How Som Tam and Grilled Meat Conquered Bangkok

It's the most common sight in Bangkok- a city where more than 10,000 vendors sell their own variations of a regional cuisine known as Isaan food. But just a couple of generations ago, this didn't exist at all in the capital. So what is Isaan food? Where does it come from and what are the key flavors? And after a few decades stewing in Bangkok's melting pot, what does the future hold for this humble and incredible cuisine?
Special thanks to @theroamingcook and Chef Chalee Kader for serving as our guides to the dishes, ingredients, and tastes of Isaan.
Here are links to the restaurants visited in this video:
-Likhit Gai Yang: goo.gl/maps/7dCYtzquwBHynyTH7
-P'Pie Som Tam: goo.gl/maps/Gk48n6srcPrtvHnU7
-100 Mahaseth: goo.gl/maps/64JPxnSDXsjNZnaL7
-Rama IV Street Cart: goo.gl/maps/k1BUkeDJYY9DPSdu7
...and a few other favorites we showed clips of in this video but filmed at other times:
-Polo Fried Chicken (featured in our Best Day of Eating video): goo.gl/maps/zE4UWL6p5Mg9Gscr8
-Isaan Bang Kachao (featured in Mango Sticky Rice): goo.gl/maps/gGvnJGq97wzqbrLW8
-Kaengorm Maha Sarakham (featured in Lost Dishes): goo.gl/maps/GgDY1S3QABwnA47a8
-Pa Ni Charcoal Roasted Chicken (featured in Talad Phlu): goo.gl/maps/rWZQ8wMQHKXtqNuA7
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0:00 - Introduction
1:12 - Rajadamnern Stadium
3:08 - 1956
5:43 - Likhit Gai Yang
7:07 - The Early Days
8:51 - What is Isaan Food? With Gary Butler
12:47 - The Khorat Plateau
15:03 - Thai-Lao-Isaan
17:52 - Som Tam: Safety and Danger
20:22 - Adaptation
22:03 - Magic with Chef Chalee Kader
24:35 - Nose to Tail and Root to Fruit
27:02 - The Soul of Isaan
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Thank you so much for your support! It's a massive help to keep us going.
Patreon: / otrontheroad
Please subscribe to the channel, and check out our website for upcoming videos and our behind-the-scenes blog at www.OTRontheroad.com !
Social media:
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FB: / otr-106170292218693
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[@ntpl___]

As a Thai person living in Thailand, it's absolutely awesome to see our food being explored by new folks who bring a fresh perspective. I'm totally loving it! Keep those fantastic videos coming!

[@toetz4491]

Im Filipino living in California... I think you guys beat us when it comes to street food . Love Thai food . Even Manny Pacquaio prefers Thai food when he's in LA training lol

[@hunhoon6283]

Thank you for making this video! However, I think we have to recognize how Lao people were looked down upon (and still are) by Central Thais. The Lao people's ethnic identities were erased due to Thaification, and "Lao" became a derogatory term. That's why it doesn't sit well with Lao people when they see people say larb and som tam are Thai. Yes, it is foods of Thai Isaan (and there is even a version of larb in Northern Thailand), but it's important to recognize the history of the dish and the culture it originates from - especially since Lao people have been looked down upon. It's the same way so much of American pop culture stems from Black people, but they are constantly looked down upon in not just America, but around the world. We can't forget the forced migration of Lao people into Isaan by the Thai government, or the hundreds of thousands of Lao people forced to work on the canals in Bangkok. Do not be afraid to recognize history for what it truly is. I hope one day Lao cuisine will be recognized by everyone around the world, even if it means having numerous shared dishes with Thailand. Claiming food as part of just one identity displays ignorance.

[@OTRontheroad]

Important message. Agree with every word. I made the choice to stay clear of this strictly as I felt in the initial draft that it was out of place and just a weird tonal fit in a video about how Isaan food got to Bangkok. It’s not really about the origins of the cuisine itself- just a very skin deep version. For the real story of the food and the people, I can’t film that one in BKK. It has to be filmed in Isaan and Laos. It’s in the future plans. Hope that all makes sense

[@hunhoon6283]

@@OTRontheroad Yes, this is a very controversial topic, so I do understand why it was best not to mention something that still divides these two cultures till this day. Thank you once again for this informative video, and I can't wait for the next one!

