 | Bangkok Street Food Reviews | Tips 131 - 140 of 143 |  |
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Not sure what this was but it was covered in flies. It did not seem to be bothering the guy who was selling it. Leave a Comment Theme: Street VendorAddress: Street Vendors!
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| | | | Street Food: Cheap and Tasty | Satisfaction:   | | | | |
| | | | Street Food: Sidewalk Vendors and Nutritious Bugs! | | | | | |
One of the first things that I noticed as I began my exploration of Bangkok were the numerous sidewalk vendors selling everything imaginable (and some that were not). In particular, for an American at least, were the many vendors selling fried bugs, beetles and grasshoppers.
Now I happen to know that insects do have great nutritional value. They are low in carbohydrates and some are higher in protein, vitamins, minerals and roughage than fish, chicken and red meat. I suspect that historically speaking, cultural groups that have relied on insects as a main protein source are those who live in adverse conditions like mountains and deserts where raising livestock and farming grains was not feasible.
In many climates and in poorer societies, insects remain more economically feasible to raise than poultry and red meat. They take up much less space and convert more of the food they eat to consumable product. Many insects can be raised on foods that humans cannot consume unlike cattle, which are usually raised on grains. For example, silkworms feed on mulberry leaves that we could not digest, then produce silk which we like and the pupa is nutritious and tasty if you have acquired a taste for them!
Many of the most commonly consumed insects are available in the wild in large numbers, free for the gathering. Migratory locust and termites are the two most commonly eaten insects. You might be surprised to know that gathering insects is also more efficient than game hunting. An hour of grasshopper gathering can yield far more calories than an hour of hunting for big game.
Of course, in civilized countries like America we do not have to go hunting for insects in our diet. Most of us consume insects everyday without being aware of it. American and many other countries food standards allow for insect damage and insect parts to slightly contaminate our grains and other food products. If you sometimes wonder what that strange little speck is in your cereal - well it is just an allowable insect part!
And for you survivalists out there, insects are so high in protein and fats they are the perfect survival food. Instructors of survival courses often introduce their students to a nutritious snack of various insects and worms during their training. Leave a Comment Theme: Street VendorAddress: Street Vendors!Directions: You will find them literally everywhere at all hours of the day and night.
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| | | | Street Food: Maybe not a "Restaurant" tip? | Satisfaction: | | | | |
Well, as I said in the title I suppose this is not really a restaurant tip technically speaking. However, if you're looking for something new and delicious to eat in Bangkok, you need look no further than the nearest street corner. Is Bangkok famous for its street food? Maybe I only think so because of how my father in law raves about it. His stories of Thai street food were actually one of the reasons I was so eager to get to Bangkok. He was right, too. The food you can buy from vendors all over the city is delicious, healthy (ie not poutine), and very inexpensive. I guess you should watch out for some of the meats, especially the shrimp and fish, but there is so much else to try that it shouldn't be a problem. Fruits chilled and carved intricately, curries strong and mild, and many unexpected culinary treats. It was good to wander the streets with the Thai couple we knew, so they could point out things that would interest us that we might otherwise miss.
I think the best street food I ate in Bangkok was a carved pineapple (more surface area = more taste!) in a bag sprinkled with a delicious and surprising spice: a mixture of salt, sugar, and chilli powder. So tasty! Try this on pineapple at home if you get the chance because it's really something else. Leave a Comment Theme: Street VendorPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveAddress: All over town.Directions: Like I said, it's all over town.
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