This is the top of Isan Food:
1. Papaya Salad (Som Tam Korat, ส้มตำ)
Easily recognised by large mortar and pestles and bright red tomatoes. Som Tam stands are one of Thailand’s most common street food vendors. In the large mortar and pestle strips of green (unripe) papaya are crunched together with a handful of ingredients which include palm sugar, lime, fish sauce (pla ra), peanuts and chillies. Som Tam is an extreme salad. It is the Isan equivalent of the better known Som Tam Thai. The distinguishing difference being added pickled fish sauce (pla ra). Fiery, a little stinky but delicious.
2. Grilled Chicken (Kai Yang, ไก่ย่าง)
Kai Yang can be found all day, everyday, at near every street food area. It is a staple in Thailand’s diet and a great option for the non-spicy food lover. For those with spicier cravings the accompanying sides of sweet or hot chilli sauce will liven things up a bit. Best found sizzling over flaming charcoals at Bangkok’s evening barbecues. When travelling in Isan Kai Yang is found everywhere. Often hawked on large sticks like giant chicken lollipops.
3. Minced Pork Salad (Laab Moo, ลาบหมู)
Originating from Laos this fiery minced pork salad is the big favourite in Isan food. While there are variations the most popular Laab comes as a stir-fried minced pork dish with shallots, coriander and mint leaves. Seasoned with the salty of fish sauce and the sour of lime juice. Note Laab is at times found with raw uncooked meat. I would strongly advise against it.
4. Grilled Pork Salad (Nam Tok Moo, น้ำตกหมู)
Laab’s chewy brother. While others bundle it together with Laab I thought I’d be kind and give Nam Tok a place of its own. The difference between the two is the meat preparation. Instead of the minced pork as in Laab the Nam Tok Moo combines a tasty grilled pork with delicious laab flavours. Also available as beef (Nam Tok Neua). Fun fact, the name Nam Tok translates as ‘Waterfall’. Cute?
5. Isan Sausages (Sai Krok Isaan, ไส้กรอกอีสาน)
Named after the Northeastern region in which it originates. This scrumptious sausage is one of my favourite street foods. Also one of the most common. The Isan sausage brings a unique sour taste brought about by the fermenting of pork and sticky rice. Accompanying Galam (cabbage), sliced ginger and fresh chillies add that extra heat and spice (occasionally lime and peanuts). Roll together in a cabbage leaf, pop in your mouth, eat. Amazing. In evening hours, in puffs of smoke, lined with plump sausages, the Isan Sausage vendors are easy to identify. Cost 10 baht per skewer.
cr. https://www.live-less-ordinary.com/top-10-isan-food-northeastern-thailand/