[@BryoMoss]

I’m Thai, I think the som tam in Thai and Laos are pretty different tho, the Thai version use fish sauce instead of a fermented anchovies sauce “Pla ra” or “Pla daek”, and Thai version also put toasted peanut on it, so The Laos version I think are more darker in color, more pungent and more spicy (many people like that), while the Thai version are more crisp, fresh and lighter, the Issan version of course resembles the original Laos version due to them being border by each other and the mass Laotian population there, they also don’t called it “Som tam” too I believe, they called them “Tam mak hoong” or something? Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong

[@hunhoon6283]

@@BryoMoss Yes you're right, Lao people refer to papaya salad as "tham mak hoong". And you're right, the Thai and Lao version of som tam are different in terms of ingredients and flavors. However, the reason why it's different is because when Isaan/Lao food became popular in Bangkok in the 20th century, many foods were adopted into Central Thai cuisine and were changed to fit the palette of Central Thais. Here's a quote from historian, Van Esterik: "[i]n attempting to include northeastern food in a standardized national cuisine, middle-class Bangkok selected and modified the taste of a few dishes-grilled chicken, somtam, laab-by reducing the chili peppers and increasing the sugar, and ignored other dishes such as fermented fish and insects".

[@S.Elby.M]

I came back to watch this video again as I patiently wait for them to release a new one and read your comment. You said "do not be afraid to recognize history for what it truly is. I hope one day Lao cuisine will be recognized by everyone around the world" -- I agree so much with this sentiment. Speaking for myself, in general I call these dishes Lao but in the context of this video, I say Lao/Isaan but typically not Thai because these are not dishes I think of when I think of Thai food. I will go to a Thai restaurant for pad kra pao but I will go to a Lao restaurant for thum mak hoong.

[@peerc.3969]

Laab with Leo are the best! 😁👍 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@konokiomomuro7632]

With the democratisation of beer production incoming, it's gonna be better

[@emptyemptiness8372]

Which laab? Raw beef with blood and bile laab?

[@sang871]

as thailand,i agree with that

[@nam1nam241]

I'm Lao Isan, Khon Kaen I appreciate your searching for information.

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

Me as well Lao Isan. My family is from Bueng Kan and Paksan Lao

[@dtester61]

I had a Lao workmate who introduced me to Lao food here in Sydney, Australia in 1988. But the som tum was tum muk hoong and was made with pla ra and small crabs. We didn’t really have the gai yaang, because we both preferred the raw beef larb. And sup nor mai (bamboo salad ) was a must. My other favorite is catfish larb. Thai food is the most popular cuisine in Australia now, and most restaurants will do larb, and will have at least 2 variants of some tum. In the 1990s you could tell a good Thai restaurant by it having som tum on the menu. 30 years later and they usually have 4 or 5 varieties. Another favorite Isaan/Lao dish and a bit harder to find in Australia is gaang om. I don’t know why gaang om is not more common. It’s a delicious dish. Fortunately it’s easy to make.

[@OTRontheroad]

If you watch our video on the Lost Dishes of the Thai Empire, Gaeng Om is the very last one that we find to complete the old queen's list. Oh man- that's an incredible dish. It's different from place-to-place in Isaan and not every city makes it this way, but the Khon Kaen version packed with fresh dill is just amazing.

[@dtester61]

I’ll check that out. A mass of fresh dill is how I make it because it’s the only way I learned, and the only way I’ve had it in Sydney restaurants. Must be a popular variant. My Lao mate was very happily surprised that I liked it when he first made it for me 35 years ago. When I first had it I thought it one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Funnily enough I’ve never had it in Thailand or Laos. Not sure why.

[@OliveVlog]

I’m Laotian and Isan eat just like us. I believe during the Franco-Siamese war the way land was divided to become French indochina and modern day Laos PDR, the isan area was not divided, but there was the Lan Xiang kingdom where royalist Laotian identifies themselves with and not the modern day pathet Laos. There is a documentary “Lao lo’ng” or lost laos about isan being Lao people who live in Thailand.

[@AS-jd1wt]

ดนตรี อาหาร ศิลปะและวัฒนธรรม พวกเราพยายามผลักดันไปในระดับโลกด้วยแข้งขาของคนอีสาน คนลาวไม่ได้ช่วยสักแรง อย่ามาเคลม

[@RIRI-el6xm]

yes but not everywhere. all southern Issan (burriram, surin, sisaket, and litle korat and ubon are Khmer or Suay (descendants of the Mahut). in the rest of Isan many other minority ethnic groups from Laos. Anyway for me Laos, just like a good part of Burma, where there are shame, also call Thai Yai (tall Thai) it's the same people, so should be the same country.

