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Isaan Insects Are Delicious
By Larry Westfall
In Northeastern Thailand, known as Isaan, insects are considered a normal, tasty snack. Street and sidewalk vendors and all through the open markets have these tasty morsels for sale. Now, this may seem a bit strange to you. It was to me the first time I saw it. But, I realized I am in a different country and a different culture, and people eat different foods than we do in America. And, they should be full of protein, right? So, I didn't get all squeamish or freak out, I decided that I would give these critters a try. This was after a few adult beverages to bolster my courage. I had the choice of big black scorpions, silkworms, ants,grasshoppers, beetles, and a few bugs that I didn't recognize either because they were cooked beyond recognition or indigenous to Thailand. I opted for the ants since they were small enough to swallow without really tasting them. I took a big swig of beer first and then popped one in my mouth and quickly swallowed. I survived! It wasn't so bad. The next one I actually chewed and tasted and it was pretty good. Kind of crunchy with a flavor I can't describe, and quite good with a beer. I didn't have the courage to try the grasshoppers or scorpions. I was worried about the gangly grasshopper legs and the possibility of poison from the scorpion. The beetles resembled cockroaches so they were crossed off the list and the silkworms were, well, worms. So, they got crossed off the list too. I ate a couple more of the ants and then passed the bag around the bar sharing with those who really enjoy the insects - the ladies of Isaan. If you are ever in northeastern Thailand, and see carts of insects being cooked and offered for sale, stop and get a bag and give them a try. Some restaurants even have them on the menu. You can also find them throughout Thailand, as Isaan people live and work throughout the country. So, try something different - eat an Isaan insect!
Larry Westfall is a retired expat living out his golden years in Khon Kaen, Thailand. He enjoys riding his mountain bike for daily exercise and looking for treasure with his metal detector .
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Isaan Photos
 
Insect Vendor
Insect Menu
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
 |  | nick admired this intel. Feb 11, 2011 |  | | adac recommended this intel. Feb 26, 2011 |
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Larry...isn't it great to be able to enjoy other cultures! But those crawly things you mentioned...I will pass, thank you :)God forbid I should fall into a real "survival" situation as in some TV shows and have to eat them (and my words!), but cannot fathom eating those just for curiosity.Thanks for sharing your adventure.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
MASTERTIKITAK, First came to Thailand as a young soldier in 1973 and fell in love with the people, culture, food, and customs. Now, 38 years later, I am retired here. During my military career I also lived in Taiwan, Korea, Hawaii, Georgia, and Arizona and they all have something special about them and things that are specific to that area. Love it! If a Thai ever participated in one of the Survivor shows, he or she would win hands down in the "weird food" eating competition.
Yummy! I enjoyed reading this intel. It reminds me of some research and an article I wrote a while ago. If you'd like to read the modern Canadian Version of the story "The Ant And The Grasshopper" (it is quite funny), here's the link http://www.squidoo.com/locust-friend-or-foe Thanks for following me Larry ... I'll be back to read more of your intels soon.
Laraine
Laraine
When visiting another country trying the local food is one of the most interesting experiences. I usually always go with fried with very little or no sauce. Stay away from fresh and raw. Fried will normally kill anything that might make you sick. If you do happen to come across something that produces a less than favorable reaction on the exiting end (use your imagination here). Usually chomping on a clove of garlic a couple times a day for a couple days will set matter straight again. (works for me!)
 | | adac Feb 26, 2011 08:59 | |
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This intel was contributed by larry
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