tam. To me, it represents the Thai spirit of fun and celebration called "sanook". I'm always happy with my Som Tam. I'm sure you'll love it too!

I Will Travel a Mile for a Cup of (Phuket) Coffee

After a nice meal, I usually head out for the next Starbucks for my daily coffee fix. It may mean travelling a few miles, but I simply do not care, I want my coffee today.

Phuket offers so many things to explore, whether your on a business trip or just here for leisure or the sandy beaches, there's some oasis that awaits you.

I found my little oasis in Segafredo Zanetti Espresso at the basement of Phuket's Central Festival mall. Well, frankly I tried going to Starbucks first, but it was crowded and unappealing today. So I tried this one nook conveniently near the koi pond a few steps down.

The Cappuccino latte was excellent, you'd know its good by just looking at the firm "properly textured foam". It was also just hot enough (a good sign in coffee), wonderfully releasing the bitter-sweet espresso aroma, with the all the intense flavour balanced by that beautiful froth. Wow, am I now travelling to mushroom heaven?

Segafredo gave me time to relax, and pound away on my 'tablet' (addiction of the Android kind) while sipping at my favourite drink. For me, coffee calms rather than stimulates, okay let's agree it does a little bit. But it does help me to take a needed break, a distraction away from the concerns of the day. It helps me notice the little things around, a kid playing with her mom, young couples by the bench, shoppers patiently perusing their next 'retail therapy' targets.

There are many, many coffee places in the island. And having decided to stay here in Phuket for a little while, I guess I must try to visit EVERYONE. As the Navy says, "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

See you in my coffee dreams.

Thai- Japanese (Food) Romance

What happens when the greatest Japanese chef falls for the best Thai female cook and decides to have a baby? The answer is Oishi Ramen, the Noodle Bar, in a nutshell. This is what I discovered on a short trip to Central Festival mall in Phuket. The most exciting fusion of two culinary superpowers coming to life in an otherwise ordinary fast food restaurant. Oishi Ramen, the restaurant, is part it seems of the Thai regional food giant Oishi Group which is widely known for its snacks and beverages. Travel around Thai major destinations and you'll probably see one. But I digress, the exciting food treat today is one gigantic bowl called 'Tomyam Buta Ramen'.

Tomyam (Tom Yum) needs no introduction. It's the most famous Thai soup 'export' ever.Chilies, herbs, mushroom, coriander, and lovely lemongrass conspire to give you the most exciting spicy soup dish known to man. Blend this with Japanese Buta (Braised Pork Belly) Ramen with miso, and a wonderful explosion of flavors are created for the hapless traveler, who can go back to his budget hotel to dream happily of this recipe from food Nirvana. It takes less than 150 baht (5 USD) to get to sleep with another smile on your face. Try it soon.

Good night dear:)

Phuket Ba Mee for Me

Just walked around Phuket town today, exploring the quaint local life and enjoying it's unique Sino-Portugeuse heritage..Bought some souvenirs for my friends. Also passed by bank ATM (they're everywhere here, so no need for that big purse, anyway shouldn't really have to spend much to eat great Thai food.
It has been raining this whole morning, so I had to take shelter from the drizzle on my heading back to my comfy little inn.

It was then when I stumbled upon this somewhat packed restaurant along Chaofa Rd, sorry can't remember it's Thai name, but I've been told it's the best place for Ba Mee (fried yellow noodles with veggies and shrimps above) and Thai 'popia', spring rolls with all sorts of vegetables, crispy pork and bean sprouts. Heavenly, with the sweet and spicy sauce to balance a bit, the tanginess you'd expect with this kind of a dish. Had pork satay too, and Cha Yen (milk tea) to complete my foodie cravings. *burp*

Just ask around for the "Best Place for Ba mee and Popia in Chaofa Road in Phuket Town" and I'm sure you'll find your way into this place. Just tell them, Ramon sent you and just maybe they won't remember that I've forgotten to pay my bill today. Cheers mates.

Phudie, signing out.

Welcome to Phuket Foodie's Blog (Phudie for short)

The ubiquitous 'Pad Thai' is said to be one of Thailand's more ancient recipes. It is the first thing I look for and get my hands on (or rather, chopsticks or fork on) when I land in the beautiful country.

I flew in 'budget' as usual, and looked for good deals for my stay. I've explored variety of options but I finally booked with this one. From Subarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, I took a short taxi ride to Sai Tai bus terminal to catch an overnight bus ride to Phuket. I ended up in one of the more touristy areas, the always lively Kata Beach, and ended up in relatively comfortable but inexpensive Kata Lucky Villa (yes, I'm obviously frugal).

It's a short trip to Central Kata area where you would have an assortment of restaurants catering from Thai to Tex-Mex and Scandinavian.You'd see families and couples from all walks, and the night scene was engaging as well. Souvenirs abound plus of course my lovely Pad Thai.

Pad Thai noodles were supposed to have originated in the old capital of Ayuthaya and was re-discovered sometime in the late 1930's. One will not be surprised why it's so popular. With glorious helpings of shrimps or chicken, coriander, lime, bean sprouts, peanuts and many tasty Thai seasonings, it's the one-dish meal to die for (or foo-die for). Satisfying but light on the wallet, 50 baht on the average a pop (that's less than 2 USD).

Welcome to my Phuket. Welcome to my gastronomic journey. Join me in the Phuket Foodie blog as I try to show you around the island's and the country's wonderfully endless food offerings.

Let's eat, "Kin Khao' in Thai. Cheers!!