Ep 1. Thailand

In Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, season 5 starts off with a bang with their episode titled Thailand. Andrew takes us on a culinary adventure through the vibrant country, exploring not just the food, but also the culture and the people.

Thailand is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, and this episode does not disappoint. Andrew begins his culinary journey in Bangkok, where he visits one of the oldest markets in the city. He samples various street foods such as grilled pork skewers, crispy fried tarantulas, and stewed pork entrails. Andrew is not one to shy away from unique foods, and he describes each dish's flavors, textures, and aromas, giving viewers a real sense of what each dish entails.

Next, Andrew travels to Chiang Mai, known for its street food, night markets, and unique dishes. Here, he tastes a traditional dish called Khao Soi, a coconut curry soup with egg noodles, chicken, and crispy noodles. He also samples insect dishes such as bamboo worms, water beetles, and caterpillars. Andrew notes the importance of insects in Thai cuisine, and how they are rich in protein and other nutrients.

The episode then takes us to the beautiful island of Phuket. Here, Andrew visits a local fishing village and is shown how to prepare a seafood delicacy called Hokkien Noodle. Hokkien noodles are stir-fried with fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, and mussels, and garnished with bean sprouts and spring onions. Andrew also attends a cooking class where he learns how to make another traditional dish, Papaya Salad. Papaya salad is a refreshing and spicy dish made with shredded green papaya, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers.

The episode ends with Andrew venturing to the jungles of Chiang Mai to try a local dish called Laap. Laap is a salad made with minced meat (usually chicken or pork), lemongrass, chili, mint, and roasted rice. The dish is not for the faint of heart, as it is often eaten raw or barely cooked. However, Andrew embraces the local flavors and can't get enough of the unique dish.

Throughout the episode, Andrew not only tries various dishes but also interacts with locals, learning about their cooking techniques, family traditions, and cultures. The show highlights the importance of food in Thai culture and how it is a way of bonding and bringing people together.

Overall, Bizarre Foods, Thailand, is a fun and informative episode that takes viewers on a journey through the country's unique and delicious dishes. Andrew is the perfect host, getting elbows deep in the local flavors and never shying away from a unique or challenging dish. The episode is a must-watch for foodies, travelers, and anyone interested in exploring different cultures through their cuisine.