Wednesday, 14 January 2009

Thai Food, Stir-Fried Clams with Roasted Chili Paste [Hoy Lai Pad Num Prik Prao]


A popular Thai dish of stir-fried clams fried with roasted chili paste garlic, and sweet basil leaves. Serve hot as part of a main meal.

Stir-Fried Clams with Roasted Chili Paste Ingredients

1. 450 grams fresh clams, cleaned well

2. 1 teaspoon sugar

3. 3 tablespoon vegetable oil

4. 1/2 cup sweet basil leaves

5. 2 tablespoons roasted chilli paste

6. 4 fresh chillies, cut into long strips

7. 2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped

8. 1 tablespoon fish sauce

Stir-Fried Clams with Roasted Chili Paste Preparations

1. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic in the hot oil and fry until it becomes golden.

2. Add clams and stir until they are cooked (clams will open when they are cooked). Season with fish sauce, sugar, and roasted chilli paste.

3. Before removing from heat, sprinkle with sweet basil leaves and red fresh chilli. Stir-fry for another 10 seconds. Transfered to a serving dish and served with steamed rice.

by: http://www.thaifooddb.com

Thailand, Bangkok Spa & Health News

Spa capital of Asia. Health hub. If you can think of it, Bangkok is likely to have been called it. With so much happening and constant new developments that are part and parcel of this dynamic city's extraordinary psyche, we bring you all the latest news. This section will be updated continuously, so make sure to check back from time to time.

Bangkok Life Center

For many months the new Q House development on the corner of Rama IV and Sathorn Roads had city dwellers wondering what's up - especially the interesting cylindrical tower wing. When Life Center, the city's and Thailand's first lifestyle (or rather 'healthstyle') mall finally opened, it fully lived up to the hype. For under its roof are housed a concoction of the best lifestyle brands dedicated entirely to fitness, health, beauty, cosmetics, healthcare and wellness.

The modern and very unique shopping mall features over 40 prime outlets, and is expected to become the leading center for the best and most sophisticated health and beauty innovations Thailand has to offer. It is positioned as a boutique shopping mall with a difference. This is the only shopping center where you can find an all-inclusive range of first-class health and beauty products and services. You can delight in a whole new shopping experience featuring specialised healthcare clinics, beauty centers, a fitness center, a spa, and various restaurants - all in one location. Truly a paradise for health, beauty and wellness fanatics.

by: http://www.bangkok.com

Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Thai Food, Sweet and Sour Sauce fried with Pork [Moo Pad Preaw Wan]


A Thai dish of stir-fried pork sweetened with pineapple and cucumber.

Sweet and Sour Sauce fried with Pork Ingredients

1. 400 grams of pork, cut into bite sized pieces

2. 3 tablespoons evaporated milk

3. 1 cup all purpose flour

4. 1/2 cup plum sauce

5. 1/3 cup sugar

6. 1 onion, sliced

7. 2 tomatoes, sliced

8. 5 pieces pineapple, cut into small cubes

9. 1 tablespoon soy sauce

10. 1/2 teaspoon concentrated tamarind paste

11. 1 cup vegetable oil for deep frying

Sweet and Sour Sauce fried with PorkPreparations

1. Cut pork into bite sized pieces, add evaporated milk and allow marinating for 2 hours. After marinated time, put all purpose flour in a plate, add marinated pork and toss until flour coats on pork surface.

2. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat, when oil is hot, add pork and deep-fry until cooked. Drain on paper towel.

3. Add plum sauce and sugar in another wok on medium-low heat, stir until sugar dissolved, add soy sauce and tamarind paste, mix well.

4. Add fried pork, onion, sliced tomatoes, pineapples in sweet & sour sauce, continue stirring in the sauce until they stick together. Transfer to a serving dish.

by: http://www.thaifooddb.com

Thailand, Bangkok Spa Experiences

Thailand is a haven for relaxation, rejuvenation and regeneration. Ancient healing knowledge passed down over generations, exotic and tropical surroundings, lots of sunshine and legendary hospitality provide the ideal setting for the continuous pursuit of inner and outer beauty.

Nowadays, many high-end hotels and luxury serviced apartment residences in Bangkok take pride in their own lavish in-house spas, often celebrated brands like Mandara or Aspara. Private spas are just as abundant and luxurious. Set in plush and tastefully designed environments, spas offer anything from a choice of different style massages, to body scrubs and wraps, facial and cosmetic treatments, herbal baths and aromatherapy.

