Hot Seafood Basket

The ever-popular cuisine of China reflects the unique character of its homeland – diverse and fascinating, with hidden depths that are a delight to explore.

Like the people of China, this cuisine has spread and taken root around the world over the years. Indeed, one of its most celebrated dishes – Egg Foo Yong – is said to have been refined, perfected and popularised from an original Guangdong recipe, by a Chinese chef in San Francisco.  

Much of Chinese cuisine enjoyed around the world originates from Canton province in the south of the country, and its neighbour Hong Kong. The probable reason for this is that most Chinese who emigrated to the USA, Europe and elsewhere came from this region.

And with food - and the enjoyment of eating - so fundamentally important to the Chinese, it’s not surprising that they took this crucial aspect of their culture along with them.

But although Cantonese cuisine may have become the default Chinese dining experience in many countries, dishes from the vast mainland – with its widely diverse landscape, peoples and cultures – have also begun to gain popularity among discerning diners.

The influence of Chinese cooking underpins other cuisines throughout Asia, particularly here in Thailand where many people can claim Chinese ancestry. There are echoes of Chinese inspiration in the ingredients and preparation of a number of Thai dishes.

And there are also quality chefs all over Thailand dedicated to delighting diners with their own interpretations of classic Chinese cuisine. Examples of this are showcased here in an exciting tour of some of the most outstanding examples waiting to be savoured.  

To enhance this culinary journey, each dish is accompanied by a pairing recommendation from each restaurant’s wine list by my colleague Bart Duykers of Andaman Wine Club: andamanwineclub.com; [email protected]

ZAZEN BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA, KOH SAMUI

Discerning diners at Zazen Restaurant are guaranteed a warm Chinese welcome from the resort’s Chinese Food & Beverage Manager Lena, who takes great delight in promoting her homeland’s cuisine, especially the Signature Hot Seafood Basket. This is a marvellous collection of Southern-style pan-fried fresh seafood, served delectably with curried seafood custard and Chinese fried rice for a memorable taste experience. Executive Chef Trakulsak Yaoyuan (Chef Kul) concocts a premier seafood selection for the basket that comprises tiger prawns, mussels, rock lobster, barracuda, squid, and a choice between Canadian lobster and brown crab.

Wine Companion: This is a nice invitation to open a bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé from Chateau d’Esclans in Provence. This is now the biggest exported premium Rosé from this region and continues its increasing popularity around the world. Nice acidity and bone dry, with yummy fruitiness.

For more contact: samuizazen.com