Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 5 Episode 1 Thailand (Isan region)

In the first episode of season 5 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Andrew travels to the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. Isan is famous for its unique cuisine that features a variety of spicy dishes and unusual ingredients.

Andrew begins his journey in the city of Udon Thani, where he tries a local favorite dish called larb. Made with minced meat, chili pepper, lime juice, and roasted ground rice, larb is a spicy and tangy salad that truly represents the flavors of Isan. Andrew also samples other regional delicacies such as grilled chicken, sticky rice, and som tam, a green papaya salad that is also served spicy.

As he travels further into the countryside, Andrew gets a chance to meet with some local farmers and discover the unusual ingredients that make Isan cuisine so unique. He visits a farm where they grow a variety of herbs and vegetables such as kaffir lime, lemongrass, and water mimosa. The latter is a type of water plant that is used in many Isan recipes, including a soup dish that Andrew tries.

Andrew also gets a chance to try some more unconventional dishes during his stay in Isan. He tries a dish called tam krabok, which is a type of ant egg salad served with raw vegetables. While the idea of eating ant eggs may seem unappetizing to some, Andrew finds the dish surprisingly tasty and notes that it has a nutty flavor.

Another dish that Andrew tries is called gaeng om, a spicy and sour soup made with buffalo meat and a variety of herbs and spices. The soup is traditionally served at funerals and other important occasions, and Andrew notes that it has a rich and complex flavor.

Throughout his journey in Isan, Andrew meets with a variety of locals who are passionate about their food and culture. From the street vendors selling spicy beef noodles to the farmers growing unusual herbs and vegetables, every person he meets has a unique story to tell and a deep connection to the food they prepare.

Overall, this episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is a fascinating look at the unique cuisine and culture of the Isan region of Thailand. Andrew's enthusiasm and curiosity make for an engaging and entertaining travel experience, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the flavors and ingredients that make Isan cuisine so special.