Thailand's spas not only give magnificent pampering sessions, they offer a perfect way of recreating the balance of body, mind and spirit that is often lost in our frantic, modern-day lifestyles. Blending Western and ancient Asian techniques, a session at a spa will help you release stress, regain inner balance and rejuvenate your spirit.

Make sure you complete your perfect holiday, or business trip, with an exotic and indulgent experience at one of Bangkok's heavenly spas, a blissful and pleasurable experience that promises to give you a new lease on life. Retreat from the city's hustle and bustle and seek the tranquillity in any of the following hotel or private spa retreats:

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok (Chi Spa)
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (Mandara Spa)
President Solitaire (Ananda Spa)
Plaza Athenee Bangkok (Spa Athene)
Banyan Tree Hotel (Banayn Tree Spa)
Dusit Thani Hotel (Devarana Spa)
Swissotel Nai Lert Park (Amrita Fitness & Spa)
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit (The Vareena Spa)
Pathumwan Princess Hotel (Tantara Health Spa)

(Read also our Bangkok Spa Reviews )

by: http://www.bangkok.com

Sunday, 11 January 2009

Thai Food, Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts [Kai Pad Med Ma-Manug]

A popular Thai dish of stir-fried chicken mixed with cashew nuts garlic and dried chilli. Serve hot as part of a main meal.




Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts
Ingredients

1. 300 g. sliced chicken thigh

2. 1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

3. 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

4. 1/3 cup roasted cashew nuts

5. 2 spring onions, chopped

6. 3 cloves garlic, minced

7. 1/4 onion, cut into small cubes

8. 4 dried chillies, chopped

9. 1 teaspoon seasoning soy sauce

10. 1 tablespoon sugar

11. 1 tablespoon cooking wine

12. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts Preparations

1. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. When oil is hot, add minced garlic, chop onion, and dried chillies, and fry until fragrant.

2. Then, add chicken, and season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.

3. Stir-fry until all ingredients mix thoroughly and chicken is cooked, then add cooking wine, roasted cashew nuts, and spring onion. Stir quickly for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Transfer stir-fried chicken and cashew nuts to a serving dish, and serve immediately.

by: http://www.thaifooddb.com


Most Popular Spas in Bangkok Thailand


Hapa Spa Bangkok – a Boutique Spa and Beauty Salon in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand.

Hapa Rejuvenating Package 7 Treatments value 7,200B, only 2,990B/4.30hrs 1.Infrared Thermal Sauna 40m 2.Organic Body Scrub 30m 3.Body Wrap & Head massage 40m 4.Hydrotherapy 40m 5.Aroma Body Massage 60m 6.Foot Aroma Massage 30m 7.Shiatsu Facial Massage 30m (m=min) 5 Treatments value 5,700B, only 2,590B/~3.20hrs 3 Treatments value 4,000B, only 1690B/~2.10hrs or 2 Treatments or Aroma Body Massage 2hrs, only 1,200B Complimentary Fruit Yogurt & Hot Tea
Double Bonus Hair Blow Dry 160B, Hair Cut 280B, Hair Spa 380B, or Manicure & Pedicure 380B, Wax 390Bup, Colour, Perm, or Rebounding 890Bup (Loreal/Shisedo)
Cash Payment (For Visa or Amex plus 7% Vat)
Reservation is required 0-2253-9860, 0-2651-0966 www.hapaspa.com - E-mail: info@hapaspa.com

Saturday, 10 January 2009

Thai Food, Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy basil leaves [Pad Krapao Gai]


This Chicken Basil Recipe is one of the classics Thai menu. It made using holy basil which has a slightly hot taste to it but you can use any sort of basil you like.



Stir-Fried Chicken with holy basil leaves
Ingredients

1. 450 grams chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

2. 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3. 1/2 cup onion, sliced

4. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

5. 2 teaspoons black soy sauce

6. 2 tablespoons fish sauce

7. 1 cup fresh holy basil

8. 7 chillies, chopped and pounded coarsely

9. Dash of ground white pepper

Stir-Fried Chicken with holy basil leaves Preparations

1. Heat a wok until the oil is hot, then stir in the garlic, and then add onions. Stir another few seconds before adding the chicken. Continue Stir-frying until chicken is cooked throughly.

