Ep 5. Phuket

In season 9 episode 5 of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, the show takes viewers on a culinary journey to the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand. Host Andrew Zimmern explores the local cuisine, delving into the flavors and ingredients that make Thai food so unique and beloved around the world.

The episode begins with a visit to Phuket's bustling night market, where Zimmern savors a wide array of street food offerings. From crispy fried insects and roasted crickets to grilled sea snails and spicy noodles cooked up on the spot, the night market is a true reflection of Thailand's vibrant street food culture.

Zimmern then heads to a local restaurant to try some of the more traditional dishes that Phuket is famous for. He samples tom yum soup, a hot and sour broth filled with fragrant herbs, lemongrass, and seafood. He also has a taste of massaman curry, a rich and creamy dish made with tender chunks of beef and potatoes in a fragrant peanut sauce. And of course, no trip to Thailand would be complete without trying some of the country's famous noodles, and Zimmern does so with gusto as he slurps up a bowl of pad thai.

But Phuket has more to offer than just street food and traditional Thai dishes. As Zimmern discovers, the island's location on the Andaman Sea means that seafood plays a huge role in the local cuisine. He visits a fishing village where local fishermen take their daily catch directly to the market stalls, selling everything from fresh squid and shrimp to enormous crabs and fish.

At a local restaurant, Zimmern samples some of the island's seafood specialties. He tries a dish called pu pad pong karee, a stir-fry of crabmeat cooked in a yellow curry sauce with onions and peppers. He also tries the distinctive chili paste known as nam prik pao, made with dried chilies, shrimp paste, and palm sugar, which is a popular condiment throughout Thailand.

No trip to Phuket would be complete without a visit to one of the island's many beaches, and Zimmern takes in the sun and sand while snacking on some tasty beachside treats. He tries a grilled chicken skewer served with a side of sweet and tangy sauce, and a refreshing drink made with fresh watermelon and lime juice.

As the episode comes to a close, Zimmern reflects on the diversity and complexity of Thailand's cuisine, which allows for infinite variety and experimentation. From the spicy and sour flavors of tom yum soup to the fragrant and creamy curries, the food of Phuket is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Thai chefs and food artisans.