If you’re bored with the same old apples and oranges from your local supermarket then a trip to Thailand is simply a must with a superb selection of almost one hundred kinds of exotic and enticing varieties available. People throughout the world love the taste of the kingdom’s fruits and whether you prefer sweet or sour there’s bound to be something to tickle your taste buds, all at a smidgen of the prices you’ll find them at back home.
Your fantastic fruit adventure begins as soon as you walk through the door of a Chatrium property as to greet you after a long and tiring journey you’ll find a plate of refreshing specially selected fruits to welcome you to your “Live the Remarkable” stay.
The wide variety of fruit available in Thailand can be a bit overwhelming and a trip to the local market brings up a cacophony of colors, shapes and sizes so as a beginner’s guide to the best fruit around we highly recommend the following:
Durian (Tu-Rian)
Regarded by many people in Thailand as the “king of fruits, durian is distinctive for its large size, strong odour, and thorn-covered rind. The flesh can be consumed at various stages of ripeness, and it is used to flavour a wide variety of savoury and sweet desserts. The seeds can also be eaten when cooked.
Mango ( Ma-Muang)
The versatile mango is a favorite fruit of Thai people and is perfect when cut in half and eaten with a spoon, made into a refreshing juice or smoothie, eaten half-ripe and dipped into a spicy & sour mix or as one of the most popular desserts in the land, Khao Niew Ma-Muang – ripe mango with sticky rice and coconut milk. Try it, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Mangosteen ( Mang-Kut)
The odd looking purple exterior of the mangosteen gives way to tasty segments of white flesh and Thai people just loves tucking into one of these terrific treats. An interesting fact about the mangosteen is that the number of segments inside corresponds exactly to the number of petals found on the bottom of a mangosteen’s shell.
Rambutan ( Ngor)
Although the name is difficult to say if you’re not a local it’s easy to spot a rambutan at the market and show the vendor what you need as they look like a fruity version of the horse chestnut, from which many a childhood conker was born and played with to destruction, except the rambutan is a vivid red color with a delicious translucent and juicy flesh inside.
Dragon Fruit ( Gao Mung Korn)
Many a visitor to Thailand have laid their eyes on a dragon fruit for the very first time and said “What on earth is that!” as with its bright pink exterior covered in spikes the dragon fruit looks more like something from outer space than anything found on earth – but don’t be fooled as the juicy white flesh inside is the perfect refreshment on a hot day.
Lychee (Linjee)
With its rough red rind at first glance the lychee doesn’t look too appealing but once you break it open and try a taste of the juicy translucent flesh you’ll never look back. But beware, there’s a brown nut-like seed inside so don’t chomp it all down at once!
Banana (Gluay)
We all know what the common banana looks and tastes like after enjoying it in all ways from a superb smoothie to a bodacious banana split but with over twenty varieties of banana available in Thailand you’ll genuinely be spoilt for choice. When local folks go to the market they don’t simply ask for a bunch of bananas as each different kind has its own specific name and are enjoyed in innumerable ways. Our particular favorite? Deep-fried and eaten hot from a street vendor found walking the infamous traffic jams of Bangkok who’ll sell to you direct through your car window!
Snake Fruit (Sala)
The odd and slightly off-putting name of the snake fruit comes from its weird shell which resembles the scales of a snake but once you crack it open to sample the delectable sweet and sour flesh the name won’t really matter! Definitely one to tell your pals about back home…
Coconut (Ma-Praow)
Coconuts are the most versatile fruit in Thailand. The juice is more hydrating than water, the soft flesh goes great in desserts, and the nut can be used to make adorable souvenirs. Just be careful when trying to open them.
Guava (Farang)
Available all year round, guava makes a popular snack that can be eaten green and crunchy alongside salt, sugar and chilli, or when ripe. Tasty and highly refreshing, guava can also be made into delicious drinks, luscious ice creams or rich jams and jellies.
Papaya (Ma-La-Kaw)
A delicious year-round fruit that is at its best between March and June, the papaya is oval in shape and cut lengthways to remove the small black seeds in the middle. When ripe the soft dark orange coloured meat is full of flavour. Thais like to shred unripe papaya and mix it with lemon juice, chillies, peanuts and dried shrimp (Som Tam) – one of Thailand’s favourite salads.
Pineapple (Sapparod)
Thailand is one of the largest producers of this flavourful, juicy fruit. Growing year round it is best planted in sandy seacoast soil, and grows on a low lying plant. It’s an incredibly versatile fruit that finds its way into desserts, drinks and savoury dishes.
So no matter your preference The Land of Smiles could almost be renamed The Land of Fruit such is the amazing choice available wherever you may go, and your first taste of these delicious delights may well be at a Chatrium hotel or residence.
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