A Journey Through Eastern European Cuisine in Thai Eateries
Eastern European cuisine is often overlooked in Thailand, with many people unfamiliar with the flavors and ingredients that make it a unique and diverse cuisine. However, there are a number of Thai eateries that specialize in Eastern European cuisine, offering a range of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we’ll take a journey through Eastern European cuisine and explore the delicious dishes that can be found in Thai eateries.
Introduction to Eastern European cuisine
Eastern European cuisine is marked by its use of hearty, simple ingredients that are often pickled, smoked, or salted to preserve them for the long, cold winter months. Some of the most popular ingredients used in Eastern European cuisine include potatoes, cabbage, onions, mushrooms, and various types of meats such as pork, beef, and game.
Pierogi
One of the most popular dishes in Eastern European cuisine is pierogi, which is a type of dumpling that is typically filled with potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, or ground meat. In Thai eateries, pierogi is often served as an appetizer, and it’s a great way to sample the flavors of Eastern European cuisine.
Borscht
Another classic Eastern European dish is borscht, which is a soup made from beets, cabbage, and potatoes. It’s typically served hot with a dollop of sour cream on top. In Thai eateries, borscht is often served as a main dish and it’s a great way to warm up on a chilly evening.
Cabbage rolls
Cabbage rolls are another popular dish in Eastern European cuisine, and they’re typically made from boiled cabbage leaves that are stuffed with ground meat, rice, and spices. They’re then baked in a tomato-based sauce until they’re tender and full of flavor. In Thai eateries, cabbage rolls are often served as an entree, and they make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Smoked meats
Smoked meats are a staple in Eastern European cuisine, and they’re often used to flavor soups and stews or eaten on their own as a snack. Some of the most popular smoked meats in Eastern European cuisine include sausages, ham, and bacon. In Thai eateries, smoked meats are often served as appetizers, and they’re a great way to get a taste of the flavors of Eastern European cuisine.
Varenyky
Varenyky is a type of Ukrainian dumpling that is similar to pierogi. They’re typically filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, or ground meat. In Thai eateries, varenyky is often served as an appetizer, and it’s a great way to sample the unique flavors of Ukrainian cuisine.
Goulash
Goulash is a Hungarian stew that is made with beef or pork, onions, and paprika. It’s typically served with potatoes or noodles. In Thai eateries, goulash is often served as a main dish, and it’s a great way to experience the bold flavors of Hungarian cuisine.
Pelmeni
Like pierogi, pelmeni is a type of dumpling that is popular in Russian cuisine. They’re typically filled with ground meat and spices, and they’re often served with sour cream or a tomato-based sauce. In Thai eateries, pelmeni is often served as an appetizer, and they’re a great way to get a taste of the flavors of Russian cuisine.
Herring
Herring is a popular fish in Eastern European cuisine, and it’s often pickled or smoked to preserve it for the long winter months. In Thai eateries, herring is often served as an appetizer, and it’s a great way to get a taste of this unique and flavorful fish.
Conclusion
Eastern European cuisine is a unique and diverse cuisine that is often overlooked in Thailand. However, there are a number of Thai eateries that specialize in Eastern European cuisine, offering a range of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From pierogi to goulash, there’s something for everyone in Eastern European cuisine.
FAQ
Q: What are some popular smoked meats used in Eastern European cuisine?
A: Some popular smoked meats in Eastern European cuisine include sausages, ham, and bacon.
Q: What is varenyky?
A: Varenyky is a type of Ukrainian dumpling that is similar to pierogi. They’re typically filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, or ground meat.
Q: What is goulash?
A: Goulash is a Hungarian stew that is made with beef or pork, onions, and paprika. It’s typically served with potatoes or noodles.
Q: What is pelmeni?
A: Pelmeni is a type of dumpling that is popular in Russian cuisine. They’re typically filled with ground meat and spices, and they’re often served with sour cream or a tomato-based sauce.
Q: What is herring?
A: Herring is a popular fish in Eastern European cuisine, and it’s often pickled or smoked to preserve it for the long winter months.
Q: What are some of the most popular ingredients used in Eastern European cuisine?
A: Some of the most popular ingredients used in Eastern European cuisine include potatoes, cabbage, onions, mushrooms, and various types of meats such as pork, beef, and game.
Q: What is borscht?
A: Borscht is a soup made from beets, cabbage, and potatoes, and it’s a classic dish in Eastern European cuisine.
