August 20, 2022
Sawasdee kha Friday Marketers!
While rummaging the gallery of my old phone, I came across my souvenir shots back when I visited the Little Thailand market. I thought @dswigle would like this place as she likes seeing different kinds of markets from all parts of the world.
You might wonder how I got to Thailand while working in Hong Kong. Well, I don't need to travel by air just to see Little Thailand as it is just located in Kowloon City Hong Kong where I currently reside and about a 10 to 15 minutes walk from my place.
The history of this place has an interesting story and how the place became the main spot for Thai restaurants and groceries. For over four years of staying in this city, I somehow witnessed how the city underwent an urban transformation and some Thai residents and businesses were badly affected. Yet, some remain to continue to serve Hong Kong residents authentic Thai cuisine and other products.
It was my lady boss who introduced me to this place when one time she invited me to dine in one of the Thai restaurants in the area. Definitely, food is quite expensive, especially in big Thai restaurants, but reasonably since ingredients are imported from Thailand. I especially like the vegetarian cuisine in Thai Vegetarian restaurants.
Small restaurants are serving Thai cuisine, and also some small bars along the area for night hangouts.
Each time we want to buy Thai herbs and food, this place is always what we like visiting. Compared to Thai herbs sold in supermarkets, the prices of Thai products in the Little Thailand market are quite cheaper and affordable. If you want to cook curry recipes, Thai curry and other herbs and seasonings are the best. There aren't pandan and lemongrass sold in HK markets, only here in the Little Thailand market.
There are fresh vegetables from Thailand farms too that can be bought per pack. Some are even organic.
I like going to Little Thailand each time I want to eat their delicacies because they somehow resemble Filipino delicacies, especially their rice cake cooked in coconut milk, cassava cake topped with grated coconut, and even their snacks.
When it comes to Thai delicacies, people usually buy pandan pudding and other coconut-made delicacies. And the most popular product in Little Thailand is the sticky rice paired with mango with coconut milk. I never tried eating this though as I find the combination weird, mango paired with sticky rice? (the one in the photo with mango) I'll try it next time.
There are cooked Thai viands and other food too in plastics for easy take-outs. The crabs look yummy! Thai seafood recipes are also sold in this market.
Once you hear about Thai delicacies, what comes first to your mind? Of course, rice cakes, pandan pudding, jelly, mochi, and more.
It's not just Thai delicacies and food people are buying here, but of course, the sweet and sour Thai mangoes.
There are shops too selling arts and crafts and other Thai souvenir items, scented candles, and more.
Have you tried Thai massage? They said it's the best experience. However, you can also buy Thai massage tools and supplies here, even Thai massage herbal balls and other pain-relieving products.
During my recent visit to Little Thailand, nothing has changed so far. This mannequin was still there and just kept changing clothes.
I just roamed around the area and I came across this famous shop, A Star Coconut Expert, selling coconut oil and other coconut products from Thailand. If you heard about A-Cap Thai coconut products, they are being sold here. There are spices and herbs sold in this shop too. And I bought a bottle of coconut milk with mango tidbits. That was refreshing and it quenched my thirst.
I took the opportunity to dine in one of the Thai restaurants to check what recipes they have.
While checking the recipe book, I just scratched my head upon seeing the double to triple digits prices printed in it. In the end, I opted to choose this Hainan chicken served in Thai rice, cucumber, and tomatoes. I actually have tried this recipe in other restaurants before, but this was so far, the cheapest in the restaurant at HK$60 I guess if my memory serves me right.
It was served with, I forgot the name of this tea, rosehip I guess because of the color. And I remember it has a name of a flower in its name, lol.
Every time I walk in Little Thailand, I somehow feel like I am in my own country, the Philippines. These two have cultural connections and similarities and they are both friendly. Moreover, Thailand has also been part of the Philippines's history, certainly in bilateral and trade connections even up to date. There were disputes, but the connections are still there.
We also have a lot of similarities, in culture and tradition, religious beliefs, and cuisine, both have lushes of vegetation and a lot of islands and beaches. The rice fields? I guess these two belong to the main exporters of rice in South East Asia.
But above all, both are friendly, family-oriented, and polite. Some Thai words also exist in some Filipino dialects, especially Visayan words.
That's all for today's #MarketFriday at Little Thailand. I hope @dswigle would like this. If you want to visit this place someday, just avoid visiting during Water Festival, because you will definitely get wet, lol.
Khop Khun kha and see you on my next marketing!
(All photos are mine)