[@yunniekal]

No. you didnt try to push it forward. you tried to erase Lao Issan people through Thaification and shaming them. Thai only claiming they helping now is cause outsiders like more of the traditional aspects of Issan culture. Dont claim youre doing something when Historically you've been calling Isaan people and Lao people dirt since the France treaty @@AS-jd1wt

[@atn2666]

@@AS-jd1wt Isan people are lao people. Lao food is better than thai food anyway. even if there is small differences.

[@atn2666]

@@AS-jd1wt you're stupid

[@anakhongprapawong3309]

As a person that was born and had been living my entire life in Bangkok, I would say that Isaan food is a representative of family and friends. It's a type of food you can't eat alone you need 3-4 friends to eat with. Whenever I hang out with my group of friends we always place isaan food as our first choice. The very savory and spicy dish plus an ice-cold beer and fun chatting nothing can beat that feeling. I would compare isaan food to the soul food in the state I think these two types of food kinda have a similar origin and evolution.

[@nungdickinson431]

Yes I agree, Isaan food is the SOUL food of Thailand, like that of southern North American food is to North America. It’s the best and tastiest, I’m from Isaan and live overseas, I miss it dearly!

[@emptyemptiness8372]

Yes, I live in isaan and if someone visits you make somtum.....if you are not already eating it. Even farang that live here can make proper somtum ( they have to, isaan girls have to be fed every couple of hours 555)

[@sircreme81]

Tip: Close your sticky rice container lid if your not eating it or else it’ll dry and harden

[@peakteam]

ผมไม่คิดว่าวันนึงคนไทยแบบผมจะมานั่งฟังประวัติศาตร์ชาติตัวเอง จากคนต่างชาติ... ขอบคุณมากเลยครับ ได้ความรู้เยอะเลย

[@kalt1736]

Esan food is Lao food. The people that live in the Esan area are ethnic Lao. You can see this from the language to the customs. Everyday day in Vientiane I see "Thai" citizens that are well-to-do that come from Bangkok to eat the best food in the world. In Laos.

[@mylim4020]

my first time ever knowing about Isan／Lao food is actually because of a great restaurant in London called Lao Cafe, I think it's one of most underrated cuisines in SEA

[@scpstonline6712]

คอนเทนท์คุณภาพอีกแล้ว ภาพสวย ข้อมูลแน่น นี่คนไทยเองบางอย่างก็ยังไม่รู้ ☺️👍👏

[@budgetdreamtravel1283]

GREAT POST! Being a former food and restaurant critic in Las Vegas, with a business partner who was the president of the Nevada Restaurant Association, and owner of high end dining establishments, I'm highly critical. I have eaten Isaan food In many establishments here in Thailand... Delicious! I have to honestly say my Isaan Girlfriend here in Pattaya, has to be the absolute best Isaan cook I've ever had the privilege of experiencing! Every single day she spoils me with Epicurean delights that leaves me speechless! She leaves me with nothing to criticize, not once, it's amazing! I'm so spoiled!!!

[@coolv70]

I'm laotion and have lots of family who live in the Issan region of Thailand.

[@theroamingcook]

Thanks sir having me on as always buddy, always a pleasure. Absolutely amazing video as always, maybe the best yet for me. You even managed to edit my bit to make me sound somewhat coherent

[@OTRontheroad]

Thanks for making the time and always a pleasure. You were a big help.

[@filmgus566]

I've learned so much from your channel about our food than a Thai history books themselves and I'm a Thai cook. Man you are the best.

[@khingzakub]

I don't know how to tell you more about this, but damn, I really love your content. Even I'm Thai, I don't really know some info that you presented. Keep doing this, mate. I really appreciate your content.

[@chosen2serve777]

Issan is essentially "Ethnic Lao cuisine and the staple of Lao cuisine being Glutinous Rice" (no where is Asia is or was being eaten in this manner) Thailand is a unique cultural blend and diverse land of many peoples and ethnic groups...majority and minority groups from all over Southeast Asia...immigrants from India, China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, Malaysia, etc.

[@S.Elby.M]

This is a good video about how Lao/Isaan food made its way to Bangkok. The quality, the stories, and the research is top tier. I didn't spend days or weeks researching like you did, but you pretty much confirmed what I know about Lao/Isaan food. Lots of history has been left out in the video but I recognize this isn't a video deep diving into the exact origins of each dish. Cannot wait for you to make your way to the border and beyond and try all the varieties of jeows, jerky, laab and more!

