Get ready to transport your taste buds and travel dreams straight to Thailand! In this vibrant episode, I sit down with Thai chef and YouTuber Chef Ramida to explore the colorful world of authentic Thai cuisine, regional cooking traditions, and cultural celebrations that make traveling Thailand so unforgettable.

We dive into beloved Thai dishes like spicy lab (minced meat salad), tangy som tam (papaya salad), creamy green curry, and of course, the ultimate dessert: mango sticky rice. Ramida shares stories from her childhood , family food traditions, and how her grandmother’s garden sparked a lifelong love of cooking.

🌊 But we don’t just talk food—we celebrate Songkran, Thailand’s epic New Year festival! Ramida offers a firsthand look at this iconic, multi-day water celebration and its deeper cultural meaning. From the lively street water fights in places like Bangkok and Bang Saen Beach to the beautiful rituals of pouring water over elders’ hands and honoring ancestors, we unpack how Songkran blends playfulness, family, and spiritual renewal. Learn about the traditional foods served during the holiday (yes, mango sticky rice makes another appearance!) and what makes this time of year so magical for locals and travelers alike.

🎧 In this episode:

• Must-try dishes from Eastern & Central Thailand

• The cultural significance of Thai ingredients & techniques

• Local tips for foodies traveling in Thailand

• Why Songkran is more than just a water fight

• Where to find great pad Thai in Bangkok (hint: it might be in a mall!)

• Chef Ramida’s cookbook & YouTube channel for Thai cooking at home

Whether you're planning your next trip to Thailand, dreaming of Thai street food, or just hungry for culture, flavor, and connection, this episode is your perfect introduction.

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Connect with Chef Ramida

YouTube: @cheframidathaifoodexpert

Instagram: @chef_ramida

Ramida's Bangkok Recommendations

- White Flower Factory 

- KubKao' KubPla Emquartier

- Nara Thai Cuisine Siam Paragon

Love exploring the world through food? Let’s take your next trip to the next level!

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