2. Add chillies and sprinkle black soy sauce over the mixture and stir-fry another 15-20 seconds.

3.Then add fresh basil leaves and fish sauce to taste. Stir and mix well. Sprinkle with white pepper. Stir and transfer to a serving dish. Normally, Thai people love to eat this dish with steamed rice and fried egg.

by: http://www.thaifooddb.com




Most Popular Spas in Bangkok Thailand

In a city like Bangkok where countless spas are virtually everywhere, choosing where to go can be a daunting task. To help you get through the hassle of choosing where to go, we've narrowed the choices down for you. Here are some of Bangkok's most popular spas, promising to re-energise your body as well as relieve your mind of stress with a wide range of treatments, massages, and other services. Go on, treat yourself!

The Orientist Spa offers a unique and exclusive environment to relax and rid yourself from stress. Come and enjoy the warm atmosphere and be pampered by our friendly and experienced therapists. Experience a touch of paradise with our treatments, which use Thai herbal products to give you the full benefit of natural goodness. Aree Branch (near BTS Aree Station) :
+66 (0)2 278 2240-1
Ladprao Branch (near MRT Ladprao Station) :
+66 (0)2 513 7605
Central World Branch : 02-613-1577-8
E-mail : info@theorientistspa.com, www.theorientistspa.com

by: http://www.bangkok.com

Most Popular Spas in Bangkok Thailand

In a city like Bangkok where countless spas are virtually everywhere, choosing where to go can be a daunting task. To help you get through the hassle of choosing where to go, we've narrowed the choices down for you. Here are some of Bangkok's most popular spas, promising to re-energise your body as well as relieve your mind of stress with a wide range of treatments, massages, and other services. Go on, treat yourself!

The Orientist Spa offers a unique and exclusive environment to relax and rid yourself from stress. Come and enjoy the warm atmosphere and be pampered by our friendly and experienced therapists. Experience a touch of paradise with our treatments, which use Thai herbal products to give you the full benefit of natural goodness. Aree Branch (near BTS Aree Station) :
+66 (0)2 278 2240-1
Ladprao Branch (near MRT Ladprao Station) :
+66 (0)2 513 7605
Central World Branch : 02-613-1577-8
E-mail : info@theorientistspa.com, www.theorientistspa.com

by: http://www.bangkok.com

Friday, 9 January 2009

Thai tourist attraction, Ritual Dance of Homage (Wai Khru Ram Muay)

Wai Khru Muay Thai is a tradition which goes back to ancient times, it is not an optional ritual or reserved for special occasions: the official Muay Thai regulations specify that both fighters must perform the Wai Khru Ram Muay before each and every bout. It's a tradition in which fighters pay respect to their teachers, parents and things they hold sacred and pray for their safety and victory. The ritual has been developed in different ways, in different regions, even under different teachers and therefore it is theoretically impossible for two fighters to perform identical Wai Khru.

The Wai Khru is graceful and aesthetic ritual, both practical and spiritual. In a practical sense, it functions as a final pre-fight warm-up and gives the fighter some time alone before the fight to collect his thoughts. It can be divided into three main sections:

The Royal Homage Sequence
This was originally intended to show devotion to the King, going back to the days when fighters were selected to display their skills in front of him. It has three subsections: Prostration, Outstretched Arms and Act of Homage.

The Kneeling Sequence
This section is performed in a kneeling posture, one knee on the ground and the other leg out in front. the fighter pivots around on the spot to repeat the same sequence facing all four sides of the ring, a tradition which comes from Krabi Krabong.

The Standing Sequence
In this section, the fighters go out from the center of the ring in one direction, to perform the Dramatic Interlude. Some fighters imitate the motions of "Rama Shooting an Arrow" from the Ramakien, a hunter, a soldier, or an executioner. Some fighters use this ritual to attempt to scare their opponents, commonly by stomping around them. But in a deeper sense, the fighter is expressing religious devotion, humility, and gratitude. Transcending both physical and temporal limitations, he opens himself to the divine presence and allows it to infuse his heart.

