Thai - The Pasadena Chef

Gai Tung – Thai Braised Chicken with Aromatic Spices

August 12, 2026August 17, 2026Leave a comment

This braised chicken recipe comes from Jennifer Brennan’s wonderful The Original Thai Cookbook, 1981, one of the pioneering English-language books that introduced authentic Thai cooking to Western home cooks. Brennan describes first discovering Gai Tung after an afternoon wandering Bangkok’s bustling Sam Peng market, where a simple neighborhood restaurant served her a fragrant braised chicken over rice that became one of her most memorable meals. After making this recipe for years, I understand exactly why it left such an impression.

Continue reading →

Authentic Thai Minced Shrimp and Pork Salad (Lon Kung Moo Sub)

July 31, 2026August 29, 2026Leave a comment

Calling this a salad is using the term rather loosely, but it does fall into the broad family of Thai salads. Unlike many Thai salads, this one isn’t especially fiery, making it perfect for a light lunch or simple dinner.

Continue reading →

Thai Ginger Chicken- Gai Pad King

July 15, 2026August 3, 2026Leave a comment

My journey to discover different cuisines began in the early 80s. I became interested in Chinese, Thai and Indian food, but I had no idea where to start learning about these cuisines, which at that time were still quite obscure. Certainly there were Chinese and Indian restaurants, but Thai restaurants were a bit more few and far between.

Continue reading →

Gai Larb- The Classic Thai Chicken Salad

July 7, 2026August 29, 2026Leave a comment

Also known as Larb Gai, this is one of Thailand’s classic dishes. Unlike many stir-fries, it uses no oil and comes together in just a few minutes. The combination of fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and toasted rice powder in Larb Gai gives it a wonderful balance of bright, fresh flavors and a unique crunch.

Continue reading →

Thai Spicy Chicken Curry, Khua Kling Gai -A Southern Thai Classic

July 5, 2026August 29, 2026Leave a comment

In spite of what people think, not all Thai food is very spicy, and even some Thai curry’s are not very spicy, but this one is a notable exception.

What’s different about this curry?

This is a very spicy “dry” curry from southern Thailand and the region of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung and the southern islands like Krabi and Trang. By dry, I mean it doesn’t have a lot of sauce and does not use coconut milk.

Continue reading →

Gai Pad Prik – Thai Chicken with Chilies

June 29, 2026August 12, 2026Leave a comment

On my many trips to Thailand, this was always my absolute favorite dish to have, and there were many days that I ate it every single day. It was such a simple dish, but the flavor was pure Thailand.

Continue reading →

Gai Yang-Marinated Grilled Chicken- Thai Street Food

June 10, 2025August 13, 2026Leave a comment

If you’ve ever walked through a Thai night market, you’ve smelled Gai Yang long before you saw it. Marinated with garlic, cilantro root, fish sauce, and pepper, then grilled over charcoal on skewers until smoky and caramelized, it’s one of Thailand’s most beloved street foods—and surprisingly easy to recreate at home.

Continue reading →

Authentic Thai Tom Yum Soup Recipe

March 30, 2025August 12, 2026Leave a comment

This is a traditional Thai soup. To make it properly, you need to layer the flavors, rather than throwing everything into the pot at one time.

Continue reading →

Thai Chicken with Basil/ Gai Pad Prik Grapao- Top Thai Dish

July 26, 2020August 12, 2026Leave a comment

Thais’ love fresh basil, and use many different types. Most of us are familiar with Sweet Basil, and this is easy to find in any market. However, it’s the “Holy Basil”, known as Bai Grapao, which is the most flavorful and authentic.

This basil has an anise type of flavor and gives this dish an amazing flavor and dimension that just doesn’t taste the same with sweet basil. If you can’t find the holy basil, a good quality fresh Thai basil will work as well.

Continue reading →

Thai Shrimp and Basil- Stir Fry, Phuket Style

June 15, 2018August 12, 2026Leave a comment

This Thai Shrimp and Basil dish is a common dish in Pattaya and also in Phuket as these areas have a lot of seafood.

Continue reading →