I took this photo of stewed pork at a market stall in Bangkok, Thailand.
This may not look like the most appetising meat. To some, it may even seem gruesome. But, don’t be squeamish, this stewed pork is being prepared for a Thai dish called Khao Kha Moo. One of my all time favourite Thai meals. Khao Kha Moo means stewed pork leg over rice. It’s a favourite meal throughout Thailand and is usually served by street vendors.
Location: Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Camera: Nikon D300s
Lens: Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 GII ED
Settings: 28mm | ISO100 | 1/10 sec | f/4
Post Processing: Adobe Lightroom And Photoshop | Nik Collection
It all starts with a pork leg stewed in a giant saucepan with Thai spices. When ready, the meat is so tender it falls off the bone. The pork is plated up with some plain white rice, a hard-boiled egg and sour pickled vegetables (usually mustard greens). Finishing touches are added to taste; favorites include, raw garlic, tiny chilies, and chilli sauce. The secret to cooking this dish right is in the stewing. Each cook has their own particular mix of spices and optimal cooking time.
Over the years I spent in Thailand I couldn’t get enough Khao Kha Moo. Whenever I found a cafe, street vendor, or food court that cooked it well, I would return over and over again. This may not be the fanciest Thai food, or the easiest on the eye, but it sure is tasty.