Removal of the Head Circlet (Pitee Tod Mongkon)
After the Wai Khru is completed, the fighters return to their own corners for the Removal of the Head Circlet Ritual (Pitee Tod Mongkon). The fighter stands in his own corner, lowers his head and raises hands to his chest for panom mue wai pose, while khru muay standing outside of the ropes facing the fighter, raises his own hands to return the wai. A fighter maintains the posture while the teacher utters an incantation and blows three times on top of fighters' head before removing the Mongkon. On the completion of this ritual and after a review of the rules by the judge and a glove shake, the contest may begin.

by: http://en.wikipedia.org

Thai tourist attraction, Approaching the Ring Rites (Kuen Suu Weitee)

In ancient times, Siamese people believed in the power of incantations and protective amulets, the common belief was that everything was ruled and inhabited by unseen spirits, and that places were either blessed or cursed. Because of these beliefs, it was necessary to perform special rites before a fighter entered the ring, asking the spirits' permission to do so.

Even today, before entering the ring many fighters perform rituals. It is very much a matter of individual preference these days, with no prescribed rules. Some may kneel before the ring, others might pray with their khru muay or perform a series of repetitive movements, such as touching the ring ropes 3 times and avoiding the bottom stair before taking the first step up to the ring.

Fighters always leap over the ropes into the ring, because the head is considered to be more important than the feet and therefore it has to stay always above the feet while entering the ring, then they will go to the center and pay respect (panom muae wai) in all four directions to the spectators.

by: http://en.wikipedia.org


Thursday, 8 January 2009

Thai Boxing, Tradition of Wai Khru

One of the most Thai tourist attraction, One of the most important traditions of Muay Thai is Wai Khru (Paying Respect to Teachers). In order to become a fully-fledged Muay Thai fighter, a person has to pass through a series of ceremonies. First comes the Initiation as a Trainee Fighter Ceremony (Kuen Khru), in which the khru muay accepts young fighters as his students and pledges to teach them to the best of his ability. After fighters have been accepted, they must demonstrate a good conduct, diligence and endurance, in addition to training as hard as they can, following implicitly all the teacher's rules.

During their apprenticeship, young fighters will experience the second type of Wai Khru ritual, the Annual Homage-Paying Ceremony (Wai Khru Prajam Pee). This annual ceremony is usually held on Muay Thai Day (March 17) for young fighters to pay respect to their teachers and souls of teachers long passed away. The ceremony then progresses to the students honoring all the teachers present, who will mark sacred symbols on the fighters' forehead in order to bestow prosperity and success upon them - a custom known as jerm. The ceremony culminates with the third form of Wai Khru, the Ritual Dance of Homage (Wai Khru Ram Muay) performed by the fighters as a mark of respect.

It is only when fighters have passed all these three milestones (initiation, training and participation in contests) that they are entitled to call themselves as real Muay Thai fighters. When fighters have satisfied their teachers on all these counts, then they can participate in the fourth Wai Khru ritual, the Initiation as a Teacher Ceremony (Khrob Khru), which bestows on them the rank of khru muay and again involves a performance of the Ritual Dance of Homage.

by: http://en.wikipedia.org

Wednesday, 7 January 2009

Bangkok Luxury Hotels


Mayfair Bangkok Marriott Executive Apartments
162 Rooms

Seamlessly combines home-style living with the luxury of hotel services.

Its location in the heart of Bangkok's central residential district and the vicinity to major businesses makes it an ideal choice for long term as well as short term stays.

Leading department stores are just minutes away and there is a great variety of Western and Asian restaurants in the immediate area, serving a wide range of specialties.

by: http://www.bangkok.com

Bangkok Luxury Hotels


InterContinental Bangkok, Thailand
381 Rooms

Ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers, InterContinental Bangkok occupies a prime location at the Ratchaprasong intersection, an important commercial and shopping district. Complementing convenience with style, this luxury five-star Bangkok hotel provides a welcoming sense of space with décor of understated elegance. Guests enjoy impeccable service and warm, attentive hospitality that is traditionally Thai. Beyond that, the hotel is renowned for its world-class restaurants and facilities that meet the requirements of the most discerning guest.

Rooms and suites speak of the best taste, and have all been extensively refurbished (in 2007) to comply with modern lifestyle aspirations and hi-tech advancements. Indeed, this is a hotel that exemplifies a hospitality experience that is without rival, and lives up to the proud reputation of the luxury InterContinental brand. With a Skytrain station on its doorstep, and surrounded by some of Bangkok’s most famous malls, InterContinental Bangkok is the perfect city hotel - one that has taken luxury accommodation to new heights. Speaking of heights… All guestrooms offer sweeping city views. Welcome to your luxury home in Bangkok!

by: http://www.bangkok.com

Tuesday, 6 January 2009

Bangkok Luxury Hotels



Four Season Hotel Bangkok
382 Rooms, Price from Baht 10,050

Traditional Thai architecture, hand-painted silk ceilings, intricate artwork, an impressively scaled lobby and glorious gardens - Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok offers exquisite accommodations and gracious hospitality strategically located in the corporate and shopping heart of Bangkok's bustling core.

