Creating the tastes of Thailand is an irresistible challenge for cooks who love the pungent combinations and subtle balance of ingredients. True to Thai traditions, Lemongrass and Sweet Basil features recipes based on Royal Thai Cuisine, but the author has moved from the highly decorative and intricately carved presentation to a more easy-to-follow, modern approach. The key to successful Thai cooking is using the best and freshest produce that you can find, so the book starts by detailing the main ingredients that are essential to the Thai cook. This is followed by clear instructions on the cooking methods and techniques that are used to achieve the unique Thai flavors. Based on the traditional recipes of each Thai region, every cook has his or her own version of a dish including the addition of a secret ingredient or two. Kham shares with us over 50 of his recipes from Isan and Central, Southern, and Northern Thailand. Also included is a chapter of Thai "tapas," Khap Klaem with mouthwatering dishes such as Fresh Oysters with Spicy Thai Sauce and Drunken Noodles. The stunning photographs accompanying the recipes give a strong sense of the Thai way of life. The beautiful location photography shows the seamless integration of food and the Thai Buddhist religion and the vibrant and informative food photographs reflect the Thai’s liking for strong color and the importance of garnishes. Thai people have a passion for the best ingredients, a passion for eating, a passion for the experience of sharing good food. Be inspired by this and create a delicious meal for your family and friends.

About The Author

Khamtane Signavong

Khamtame Signavong grew up in Isan in northeastern Thailand, learning to cook from his grandfather and family who ran a store and bar serving snacks and meals. He moved to Sydney, Australia when he was 15, where he continued to cook. Kham now owns and runs the award-winning Arun Thai Restaurant and Crying Tiger Bar in Sydney. New Zealand-born photographer Ken Martin has worked all over the world, living in London, Amsterdam, Auckland, and Sydney. Equally at home in the advertising and editorial fields, his passion is for location work and photographing places, hotels and houses, restaurants, food, and wine… as well as black and white portraits of jazz musicians. Married to writer Alison Plummer, the couple often travel together to exciting locations to gather material for magazines, newspapers, books, and films. Alison Plummer is a Devon-born journalist, editor, and columnist. She specializes in travel, food, wine, and lifestyle writing and does some photography of her own for a wide range of publications.