ISAAN CUISINE IS READY FOR A MICHELIN STAR!

Foodies Check!: Did you know that Som Tum is the Northeastern food of Thailand?

It is fine if you, as a foreigner, are unable to identify the origin of the Thai cuisine that is being served to you. If you take the time to look closely, you will see that many of the mobile food vendors on the street serve papaya salad, grilled chicken, and sticky rice. The cuisine was developed in the north-eastern part of Thailand where it is still popular today even in the capital city.

What distinguishes Isan cuisine from Thai cuisine? Chilli peppers, lime, peanuts, dried shrimp, fresh fruits and vegetables, sticky rice, cilantro, mint, and other fresh herbs tend to prevail. Instead of curries that have simmered for hours, Isan cuisine relies on fresh, brilliantly flavoured savoury salads. Simple marinated grilled or fried meats and sticky rice are frequently served with a "tam," or salad.

Every year, food inspectors who are representative of the Michelin Guides survey the meals that they believe are deserving of a star. After announcing the first year of Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok, other provinces including Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Ayutthaya began appearing in guidebooks the following year. For the 2023 edition, the coverage further expands to the largest region of Thailand, Isan. More specifically, to four provinces within the region: Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen.

If you get the chance to stay at the Centre Point Hotel Terminal21 Korat, you should not pass up the opportunity to taste some traditional Isaan cuisine. The flavour of locally sourced ingredients, which varies with the different seasons, is what gives Isaan cuisine is distrinctive flair. More than that, going across more than 20 of Isaan's provinces will provided you with the opportunity to discover other cuisine cultures, which is expected to be an amazing and memorable experience in your life.