Perhaps, you're finally bored of the usual Putt-Thai, Khao-Putt, and seeking something with a little more 'kick' than your usual Putt Gra-prao and Som-tum, you say?
But you're not quite ready to make the jump to “stink bean stirfry” or “Southern sour curry” just yet? Okay, then there's one particular dish that comes to mind – one that will help you impress your Southern Thai girlfriend's mom.
'Kua Gling' is one of the most widely-served dishes throughout the South. You can order it at all local eateries, from Chumphon to Songkhla, and certainly here in Phuket.
Like other Thai dishes, it's typically served with rice, and prepared with one's preferred protein base, typically chicken, which is the religious-neutral protein in the Buddhist-Hindu-Muslim friendly Southern region.
Be advised, its fiery red colour is a solid warning that its contents are indeed spicy-hot. Aside from the dry-curry chilly explosion in your mouth, your tastebuds and nostrils may be tickled by a particular tang from the kafir lime leaves and lemongrass.
So next time you're out with Southern Thai company at a local restaurant, impress them by ordering “Kua Gling Gai, Pet Pet krup (ka)”, and when the dish comes, dig in casually, keeping a straight face. A mouthful will wake you right up, more effectively than coffee!