[@tokimane5025]

As a Lao American, this is exactly what I grew up eating every single day and nothing really similar to what I consider “traditional Thai food.” It’s not something I really thought about growing up until I saw everyone referring to my people’s food as only Thai food. And it kinda breaks my heart. Not too many people will lay out the real story like this video did, even if a few details were left out here and there. The people of Isaan are ethnically Lao. 99% similar in everything from language to culture and blood lineage. The Thai are our brothers and sisters, and sure “Isaan food” is slightly Thai influenced, but I’d say almost indistinguishable from just Lao food that us Lao people wouldn’t even bat an eye to the difference. Needless to say I’m happy it’s becoming more popular and hopeful as more and more people are introduced to Lao/Isaan food, it won’t be just “Thai” food (at least here in the states, that is the case).

[@kev4850]

also grew up in America as a Lao American and not only did I eat this kind of food growing up, but I also grew up with the idea that Thai people didn't like our food and looked down on it. In fact I would even see it in Thai media all the time where they would say this kind of cuisine is for "poor people." I enjoy that the our food is getting lots of love but I don't like how it's only being credited to the people who once resented it.@@tokimane5025

[@lancesay]

thanks for covering the history part... still remembered about july of 1977, when we were transferred to din daeng transit refugee camp from nongkhai refugee camp (displaced from laos after the secret war) mom would help this lao lady selling lao foods outside of the camp's outside wall before we came to america with chicken grill and the lao lady would served with papaya salad (the lao version) and sticky rice... oh man!

[@OTRontheroad]

wow- what a story!

[@mr.cookie7308]

Lao food (Issan) is my absolute favorite food in the world. Its like a party in the mouth. Every flavor is kicked up a few notches.....the hot, sour, bittter, saltiness and its delicious. Even something as simple as sticky rice and tomatoe veggie dip or fish dip can be a whole meal.

[@khunpan_007]

Not Lao Food 😅

[@mr.cookie7308]

@@khunpan_007 Issan is Lao, and Lao is Issan....so yes, Issan food is Lao food 100%.

[@abmong]

Great place, my Dad grew up in Roi Et before going to study in the US on govt scholarship. He came back to Thailand to work for the govt (part of the grant conditions) and settled in Bangkok. One time my Aunties came to visit from Roi Et we went to Likhit. Still probably the best classic Gai Yang I've had outside of Isaan.

[@commander630]

I myself was born in Buriram, a province of the Isaan region, it's incredibly interesting to see how the food I grew up with as a kid, eating it in the village with my family made it's way across the rest of Thailand! Thank you for exploring more than just the most well known things about Thailand and going in-depth with every video!

[@Johnne009]

The level of documentary is on par with the great Anthony. Bourdain

[@OTRontheroad]

highest praise that exists. Thanks so much

[@Carlo.WTF416]

Oh man, I LOVE 100 Mahaseth. Dying to go back

[@garethpotter]

There’s a lady from Northern Thailand in my local grocery store who’s always trying to get me to make Isan Som Tam with fermented fishy paste. Definitely going to do some this week now. Great video as always. Thank you 🙏 🇱🇦 🇹🇭

[@lilsheesh5509]

I really Recommended you to get some "Som Tam Korat" It is Som Tam Thai( Som Tam with nuts in it) with Fermented fishy paste(Phla Ra) it's way less salty than Crabby Somtam with Phla ra i would say

[@feiryfella]

You absolutely should! it's literally one of my favourite things to eat!

[@user-yn3fn5gt8r]

I can not handle fermented fish paste ,too fishy for me I can feel fishy in my throat.The fermented fish have to put a lot of spic to get rid of fishy smell.

[@jimmichael276]

Very informative video! Also, (1) in 1828, after the defeat of king Anouvong of Lanxang against Siam, the population of Vientiane were forced to relocate in the current Isaan region and around central Thailand. (2) at 14:40 min, local Isaan people considered themselves as part of Siam while in Bangkok they were called Lao because the word "Lao" was a derogatory term at that time and it's part of the Thaiification machine. (3) Some people believe that the popularity of Som Tum among Bangkokians began around 1970s following the big hit of the song "Som Tum" composed by princess Sirindhorn and in which she still mentioned that Som Tum's recipe was from Laos.

[@OTRontheroad]

1. Yes- absolutely and it was almost a part of this story, my first draft was (as always) about twice as long and I did end up editing a lot of the history out to keep it from being a 45 minute video, but that's certainly an important piece of history to note. 2- I'd say yes and no- it seems like in the 20th century AFTER the beginning of "shared" ethnic identity, it was more commonly used as a slur. But yeah- there's a really sad history there. 3- Wow- fascinating note. Had no idea. Thank you!

[@littleengine9502]

Great - thanks for that! I am more curious about this period now after your note and watching the video.

