With our commitment to the wisdom of Thai cuisine and local delicacies, WAAN THAI would like to invite everyone to explore and enjoy the internationally acclaimed yet uniquely Thai taste of the delicacy in the fine presentation of our latest menus at WAAN THAI. Revered by food lovers around Thailand and the globe as the ‘King of salted fish’, hailed from the southernmost of Thailand, Amphor Tak Bai in Narathiwat province, Tak Bai’s original recipe of Ku Lao salted fish has deservedly attained its place in the global cuisine scene for its being unique and delicate tasty local delicacy.
Originating from authentic local wisdom, Ku Lao (one type of Threadfin, locally found in Tak Bai and vicinities) is processed meticulously by a well-crafted method which has been inherited for more than one hundred years, the recipe which was brought by Chinese families who emigrated to the south of Thailand in 16th century. Ku Lao salted fish from the south of Thailand ‘Tak Bai’ now became the name that is highly valued and sought after by food lovers. WAAN THAI is proud and honored to present the famous delicacy from the south of Thailand in the novel form, conceptualized and crafted by chef Chumpol Jangprai, to reintroduce to the world the King of salted fish in the new light.
The 100 Years Traditional Wisdom Came to WAAN THAI
Local people in Tak Bai have had fishing as their main occupation for a long time. The plenty of Thailand’s sea and oceanic resources made local wisdom possible in many respects, as represented in the old saying, ‘In a river, fishes swarm, on a field, rice abounds’ to which WAAN THAI always takes heart. With their way of life being so close to nature, people of Tak Bai therefore could come up with the exquisite yet simplistic at first sight like Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish, which has been made locally for more than one hundred years.
Being well known among Thai people, Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish is always in high demand, and the delicacy’s price follows likewise. The size of fish dictated how much the price would be, for the fact that it is much harder to salt the bigger fish well. Years of experience and devotion to the craft are indispensable in the deceptively simple process which involves salt and sun-drying. For in fact, it requires delicate touch and high dexterity founded from experience. The ‘qualified’ or ‘good’ Ku Lao Salted Fish, as it is known among its initiated fans, needs to have a taste of saltiness, but on a milder and tender note, together with tender texture and aromatic, which could only be found in the freshly caught and processed fishes. It is certainly demanding work in many aspects.
We could say that Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish represents one important, and often overlooked, aspect of the traditional Thai recipes, that is savory in simplicity. But as it was known, what appears simple often is the result from some complexities and expertise, WAAN THAI is well aware of the fact and decidedly devoted to present Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish at its strongest point to the world.
Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish Reimagined at WAAN THAI
From all of the aforementioned initial idea, WAAN THAI and Chef Chumpol Jangprai, the Iron Chef Thailand, are proud to present Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish at its strongest point in the menu, ‘Salted Tak Bai Kulao Fish Fried Rice served with Sous Vide Duck Egg’.
In this menu, Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish is to be stir-fried with steamed jasmine rice, added with a pinch of fresh chilli, to let spiciness keep the saltiness in moderation. Then sprinkled with some shallot and topped with duck egg sous vide, to compliment the menus with finishing touch. We could already see the combination of global and local tradition in this innovative presentation of Ku Lao Tak Bai Salted Fish, but the real deal comes in the aromatic quality and flavourful texture, of which WAAN THAI humbly welcomes everyone to experience firsthand at our restaurant.
Every wayfarer in taste and lovers of sweets are gladly welcomed to experience the exquisite local delicacy in the contemporary flair at WAAN THAI. Please reserve your seat by call number: +66 (0) 94-215-3945, +66 (0) 94-215-4156, or at email: reservation@waanthai.com, or at www.waanthai.com, or at Facebook, Instagram, Line OA: @waanthaidessert.