Thai food is generally quite popular in Australia, and there are many Thai restaurants located throughout the country. Thai cuisine has become an integral part of the culinary landscape in Australia, and many Australians enjoy experimenting with different Thai dishes and flavors.
Some of Australians favorite Thai dishes and why
There are many different Thai dishes that are popular with people around the country. Some of Australians favorite Thai dishes include:
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour Thai soup that is made with prawns (goong in Thai), mushrooms, and lemongrass. It is typically flavored with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, such as kaffir lime leaves, galangal (a type of ginger), and lime juice, which give it its distinctive flavor.
Tom Yum Goong is known for its balance of hot, sour, and savory flavors, and is often served as an appetizer or a light meal. It can be made with chicken or other types of seafood in addition to prawns, and is often garnished with cilantro and sliced chili peppers.
Pad Thai
This classic noodle dish is made with rice noodles, tofu, peanuts, and a variety of vegetables, and is often seasoned with tamarind sauce, fish sauce, and chili flakes which give it a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor. Pad Thai is often served with a lime wedge and crushed peanuts, and may be garnished with cilantro, green onions, and bean sprouts.
It is typically stir-fried and is a popular street food in Thailand. Pad Thai is known for its balance of flavors and textures, and is often considered a national dish of Thailand.
Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is a mild and creamy Thai curry that is made with coconut milk, potatoes, and a variety of meats, such as beef, chicken, or lamb. It is typically flavored with aromatic spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, as well as peanuts and tamarind paste, which give it a sweet and slightly sour flavor.
Massaman curry is often served with rice or roti (a type of flatbread), and may be garnished with chopped peanuts and cilantro. It is typically slow-cooked, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the curry sauce. Massaman curry is known for its rich and fragrant flavors, and is often considered one of the most popular Thai curries.
Green Curry
Green curry is a spicy Thai curry that is made with green chilies, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, bell peppers, and bamboo shoots. It is typically flavored with a paste made from green chilies, lemongrass, and a variety of other aromatic ingredients, such as kaffir lime leaves and galangal (a type of ginger), which give it its distinctive flavor.
Green curry is often served with rice or noodles, and may be garnished with cilantro, basil, and sliced chili peppers. It can be made with a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp, and is known for its bold and spicy flavors.
Som Tum
Som Tum is a popular Thai salad that is made with green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a variety of other ingredients, such as garlic, chili peppers, and lime juice. It is typically seasoned with fish sauce and palm sugar, which give it a sweet and savory flavor.
Som Tum is often served with grilled chicken or shrimp, and may be garnished with cilantro, green onions, and crushed peanuts. It is typically made by pounding the ingredients together using a mortar and pestle, which helps to release the flavors of the herbs and spices. Som Tum is known for its balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, and is a popular street food in Thailand.
Is Thai food a good option for complicated diets (i.e. gluten-free, pregnancy, dairy-free etc.)? If so, why?
Thai food can be a good option for people with complicated diets, such as those following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, as many Thai dishes are naturally free of these ingredients. In addition, Thai cuisine often features a variety of vegetables and proteins, such as tofu and fish, which can make it easier for people with dietary restrictions to find options that suit their needs.
Many Thai dishes are also prepared using herbs and spices that have medicinal properties, such as turmeric and lemongrass, which can be beneficial for people with certain health conditions. For example, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to have potential health benefits for people with diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
However, it is always important for individuals with dietary restrictions to communicate their needs to the restaurant or chef and to check that the dishes they are ordering are suitable for their specific dietary requirements.
Why Australians love these dishes so much
Australians may enjoy these dishes for a variety of reasons, such as their flavor, texture, or the cultural significance of the dish. Thai cuisine is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, which can make it appealing to many people.
The quality of Thai food in Australia is quite high compared to other places and here is why
Australia has strict laws, (it's for the good reason of protecting the country and the peole). This ensures that the biosecurity risk to Australia's agricultural industries and unique environment is minimised.
Australia's strict bio security laws prohibit certain foreign foods, plant materials, and animal products from entering the country, due to the threat of introducing serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating the valuable agriculture and tourism industries, as well as Australia's unique environment.
In other words, food taste is at the highest levels, and Thai food is not exception. This because of the love and passion from Australians for a good cooked meal, but also because of Australia's famous bio-security, strict husbandry and agricultural hygiene, its prohibition of selling livestock dosed with drugs, and its prohibition of artificial (cosmetic) chemical enhancers to make meat, eggs etc look fresher and more nutritious than they actually are!
Pairing Thai food with wine
Thai food can be a good pair with wine, although it can be a bit challenging to find the right match due to the bold and complex flavors of Thai cuisine. In general, white wines tend to be a better match for Thai food than red wines, as they are typically lighter in body and have a higher acidity, which can help to balance the spicy and sour flavors of Thai dishes.
Dry Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are both good options for pairing with Thai food, as they have a crisp and refreshing quality that can help to cut through the heat of spicy dishes. Viognier and Gewurztraminer are also good choices, as they have a bit more body and sweetness that can complement the sweet and sour flavors of Thai cuisine.
If you are looking to pair red wine with Thai food, it is best to choose a wine that is light- to medium-bodied, such as Pinot Noir or Gamay. These wines have a bit more acidity and a lower tannin content, which can help to balance the flavors of Thai dishes. It is important to avoid heavy and tannic red wines, as they can overpower the flavors of Thai food.
Ultimately, the best wine pairing will depend on the specific flavors of the Thai dish and the personal preferences of the drinker. It can be helpful to experiment with different wines and see which ones you enjoy the most with your Thai food.
Did you know?
David Thompson is a world-renowned Australian Chef and Restaurateur. He is known for his Thai cuisine. In the early 2000s, he launched a chain of restaurants that earned him the honor of being named one of the world's best chefs.
He is still active in Thailand, where he spends several months each year. And he has made an effort to bring the best of Thailand to Australia.
As a restaurateur, he has opened several restaurants, including Nahm in Bangkok and Aaharn in Hong Kong. These are the first two to receive the coveted Michelin star.
He has also released three books, including the definitive English language Thai cookbook, Thai Food. His commitment to authenticity has helped to elevate the quality of Thai food.
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