[@ppan355]

The song "Som Tum" whose lyrics was composed by Princess Sirindhorn was definitely a symptom rather than a cause of the popularity of Isaan cuisine. In Thailand, there's always a tendency to over-emphasize the roles of royalties as causes of history. This tendency should be resisted. It promotes "royal nationalism", which has caused so much damage to Thai democratization.

[@Piruun]

In 1899, King Rama V of Siam Era, there was a word change called ''the Northeast of Siam'' which was full ethnic Lao group located here from ''Lao'' to ''Isaan''. This was because Siam must secure to separate the ethnic Loa group so that a Colonial super power as France could not claim the Northeast and merge it into Indo-China territory. ''Isaan'' came from Bali-Sanskrit language, it is another name of ''Shiva'' as one of Hindu gods who live in ''the Northeast'' among a Hindu perspective.

[@onalonan]

I'm not sure about another Laos foods but if you search on internet "Som-tam" is not both Thai and Laos ancient food my friend, because we Thai and Laos never have "Papaya" in our countries and Papaya was first imported from Malaysia by the Thai government since "Vietnam war era" just about 50-60 years before. And at that time the Thai government planted those plants along the Mittrapab Road so the Thai Esaan people started to eat Somtam at that time and then later papaya came to Bangkok because a lot of Esaan people came to work here in Bangkok. So "Som-tam" is not the ancient Thai food like many Thai people thought and also not ancient Laos food like a lot of Laos people thought too. Because no papaya around here before.

[@solidstudd22]

Isaan food is pretty much Laos 🇱🇦 food. When Thailand won the war against Laos, they took the province Isaan, where a lot of Laos people still lived in and annex it with Thailand.

[@BigVtheVanity]

Indo china belong to Thailand.

[@static603]

Lao people, not Laos people

[@viennaxay]

True

[@YaHeardFam]

You did your research! Great job. Thai food is influence by laos. The isan people is laos they just a thai citizen.

[@bhg805]

i just found this channel and its a gold mine wonder why u are not more popular a sub from here

[@OTRontheroad]

Thank you! No complaints from my side, it’s a process and we’re still new. 6 months ago we had 900 subscribers. Happy to see it growing.

[@eswillie]

I 'm only thirteen minutes into the video, but I had to share with you that I've coincidentally just been reading Hawker Fare by James Syhabout about his roots in Isaan and Laos and his journey to reconnecting with the foods of his culture and in his DNA. Just finished the autobio section, and looked at the ingredients in the back (haven't gotten to the recipes yet), but this is hands down one of the best cookbooks/food and culture treatises I've ever read. You may already know of it and of his history and accomplishments, but it speaks so well to your and my love for the foods and culture of Southeast Asia and how it differs so much from our Western experience. Glad to see that you brought Gary in on this one, since I'm a great fan of his (his videos and yours bring me back to my time there, and I actually realized where I spent some time in the Northeast ((Ubon Ratchatani in Surin Province)) ). Anyhow, on to the rest of your video.

[@OTRontheroad]

I would really love for you to write up a reading list for us/viewers. You always have such great recommendations. Would love to know a top-5 or top-10. Maybe it's something I can post on our website or send out here to the community.

[@pleng6678]

Isan food is basically Lao food that Thai borrowed through the invasion of the Isan province and now claim it as theirs

[@sunnachai]

Just brilliant, great as always.

[@4oil0nly]

Super enjoy another video from OTR again and again. I love it!!

[@BanteaySrei]

Love how you put this story together!

[@gritklawaja5307]

this is a GREAT video! it's great in every way possible. just came across your channel and instantly feel in love with it.

[@LacalosXnone]

Oh this bring back so much memory .tbh I did not eat that place that much when I was a kid. But my granddad and grandma always talk about this Likhit Gai Yang They always said if you want to have Issan food it have to be here. in time . I forget all of that until I watch this VDO. Thank you!

[@utube4619]

So well described so much so it make me famished!

[@rutchs7734]

Thanks for this well-researched ep. Interesting and informative 🎉

[@djeejah]

Awesome post. i've been lucky to visit Isaan several time starting 20 years ago. my buds still thanks me for it. The classic Kai Yang Som tam (pet pet) and Kao neaw is the classic meal along with a couple of Leo's :-) Planning on visiting a good friend in Loei by year end and feeling impatient just thinking about it. Keep it up 🙏

[@untouchablelah]

Great video in general and with the history. You really did the research.

[@zachbangkok]

Likit Kaiyang has been one of the most popular “Somtam, sticky rice and Kaiyang” restaurants since I was a kid (around 1960’s and 1970’s). My dad would drive from our home (back then on Petchburi Road) his pre-owned American Jeep to buy takeout at Likit Kaiyang for us. Great tasting Somtam and Kaiyang. Delicious memories.

