Ever think about where the food on your table really comes from? Maybe not, but it is sometimes a very interesting story. The fact is that a lot of plants don't originate in the places that are most associated with them. I discovered this when researching a book about Thai food a few years ago (sadly, it was never published). I found out that, although the chili pepper is widely associated with Thai cuisine, the chili plant is not native to Thailand, or even Asia. That discovery, along with the ones that followed, form the basis of this web site.

"Traveling Chili" is the story of the journeys plants have taken around the world, to end up at our supermarkets and on our tables. The facts are sometimes stranger than fiction, and there are even one or two radical make-overs along the way. This site also shares some of the local knowledge I've gained about how some foods are used, and I might even share a recipe or two.

You're welcome to comment on any of the articles here, and if you'd like to contribute, feel free to Contact Us with your ideas.

Most Recent Article:

Glass noodle salads (yum woon sen) are one of the most common yum salads you’ll find in Thailand. They can be quite light, but with a sweet and tangy taste. A bit of ground pork is the most common meat, but you can also add a few shrimp or some cooked squid if you like. You can also leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.

Glass Noodle Yum Salad

For this recipe, the peanuts are usually pan-roasted. Heat a heavy skillet and toss the peanuts in, shaking the skillet until the peanuts are darkened in spots. You can do this well in advance of needing the nuts.

Ingredients

Dressing

Preparation Method

• Prepare the dressing first. Mix all of the ingredients together and set aside.
• Mix the noodles, cooked ground pork, mushrooms and corander together – hands work best!
• Pour the dressing over the noodle mix and stir.
• Transfer to a serving dish or bowl. Sprinkle the crushed nuts and fried garlic over the top.