As many of us worldwide are spending more time at home than we generally would, perhaps now is the right time to prepare some of your favourite Thai dishes at home. It is something that you can do if you are living here in Pattaya or if you are somewhere else, eagerly awaiting the chance to return. All the ingredients can be found at local markets as well as in supermarkets across Thailand with most now commonly available in specialist stores in the west. Here are just six, relatively easy dishes to try.

1.Chicken Satay

There are several dishes that we are all familiar with and perhaps don’t always associate with Thailand. One of those dishes in chicken satay effectively strips of chicken marinated in a sauce that contains cumin, turmeric, ginger, soy sauce, and fish sauce. The meat is left to marinate overnight and then placed on skewers, grilled, and served with a peanut sauce dip.

2.Somtam

Somtam is a staple of the Thai diet, and there is unlikely to be any Thai that doesn’t know how to make it. It is made with green papaya, chili, garlic, tomatoes with fish sauce, and lime juice. All the mixture is pounded together in a pestle and mortar and served either independently or as an accompaniment to other dishes. This may add Bala, peanuts, and small shrimps with most regions having a variation on this traditional dish.

3.Thai Green Curry

Thai green curry is something that you will find on menus all across Pattaya and s popular with Thais, ex-pats, and tourists. The green curry paste can be purchased, but it is more fun to make with the recipe and ingredients widely available. To give you an indication of some of the ingredients for the sauce, it will include coconut milk, green chilies, galangal, fish sauce, lemongrass, and Kafir lime leaves.

4.Thai Red Curry

It would be impossible to mention green curry without mentioning its equally popular sibling, red curry. The red curry is a drier curry than the green and is typical, although not always, spicier. It contains red chili paste which can be increased or reduced in quantity. The dish is usually made with fried belly pork, although other meats and seafood can be used. However, the curry can overpower the natural taste of the fish.

5.Tom Yum Gai

Tom Yum is another Thai dish known worldwide as can be made with chicken (gai), pork, or shrimp. It is quite a watery soup that is typically quite spicy and served on its own with steamed rice or as part of a complete buffet. The soup contains fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, chicken stock, galangal, garlic, and chilies.

6.Laab Moo

Laab moo is a traditional Isaan dish containing minced pork mixed with finely chopped lemongrass, spring onion, dried chili powered, and fish sauce. It is typically served cold although most foreigners prefer it warm. It can be eaten as a main meal or as a side dish and is one of the most popular Isaan dishes available across Thailand.