[@nitter93]

thank you for the excellent video. I love that so many people are starting to appreciate the influence of Thai food across many cuisines but I would love even more if they understood the influence of Lao food aka the secret ingredient to Thai cuisine. When I make Lao food for people it makes me feel so good to see them fall in love with it but it does bother me a little when call it Thai food but it's only because they just dont know. thank for recognizing Lao in your video I hope more people can learn

[@viennaxay]

Well tell them it Lao food !

[@thefuturefactory56]

Thanks for the fantastic historical connection to Isaan and it's food.I learned a lot of new history about the original migration from Laos.

[@liveisnotbeautiful]

Wow, what a great and amazing story of Issan food, thanks.

[@dennyc1205]

As always, great mouth-watering culinary history. Keep up the good work!

[@Maja_boo]

Thanks so much for making these! I'm absolutely a subscriber now! : D

[@iissirintip8009]

I appreciate that you guys dive into the background of the food. It makes the dishes more interesting and full of stories. Wishes many people discover this program.

[@gabbo164]

Awesome episode. Was great to learn more about Isaan food

[@supreeyakritsaneephaiboon2304]

Once again, you've produced another outstanding video essay on some of the best food in the world!

[@jasonswanson9719]

Another awesome episode! This has become one of my favorite channels. Thanks for making great content.

[@OTRontheroad]

Thanks for the kind words. Very much appreciated

[@thewannabevlogger71]

Absolutely loved this Vlog 10/10 ❤ Respect to you Sir 🙏🙏🙏

[@paw2g]

This is awesome, very well made and so informative.

[@pennyjedi]

Thank you for this episode! I'm from America but I live here in Thailand, I was so pleased to hear you reference Roi Et- that's where I live!

[@twinflowerfioretta]

Awesome episode, i remember my first visit to TH and Bangkok to travel around with my Thai friend, she introduced me to Thai cuisine at its best lol! Still love som tam, larb moo, etc. all herbs and spices😂🌶🌶🌶🌶 👍Thanks for sharing great content ! 🙏

[@lcfatima]

Another excellent production! I love both Bangkok style peanuty sugary pale som tam but also the funky, caustic spicy nearly black-colored Lao som tam, and I always wondered what the bridge was between the two. Thanks for the edification!!

[@eswillie]

Good one, Adam. I think you touched all the bases on this one. Personally, I'd want to hit the shop you went to with Gary, and the last shop; I'm a street food guy, and more and more I'm learning to cook that way. I realize now that if I do get back to Thailand, I need to spend at least a month, or two, or several to get my fix.

[@Lennon909Rev]

You’re the best Thai food documentary channel I’ve ever seen nice

[@tjmctube]

I've been blessed having been married to an Isaan girl for more than 30 years. Been eating that food for decades.

[@brucewayne2773]

I must say, if I only had a day in Bangkok, I would visit your favorite go to Isaan street food place at the end. Always great to see Gary Butler on your vlogs🙏

[@reyskidude]

this video reminded me of the only time i was in Bangkok 2015... after ending my run at Benchakitti, i was walking back on that elevated parkway to Lumphini... the delicious smell of meat being grilled came wafting from some houses below, and its 7-8am in the morning... and when i was running early morning in Luang Prabang 2019, i saw people grilling by the road side

[@kilanspeaks]

I’m practically drooling watching this. I simply can’t resist laab, naem, sai krok isan, muu yang with a mini basket of sticky rice, although I gotta admit I’m still iffy about som tam pla ra. While we do have Thai restaurants in Indonesia, Isan/Lao food is hard to come by. Hope to visit the places you have on your list like Gary’s P’Pie Som Tam and Chef Chalee Kader’s 100 Mahaseth. Love your zhajiangmian T-shirt, BTW.

[@OTRontheroad]

Terima kasih! Where in Indonesia are you? And yeah- the best I can gather is that there's a very successful Thai government program that grants loans and money to entrepreneurs who want to open Thai restaurants overseas. It's responsible for a huge percentage of the 15,000 Thai restaurants abroad. But it also means serving a very classic list of "foreigner-friendly" Thai foods. It's been great for diplomacy and bringing tourists to Thailand, but not great for spreading more regional dishes. I still wish Indonesia would do something like that- it blows my mind that the world doesn't know or appreciate Indonesian cuisine. Until we launched the channel, I'd been working on the idea of opening a Nasi Padang counter in Bangkok. One day.

