In Thailand, especially in the south, we eat full meals for breakfast," explains Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon, the 2023 James Beard award-winning chef and founder of Philadelphia's Kalaya... "People work on the farm or rubber plantations and they need something substantial." This reflects the practicality of breakfast choices tailored to the needs of those who start their day early, emphasizing nutrition and energy for long days ahead.
Life in the south starts early," Suntaranon says. "We start serving breakfast at 2 a.m. when the fishermen return or people come to the market to set up their stalls. By 4 a.m., everything is sold out." This showcases the vibrant morning culture in southern Thailand, where breakfast is not just a meal but a lively part of the community's daily rhythm.
Khao thom is Thai comfort food," Suntaranon explains, reminiscing about how her own mother would make her weekly bowls of porridge growing up... "It's a vessel that can be paired with anything - mushrooms, fermented tofu, or fried crullers," indicating its versatile nature and cultural significance as a meal that transcends breakfast.
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