Experiencing the Flavors of Azerbaijani Cuisine in Thailand
Are you ready to explore a lesser-known, yet equally delicious cuisine? Azerbaijani cuisine is gaining popularity around the world, and Thailand is no exception. From the savory kebabs to the sweet baklava, Azerbaijani dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here is a guide on where to find the best Azerbaijani food in Thailand.
The Cultural Connection: Azerbaijan and Thailand
Before diving into the cuisine, let’s explore the cultural connection between Azerbaijan and Thailand. Azerbaijan, located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, shares a long history with Asia. The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East and West, passed through Azerbaijan. As a result, Azerbaijani cuisine has been influenced by various cultures, including Turkish, Persian, and Russian. Similarly, Thailand has a rich culinary culture influenced by its neighboring countries, such as China and India.
Despite being geographically distant, Azerbaijan and Thailand share some similarities in their cuisine. Both countries use a wide range of herbs and spices, such as cilantro, thyme, and saffron, to enhance the flavors of their dishes. Additionally, both cuisines heavily feature rice as a staple ingredient.
Where to Find Azerbaijani Cuisine in Thailand
Although Azerbaijani restaurants are not widely available in Thailand, there are a few places to try out this cuisine.
Babek restaurant
Located in Bangkok, Babek restaurant offers a wide range of Azerbaijani dishes, including soups, stews, and grilled meats. The restaurant’s most popular dish is the Piti, a lamb and chickpea soup served in a clay pot. The meat is cooked until it falls off the bone, and the broth is infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Don’t forget to try their signature kebabs, grilled to perfection and served with a side of fluffy rice.
Baku Cafe
Baku Cafe, located in Pattaya, is another great spot to try authentic Azerbaijani cuisine. Their menu features a mix of traditional and modern dishes, such as Plov (Azerbaijani rice pilaf) and Shahi Durum (a stuffed dough dish). For those with a sweet tooth, Baku Cafe also offers a variety of desserts, such as Baklava and Shekerbura, a sweet pastry with a nut filling.
Tips for Enjoying Azerbaijani Cuisine
To fully enjoy the complex flavors of Azerbaijani cuisine, keep these tips in mind:
Experiment with spices
Azerbaijani cuisine heavily relies on a variety of spices to enhance the flavors of their dishes. Don’t be afraid to try new spices, such as saffron or sumac, to add a unique twist to your meals.
Share with friends
Azerbaijani culture places a strong emphasis on socializing and sharing meals with others. When dining at an Azerbaijani restaurant, order a variety of dishes to share with your friends and family.
Try the local drinks
Azerbaijani cuisine is often paired with traditional drinks, such as tea or sherbet. Take a sip of the refreshing sherbet, a sweetened fruit juice, or enjoy a cup of tea served Azerbaijan-style with a sugar cube nestled in your teeth.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to explore a new cuisine, Azerbaijani food is a great place to start. By trying out some of the dishes recommended in this article, you’ll be able to discover the unique flavors of Azerbaijan in the heart of Thailand.
FAQs
What are some of the most popular Azerbaijani dishes?
Some of the most popular Azerbaijani dishes include Plov, a rice pilaf dish, and Dolma, stuffed vegetable rolls. Azerbaijani cuisine also features a variety of grilled meats, such as lamb and chicken kebabs.
Is Azerbaijani cuisine spicy?
Azerbaijani cuisine is not typically considered spicy, but it does feature a variety of herbs and spices.
What is the traditional Azerbaijani way of drinking tea?
In Azerbaijan, tea is often served with a sugar cube nestled between the teeth, allowing the tea to trickle over the sugar and sweeten the drink.
What is Sherbet?
Sherbet is a sweetened fruit juice, often served cold during the summer months.
Where can I find Azerbaijani restaurants in Thailand?
Azerbaijani restaurants are not widely available in Thailand, but Babek restaurant in Bangkok and Baku Cafe in Pattaya are both known for their authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
References
- “Top 10 Foods to Try in Azerbaijan”, Culture Trip, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/azerbaijan/articles/top-10-foods-to-try-in-azerbaijan/
- “Azeri Cuisine: Explore Azerbaijan’s Delicious Food”, The Culture Trip, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/azerbaijan/articles/exploring-baku-azerbaijans-diverse-cuisine/
- “Food and Drink in Azerbaijan”, Lonely Planet, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/azerbaijan/in-location/eating/a/nar/36055556-1a9e-4dd6-9bf2-0b90c249fc19/357348
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