Celebrated on the 13th of April every year, Thai New Year is all about the celebration of transformation. Also known as ‘Songkran Festival’, the word for Thai New Year ‘Songkran’ derives from a Hindu sanskrit word which literally translates to ‘astrological passage’ or simply put ‘change’.
In Thailand water plays a significant role in the Songkran Festival, symbolising cleansing and renewal. With this, many locals arm themselves with buckets of water and water guns to target peers or passers by to take part in the cultural activity known as the ‘throwing of water’.
Fun celebrations such as this aren’t as well known in the western world, however, Thai cuisine (particularly Thai street-style food) is another great way to join in the festivities. In Thailand, new year parades often offer a range of Thai foods suitable for eating on the go or when celebrating at home with family and friends. In this blog, we’re sharing 7 traditional Thai recipes perfect for celebrating Thai New Year…
Thai Money Bags
Thai Money bags or ‘Thung Thong’ are well known for their association to Thai New Year celebrations. This delicious snack or appetiser is one of a few dishes which are part of the traditional Thai royal cuisine which are typically eaten during special occasions.Simply fill wonton pastry with deliciously seasoned pork and prawns and fry into a crispy snack perfect for dipping into sweet chilli sauce.
Thai Fish Cakes
Tod Mun Pla or more commonly known as Thai Fish Cakes are a pescatarian friendly snack or side dish as part of a bigger meal. These are also great for dripping but rather than a typical sweet chilli dip, we recommend trying our 1-click recipe for Thai fish cakes with Thai Taste’s Yellow Chilli sauce with ginger for uniquely flavoured dip.
Prawns Wrapped in Vermicelli
Impress your family and friends with something completely different by preparing Prawns wrapped in vermicelli noodles or ‘Gung Sarong’. This dish actually dates back to ancient cuisine in Thai culture and is lesser known than other recipes of this list. However, it tastes just as impressive as it looks and is a great starter or appetiser for any dinner party or celebration.
Satay Chicken
Satay Chicken is popular across south-east Asia, and Thai Chicken Satay is particularly popular for its marinade, which uses a blend of staple Thai herbs such as fresh lemongrass, turmeric and ginger. Although, there’s definitely no harm in using an authentic Thai pre-blended satay chicken seasoning mix (such as this one from Lobo) to save time. Traditionally, satay is cooked over a BBQ and with things warming up over spring, Thai New Year is the perfect excuse to bring the BBQ out.
Thai Corn Fritters
A sweet and crispy vegetarian alternative to Thai Fishcakes, Thai Corn Fritters or ‘Tod Man Khao Pod’ are another widely popular street food snack in Thailand. Actually, this dish is so easy to make, you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry or cupboard. If not, not to worry - our 1 click recipe has both the perfect fail proof recipe and ingredients ready for you!
Chicken Pandan Leaves
Chicken Pandan Leaves are typically found as a starter option at Thai restaurants, so that should tell you they’re a great option for serving up to guests. The pandan leaves in this dish give the chicken a fragrant aroma while ensuring it also stays tender and juicy. And each bite-sized piece definitely makes for the perfect party hors-d'oeuvre.
Thai Sausage
You might be wondering what makes a Thai sausage any different from a western sausage? Especially to consider serving it for an occasion such as Thai New Year. Well, what makes Thai sausage so special is the amount and variety of exotic Thai herbs and spices added to the sausage mix, from galangal to kaffir lime leaves and even fish sauce. And much like Satay Chicken, this dish is also ideal for cooking on the BBQ.
Leave a comment