[@kilanspeaks]

@@OTRontheroad I’m from South Kalimantan, Borneo. You’ve mentioned about your nasi padang plan before, but I hope you’ll change your mind and make it a generic Indonesian one instead. Since you’re familiar with Medan, you must know how good nasi lemak with pork rendang and jerky in Pajak Beruang is, and that’s not something you’d find in a Minangkabau restaurant 😁

[@OTRontheroad]

@@kilanspeaks Yes- the main thing about "Nasi Padang" for me is the visual of all the plates on the table, and some of the key dishes. Also I have studied the cuisine which means I know how to cook it- so that's a prerequisite to opening a restaurant...hah! But just in Sumatra alone, I'd want to include some Batak food- maybe the best grilled pork I've ever tried, for example. Have never been to Borneo. I'll send you a note here when I get a chance to visit. The next spots on my list that I haven't explored are Borneo and Sulawesi.

[@kilanspeaks]

@@OTRontheroad yeah, and like what you’ve mentioned before in one of your older videos, plates of room-temperature food lying around is not something that most Westerners would find appetizing LOL Agreed, Karo roast pork with Andaliman pepper sambal is the bomb! It’s a simple, rustic dish; the kind I’m inclined towards, just like that of Isan/Lao. In Indonesia one of my favorite regions is North Sulawesi with dishes like spicy pork and stir-fried papaya flowers, simple yet so satisfying. Yes please, make sure to hit me up when you’re in town. Borneo is a big island so there’s always new things to discover even for natives like me 😊

[@apache318]

30 years ago, was hard finding ISSAN food near the Suthisan district where my wife's family lives, luckily there was one very close by. Enjoy your informative videos!

[@TheLadyinblack1989]

Researching is never easy. Thank you for your hard work ❤❤❤

[@thanwatownow]

only halfway through the video and it already made me tear up. the quality of in depth research is really touching. personally also because I'm from Udon Thani and it really touched a specially place in my heart. so thank you. Keep up the quality of videos and research! it's insanely good!!

[@OTRontheroad]

Let me know if any recommendations in Udon Thani that we might not find on our own. That's one of the next places on our list to visit.

[@thanwatownow]

@@OTRontheroad I will have to ask my family. I might’ve been born there. I never lived in Thailand for more than a month, I grew up in Switzerland and Germany. Thats why this and your other Videos are so touching for me. It reconnects me with my roots.

[@iskandartaib]

I love Isan sausages. The problem is finding halal ones. Sometimes you come across them outside the Bobae Market mosque, and there's a vendor selling them at the Icon Siam food court. One reason I like visiting Chiang Mai is the vendor selling halal Isan sausages in front of the 7-11 at the Chang Phueak Gate, and sometimes you find them at the downtown Chinese mosque near the Night Market.

[@snnt837]

One of the most reliable food for thai people , from grassroot. Middle class to billionare ,Isaan food always one of the most favourite.

[@Shingojikung]

As an thai isaan myself I'm kind of glad that you like it.

[@BlackIntegral]

Bro you are so active with your videos and I love it.

[@littleengine9502]

What a fantastic episode. I really like the way you incorporated all the history, you won't understand anything if you don't understand its beginning. As a recent arrival and a planned long stay in Thailand, this is exactly what I am looking for, informative and real. BTW - your resemblance to the actor Giovanni Ribisi- ( sneaky Pete ) is uncanny.

[@OTRontheroad]

Hah! That's one I haven't heard before. Get Alan Tudyk pretty often. When I was younger it was Justin Timberlake- though one time a newspaper in Indonesia published a photo of me in Sumatra as "Mark Zuckerberg".

[@littleengine9502]

@@OTRontheroad I would go with it and start signing autographs!

[@s.chaisrisuk4956]

Tasty and healthy still undiscovered. Best introduction to Isaan foods.

[@Insearchforenlightment]

Laos meet Thailand delicious food

[@IndyPiasaka-eb4li]

Another great video. Som tum in Thailand has always been known as a Lao dish, historically, ethnically, traditionally, until recently its known as a Thai dish. In the past, to call som tum aThai dish would be an insult to Thai people because it was a Lao dish. The word "Lao" is a pejorative term in the past, and anything that is associated with Lao, culturally, linguistically, traditionally was discouraged in Thailand. Som tum came from the Lao word "tum som" which some Lao still use today to call papaya salad.

[@vassanab4243]

Som Tum Thai and Som Tum Lao is different, the one that foreigners eat is Som Tum Thai

[@GarryChenYT]

I have two favourites. Som Tum Jai Soo, only opens until afternoon. (I know, its popular because of mark wiens and others, but trust me food is great despite the over exposure) And this one place that only opens by night just across to sathorn BRT mini park, in between seven eleven and the willows condo.

