Unique Laotian / Thai Foods in Southeast Asia - Jaow Jii, Caterpillars, and Fried Crickets

When traveling through Southeast Asia, you encounter a variety of snacks and dishes. Today, we'll talk about Jaow Jii, caterpillars, and fried crickets. Originally, I intended to focus on Jaow Jii, but somehow ended up delving into caterpillars and fried crickets.

A World of Exotic Cuisine

Having spent over 20 years abroad, I've had the opportunity to savor many unique dishes. Among them, I vividly remember "Balut," a Filipino delicacy where an unhatched duck embryo is boiled and consumed. It's also known as "gopchang" in Korea. However, today, I want to start with Jaow Jii.

When working as a guide in foreign lands, introducing Thai and Laotian cuisine to guests requires some caution. This is because these regional foods can occasionally be challenging for visitors' digestion, and they often include ingredients and sauces unfamiliar to Koreans.

Now, let's talk about Jaow Jii.

Jaow Jii - A Southeast Asian Snack

In Laos, Jaow Jii translates to "snack," while in Thailand, it's referred to as "Kanom Pang." In the Philippines, it's known as "Finger Food." It's a popular local snack, and you'll often see locals waiting in line to get a taste of it.

Jaow Jii is made by molding glutinous rice and grilling it over charcoal. It's then slathered with local sauce and eaten. Grilling rice is an entirely unique experience. At first glance, it may resemble fried food or sausages, but the fact that such a dish exists left me astonished. You can purchase it for about 300 Korean won, making it a local favorite.

Jaow Jii is grilled over charcoal, imparting a crispy texture on the outside, while the glutinous rice inside is delightfully chewy. The local sauce adds flavor, which might not be suitable for those who dislike coriander. However, the chewy rice inside makes it a perfect substitute for a morning meal. My local friends often have it for breakfast as well.

Caterpillars and Fried Crickets - A Unique Culinary Adventure

Next, let's talk about caterpillars and fried crickets. I can't quite explain why I ate these unique foods, but they certainly provided a memorable experience. Caterpillars and crickets are tiny, about the size of a finger, and are usually grilled before consumption. Locals often pair them with alcoholic drinks.

Southeast Asia offers a plethora of diverse and unusual dishes. However, experiencing the taste is something you must do in person. I recommend trying these unique dishes during your Southeast Asian travels.

 

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