Bangkok, 4 April, 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently organised a “Discover Amazing Thai Taste with Celebrity Chef” culinary journey, hosting Michelin Star Chef Roger van Damme to explore Thai gastronomy experiences in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Bangkok.
Chef Roger van Damme is also the World’s Best Pastry Chef 2017. His journey in Thailand, from 25 February to 7 March, this year, was also filmed for Belgium’s regional television broadcaster ATV’s ‘Culinair Avontuur in Thailand’ show.
During the trip, Chef Roger van Damme tried his hand at cooking several Thai dishes and desserts; such as, Khao Soi (curried noodles), Krathong Thong (crispy golden pastry cups filled with minced pork and sweet corn), Khao Niao Mamuang (sweetened sticky rice with ripe mango), and Khanom Krok (Thai coconut pudding). He also learned how local Northern Thai snacks, including Khap Mu (crispy pork rind) and Khao Tan (crispy rice cracker) are made.
Northern Thailand is famous for unique agricultural methods and its cold climate crops, and Chef Roger had the chance to learn about rice farming in Chiang Mai, tea planting in Chiang Rai, and fruits and vegetables farming at high elevations.
The itinerary included the opportunity to savour a variety of Thai dishes and desserts, from street food to fine-dining, as well as to immerse in the local way of life and Thai food culture. Famous attractions, including Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), the Baan Dam (Black House) Museum and Doy Din Dang Pottery, were also prominently featured.
Chef Roger van Damme’s ‘Culinair Avontuur in Thailand’ show will be aired on ATV in June-July and on high-end Belgium’s digital television with focus on gastronomy in 2018+2019. During this period, travel articles and images from the trip are scheduled to be published on several food websites, including njam.tv, gualtmillau.be and belgiumtastebuds.com
Mrs. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of the TAT Paris Office said “Discover Amazing Thai Tastes with a Celebrity Chef” activity is part of the ongoing effort to promote Thailand as a ‘Gastronomy Destination’ in the Belgian market, following the November-2017 launch of the bilingual ‘Tasty Thailand’ guidebook supplement alongside the new Gault & Millau restaurant guide Belux edition 2018.”
In 2017, Thailand recorded 112,214 visitors from Belgium (up 1.08 per cent), generating some 7.63 billion Baht (up 2.69 per cent) to the Thai economy.
