From Thailand With Love, Flavours And Crafts That Captivated All

An Authentic Experience Of Thai Culture, Cuisine, And Craftsmanship

From November 22nd to 24th, 2024, the Village Market in Nairobi transformed into a vibrant slice of Thailand, offering visitors an unforgettable experience at the Thailand Market Fair. Held daily from 10 am to 6 pm, the fair showcased the best of Thailand’s food, community, and culture under the captivating theme, “Bringing Thailand Closer to Kenya.”
This three-day extravaganza was a haven for food enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone with a passion for Thailand’s rich traditions. Nine talented exhibitors brought their expertise to the forefront, creating a space that celebrated authenticity and flavour.

Culinary Highlights

Food lovers indulged in an array of mouthwatering dishes that highlighted Thailand’s iconic flavors—salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and oily—balanced harmoniously in every bite. Five exceptional Thai food exhibitors brought their culinary artistry to the event, offering delicacies ranging from; Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tam), Grilled Chicken, Thai Fried Bananas (Kluay Tod), Chicken Pad Thai, Steamed Chicken with Vermicelli, Thai Milk Tea (Boba Thai Milk Tea), Chicken and Vegetable Curry Puff, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Mango Sticky Rice, Pork Dumplings, Chicken Dumplings, Stir-Fried Basil Minced Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and Thai Green Chicken Curry with Rice.

The Thai rice exhibitor; Royal Umbrella, shared the secret behind the country’s famous jasmine rice, while two Thai sauces exhibitors; Mirage Industries & elevated taste buds with their rich, aromatic dips and marinades. For those looking for beauty secrets rooted in nature, the Thai cosmetics exhibitor; introduced visitors to skincare traditions infused with exotic herbs and oils. Some of the recipe menus included;

Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tam), a refreshing and tangy dish that’s a staple in Thai cuisine.

To make Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tam), start by shredding a small green papaya and placing it in a large bowl. In a mortar and pestle, pound garlic cloves and Thai bird’s eye chilies, then mix in palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and optional tamarind paste until the sugar dissolves. Add cherry tomatoes and green beans to the mortar, gently bruising them to release their juices, and stir in dried shrimp if using. Transfer this mixture to the shredded papaya, toss everything together, and add crushed roasted peanuts for crunch. Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar to taste, and sprinkle with chili powder for extra spice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately, typically alongside sticky rice and grilled chicken.

Thai Grilled Chicken

To make Grilled Chicken with Papaya Salad, first prepare the marinade by pounding coriander roots, garlic, and white pepper in a mortar to make a paste. Mix the paste with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar, and oil, and marinate the chicken for about an hour. Grill the chicken using an oven or charcoal grill. Meanwhile, peel and shred green papaya (or substitute with apples, jicama, or carrots) into strips. In a mortar, pound garlic and chili, then mix in lime juice, fish sauce, green beans, and cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together, transfer to a plate, and garnish with peanuts. Serve the grilled chicken alongside the refreshing papaya salad.

More Than Just Food

While food took center stage, the fair was a celebration of Thailand’s vibrant community and rich culture. Visitors were treated to colourful displays of Thai traditions, music, and decor, transporting them straight to the bustling markets of Bangkok.

A Cultural Connection

The Thailand Market Fair offered more than just products; it fostered a deeper connection between Kenya and Thailand. It was an opportunity for people to explore the essence of Thai life, its values of community, and its dedication to harmony in both cuisine and culture. Special appearance by Thailand’s Commercial Minister Counsellor; Mr. Natthapong Senanarong and Mr. Theerawee Guradetphop; Second Secretary.

A Call to Adventure

For three days, the Village Market was alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Thailand. If you missed this incredible experience, you missed the chance to savor authentic Thai dishes, discover new beauty secrets, and immerse yourself in a culture known for its warmth and vibrancy. The Thailand Market Fair was a testament to how food and culture can transcend borders, connecting people from all walks of life.
Stay tuned for more events that celebrate international cultures right here in Kenya. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone looking to explore the world without leaving the city, the Thailand Market Fair was the event of the season.
Don’t miss the next opportunity to discover a new world at your doorstep!
Food recipes.

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