Coronavirus has the world examining and reimagining food
After reading “Life-Changing Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs”, I knew I had a problem.
Continue reading A moveable feast: Missing the joys of dining out in Southeast Asia
An obsession with khao soi, Lao rice noodles
Updated November 4, 2024
Khao soi are flat rice noodles, commonly served in a namesake noodle soup heaped with a bolognese of pork and fermented soybean paste.
Continue reading An obsession with khao soi, Lao rice noodles
Dispatch: So many (air) miles + the 2018 flight tally
A couple days ago, in a fit of procrastination while I was searching for flights, I tallied all of last year’s. Continue reading Dispatch: So many (air) miles + the 2018 flight tally
Essay: The journey so far and the most interesting place in the world
In October 2017, The New York Times announced they were hiring a “writer at large” for an ambitious stint: to visit every single destination on their list of 52 places to travel in 2018, producing stories about each location and life on the road. Continue reading Essay: The journey so far and the most interesting place in the world
Khao poon, the noodle of Laos
Updated November 4, 2024
A mouthwatering look at khao poon, the noodle of Laos.
The Living Land Organic Farm in Luang Prabang
I can’t quite believe I’m knee deep in s*** with Susan and having a blast. Susan seems indifferent – not that you’d expect much emotion from a water buffalo. She’s been teaching visitors to The Living Land Organic Farm in Luang Prabang how to plow rice fields for three years and today is just another day at the office. Continue reading The Living Land Organic Farm in Luang Prabang
Noodles of northern Laos
Updated November 4, 2024
In Laos, sticky rice is the main staple — but if sticky rice is the president of the Lao diet, then noodles are like its running mate. Fresh or dried, wide and flat or thin and round, morning, noon or night, noodlse of northern Laos can be eaten as a meal in itself or as a side dish. Continue reading Noodles of northern Laos
Free the Bears Laos
When five-month old Kobe arrived at the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, he was traumatised. His mother had been shot and killed by hunters. Kobe had been caught, noosed, bound tightly by all four legs, tied to a length of bamboo and carried through the jungle. Continue reading Free the Bears Laos
Portraits of Northern Laos: Kaipen – Lao crispy river weed
Browse a menu in Luang Prabang, Laos and there’s a good chance you’ll see kaipen. The main ingredient of this delicious snack is almost unbelievable. Kaipen – also spelled khaiphaen or khai pene – is made from river weed harvested from the Mekong and other rivers in northern Laos. Continue reading Portraits of Northern Laos: Kaipen – Lao crispy river weed
Recipe for Nam Khao – Lao crispy rice salad
Nam khao, Lao crispy rice salad, is a popular local dish eaten with your fingers and shared with family and friends. I’ve written all about nam khao in a previous post, and now here’s the recipe for this tasty eat. Continue reading Recipe for Nam Khao – Lao crispy rice salad