[@benpeng3948]

Best video！！

[@danplasma]

in freakin love with this yummy channel!

[@SuperPromethee]

great docu!

[@SuperPromethee]

in isaan region itself, grilled fish is apparently still on the top of the somtam's (or shortened as 'tam') side dishes..another puzzle is how papaya became the most popular ingredients in isaan...

[@EarthCamper]

Your videos are treasure 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@laurensvandenhoven2805]

is good work , keep it up

[@BigBoss-dg1lu]

To sum it up it’s LAO FOOD FROM LAOS

[@RockNRoll-wb8fn]

BEST CHANNEL FOR THAI FOOD, THE INTERVIEW, THE HISTORY BEHIND ALL STUFF AND THE QUALITY OF FILMING IS SOOO GOOD🙏❤🤍💙🤍❤

[@viennaxay]

BEST CHANNEL FOR LAO ORGINATE FOOD !!! 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@feyhongw5783]

Thank you for another excellent video, your contents is refreshing and the narration about the all different dishes and its history and the story behind them are quite Anthony Boudinish Keep up the excellent work.

[@OTRontheroad]

Thank you!

[@sirsillybilly]

Travelling from Sydney to Issan next week for the Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai). Looking forward to some tasty chicken 😋 🤤 🤤

[@chakritw]

Great video. I'm part Thai and born in Bangkok but I've lived in the US since the early 80s. I remember going to Pattaya as a little boy when my parents would rent a house on the beach and it was one of my favorite places. Thanks for showing the world there's more to Pattaya than the seedy stuff.

[@petersutherland1985]

There was, now it's just a brothel 😢

[@kaowtruck3900]

Here’s a few more topics for you to explore: “blood” (aside from the typical explore larb blood, fresh duck blood), wedding food (not the other the top rich people weddings, but the weddings held in small towns and villages, as well as Buddhist ritual foods like those served when a males in the family becomes a monk, then there are all the drippings sauces “nam jim and nam prik” explores those. BTW love the channel

[@dcchillin4687]

i just found your channel and, damn, am i glad i did

[@wisarut.nualkaew]

Me as a southern Thai love Isaan food so much. I set a resolution in life to have an Isaan meal at least once a week. Hahaha

[@tw1nzor]

Another great day New OTR vidssss.may I suggested u should do Collab with Andy ricker for northern food and why ancient people called Thai food medicine. Anyway thankssss OTR Team cheers

[@thiri2699]

Interesting video. I love Som Tam ! 😊 I am Burmese but also have some Mon ancestry from my father's side.

[@Yai1950]

Like your video 👍👍

[@andyzhang7890]

Gotta visit this spot one day 🤤🤤

[@PKP1]

Isan might honestly be my most favourite food in the world

[@jcsung761]

I really admire your work. I despise those 'oh it's so cheap and nice and easy to live in Thailand' kind of youtube videos. You seem like a hard working man on a clear mission. Good luck to you!

[@sysavanhsouthimath6967]

Kudos guys! 👋

[@FrazerHatyai]

Isaan cuisine is akin to Lao food, reflecting their shared land and culture. The barriers are more political than cultural. The traditions and tastes of Isaan are more aligned with Lao culture than with any other in Thailand. Essentially, it's Lao food.

[@OTRontheroad]

I mean...that’s what the video is about

[@FrazerHatyai]

@@OTRontheroad didn't watch it. Just replied to the title. Glad we came to the same conclusion

[@cappm4201]

I just wish there were Thai subs so my Thai wife could keep up. Otherwise I'm so glad I found the channel.

[@Blue_Lunacy]

My favorite place no longer opened. Their version of grilled pork collar was that they marinate the meat in various kind of chili and chili sauce. The oil that drip from the meat in the plate was bright red. And then added the jaew dipping sauce, eating this with sticky rice. It was heavenly.

[@NanChirayukool]

I know I should not...but I watch your content at night again...now I'm super hungry! p.s. I saw crisp with som tum and laab flavour before. Even pretz has a very popular and long standing laab flavour in Thailand.

[@wisarut.nualkaew]

Even so many Japanese restaurants in Thailand has a laab chicken karaage on the menu. It’s a must I have to get it everytime. 😆

[@MyBelch]

I moved to Nong Khai permanently in 2005. I like Isaan food. There aren't too many Bangkok style restaurants up here.

[@backtobasic3577]

Thank you for the video. I am an Isan person. Please don't be surprised if you meet an Isan Thai person who has to cook their own food. They cannot go back to eating bland food. Because they are accustomed to food with strong flavors and strong smells. Please give them space and feed them. Support you.