Ep 3. Bangkok

Andrew Zimmern's Driven by Food is a travel and food show where host Andrew Zimmern explores the culinary and cultural offerings of various cities around the world. In season 1, episode 3, Andrew travels to Bangkok to discover the flavors and traditions of Thai cuisine.

The episode begins with Andrew experiencing the city's hustle and bustle as he takes a tuk-tuk to one of Bangkok's busiest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market. Andrew visits various food stalls, sampling everything from traditional Thai desserts to spicy papaya salad. He also tries unusual street foods such as grilled pork uterus and deep-fried insects.

Next, Andrew visits Or Tor Kor Market, a high-end food market that sells premium ingredients from across Thailand. He meets with local food experts who explain the unique flavors and uses of ingredients such as chili paste, holy basil, and lemongrass.

In the afternoon, Andrew takes a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, stopping at various street food vendors along the way. He tries pork satay, grilled prawns, and a rice noodle dish with a savory fish sauce.

The following day, Andrew visits a traditional Thai floating market, Damnoen Saduak. Here, he learns about the significance of the market in Thai culture and tries shrimp and coconut pancakes, fresh coconuts, and boat noodles.

In the evening, Andrew meets with local chefs who showcase their innovative approaches to traditional Thai dishes. He samples a crispy fried chicken with green curry, a spicy papaya salad with lobster, and a dessert made with sticky rice, mangoes, and coconut milk.

The episode also features a visit to a durian farm, where Andrew tries the notoriously pungent fruit and learns about its cultural significance in Thailand. He also talks to locals who share their stories and traditions surrounding food.

Throughout the episode, Andrew highlights the diverse flavors and ingredients that make Thai cuisine unique, while also showcasing the importance of food in Thai culture. His enthusiasm for trying new foods and learning about local customs is infectious, making this episode a must-watch for foodies and travelers alike.