Keep Cookin'

Upon returning from Thailand, abundant with enthusiasm for my new-found repertoire, I was faced with the prospect of sourcing the types of ingredients I’d sampled whilst away. Palm sugar, Holy Basil, Coriander root, Eggplant, Kaffir Lime, Galangal, even simple things like dried red chillies. Having visited the local, big-named supermarket, I soon realised that although you can pick up ingredients such as dried galangal, it’s just not going to have the same flavour impact as fresh produce and is not particularly on the cheap side.

After a little research, I stumbled across a local Thai shop which imports fresh produce, stocks an abundance of dried herbs, spices and chillies, complete with an array of sauces and BIG bags of rice – all this and it is considerably more affordable than the big-chain, supermarket alternatives. There is, of course, the big question of the environmental impact of shipping in these items, however, I strive to live a lifestyle which minimises my carbon footprint wherever possible, so this occasional indulgence does not plague me with guilt.

If you really want to recreate the authentic flavours, then I would highly recommend taking a little time to research where your local alternative shops are; you will not be disappointed and you will be supporting local businesses!