Ahan Bohran

I like to watch old Thai movies; those made in the day when actors really looked Thai and when the location scenes of Bangkok and rural Thailand were prior to the age of concrete and plastic. But most of all, I like the classic, simple but elegant storylines in those old movies.

Since food is such an integral part of Thai life, there is always a scene in these movies involving a meal. But rarely is it clear exactly what the characters supposed to be eating. So for many years now I've been on a quest to discover what might be considered traditional Thai food: ahan bohran.

Now in Isan things have not changed that much. It is still very much the food of the field, stream and rice paddy: hardy peasant food. But in the central part of the country, fields and streams have given way to housing estates, factories, and high rises. Traditional ways and, along with them, traditional foods, have as a consequence, virtually disappeared.

Lest we forget, at Milford's Corner this Friday, 22 January we will feature a traditional Thai dish I call Fish in Tamarind Sauce. This dish has strips of tilapia lightly floured and deep fried to a golden brown then mixed with vegetable, cashews, and a tamarind-based sweet and sour sauce. I have to confess it is one of my personal favorites. So come on out and enjoy it after 6 on Friday. See you then.