Featuring a variety of guestrooms and suites each individually tailored to please a range of aesthetic taste’s guestrooms are spacious and adorned with traditional Thai inspired furnishings and luxury bed linens. The suites on offer here are considered to be some of the most opulent in Bangkok-commanding sensational views of the nearby golf course and are inclusive of separate living areas.

The world renowned MSPA won’t disappoint in providing some sensory delights to please even the most discerning of spa enthusiasts. The numerous eateries housed within the property offer an array of culinary delights from around the globe, longing to be enjoyed over a glass of chilled Chablis.

Sunday, 4 January 2009

Bangkok Luxury Hotels



Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Thailand
380 Rooms, Price from Baht 5,850

The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is a premier deluxe business hotel with resort-style facilities and is strategically located on Rajdamri Road, right in the heart of Bangkok. The hotel is close to one of Bangkok's most important landmarks, the Erawan Shrine in the business and commercial district of Bangkok and just 40 minutes from Bangkok's Airport.

When the former deluxe Erawan Hotel was built in the mid 1950's, construction met so many problems that superstitious workers refused to continue. Astrologers proposed a shrine to honour the four-faced god Brahma, known to Thais as Than Tao Mahaprom, as the most auspicious solution. The Fine Arts Department cast a magnificent image of Brahma and installed it on November 9, 1956 in ehat is known as the Erawan Shrine. Constuction carried on with no further problems and the Erawan Hotel opened to much acclaim. In 1991, the ageing Erawan Hotel was rebuilt as the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

by: http://www.bangkok.com/


Saturday, 3 January 2009

Bangkok Luxury Hotels

Get ready for the good news. Five-star hotels in Bangkok count amongst the most affordable in the world. This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in unsurpassed luxury and enjoy a truly memorable experience. Legendary for outstanding service, unrivalled facilities and sumptuous environments, these are the kind of hotels that reel in global awards on a regular basis. From the moment you arrive you are made to feel like the most important guest, and your every need or whim will be attended to - swiftly. Located in the city's most desirable areas, they offer a superior, world-class experience. Enjoy the very best of Bangkok. You deserve it.

Chidlom - Ploenchit

Conrad Hotel Bangkok
392 Rooms, Price from Baht 7,440

A stylish deluxe hotel in a prestigious and convenient location - All Seasons Place, in the heart of the central business district. Close to Ploechit and Sukhumvit road, major embassies and the Skytrain. Two entry points provide quick access to the Silom, Sathorn and Sukhumvit areas. Luxurious and spacious rooms (40.5 sq metres) give wonderful panoramic views over Lumpini Park. Beautifully furnished in contemporary Thai style with lavish use of natural silk and wood. Dining is among the very best in Bangkok. An ideal hotel for both business and total indulgence.

by: http://www.bangkok.com

Thursday, 1 January 2009

Thai Food, How to Make Red Curry with Roasted Duck [Kang Phed Ped Yang]

Kang Phed Ped Yang is a Thai unique dish of roast duck in a spicy red curry. It combines kaffir lime leaves and many ingredients. Serve hot as part of a main meal.

Red Curry with Roasted Duck Ingredients

1. 1 roasted duck, deboned and cut into well sized pieces

2. 5 pieces of pineapple, cut into bite sized pieces

3. 4 fresh kaffir lime leaves, chopped

4. 1 teaspoon sugar

5. 2 1/2 cups coconut milk

6. 8 cherry tomatoes

7. 1 cup eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces

8. 1/2 teaspoon salt

9. 2 tablespoons fish sauce

10. 1/2 cup water (or chicken stock)

11. 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable cooking oil

12. 3 tablespoons red curry paste

Red Curry with Roasted Duck Preparations

1. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat and add the red curry paste, stir well. Then add 3/4 cups coconut milk and stir until mixed thoroughly.

2. Add the roasted duck and stir often. Then pour the mixture into a pot, add the remaining coconut milk, water, tomatoes, pineapples, eggplants, kaffir lime leaves, sugar, salt, and fish sauce.

3. Continue stirring until boiling and remove from heat. Transfer to a serving bowl.

by: http://www.thaifooddb.com