Keeping Kosher in Thailand - Challenges, Tips and Planning for Jewish Travelers

The Challenges of Keeping Kosher in Thailand

For observant Jews traveling in Thailand, keeping a kosher diet can be quite challenging. Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country and kosher food is not readily available. However, with some research and planning, it is possible to find kosher friendly options during your visit.

Understanding Kosher Dietary Laws

First, it's important to understand the basic laws of keeping kosher. Kosher refers to food that complies with Jewish dietary regulations. The laws of kosher dictate that certain animals like pigs and shellfish are forbidden. There are also rules about not mixing meat and dairy and only eating meat from animals that have been slaughtered in a specific ritual manner.

When keeping kosher, observant Jews only eat meat and dairy from kosher certified sources. This ensures the food has been prepared according to kosher laws under rabbinical supervision.

Finding Kosher Food in Thailand

Thailand is not a country with a sizable Jewish population, so kosher certified restaurants are extremely rare. The Chabad of Thailand reports that there are no kosher restaurants or supermarkets in the country.

However, it is possible to stick to a kosher style diet during your visit. This involves avoiding prohibited foods like pork and shellfish. You can find meat and vegetable dishes at most restaurants. Be sure to specify no pork products.

Grocery Shopping for Kosher Items

Stocking up on kosher approved pantry items is important when traveling in Thailand. Look for imported packaged goods that have kosher certification symbols on them. Many grocery stores in tourist areas and big cities will carry some imported items.

Look for kosher staples like canned tuna, olive oil, pasta, tea, coffee, crackers, nut butters, and packaged snacks. You can also find kosher approved rice and produce. Be sure to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables.

Street Food Caution

Thailand is famous for its delicious and inexpensive street food. However, most street food carts use pork fat or shellfish sauces to prepare food. It's best to avoid street food unless you can visually identify all the ingredients.

Fruits that you peel, like mangoes and bananas, are safer street food bets for keeping kosher.

Identifying Kosher Fish

Fish is an important part of Southeast Asian cuisine. When it comes to keeping kosher, only fish with fins and scales are permitted. This includes fish like tuna, salmon, bass, and cod.

Shellfish like shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels and oysters are not kosher. Be sure to clarify that fish dishes do not contain any shellfish.

Finding Kosher Meals in Thailand

The easiest way to find kosher friendly meals in Thailand is to look for vegetarian restaurants, which will not serve pork or shellfish. Indian, Middle Eastern, and falafel restaurants are good options. Chinese restaurants can also prepare meat and vegetable dishes without pork.

In cities like Bangkok, there are some hotels with kosher meal options. Check ahead to see if your hotel can accommodate kosher meals or has a kosher kitchen.

Research and Forward Planning

The key to keeping kosher in Thailand is doing research before you go. Reach out to the Chabad of Thailand to get up to date information on any new kosher certified products or restaurants. You can also post on Jewish travel forums to connect with others who have recently visited.

Pack non-perishable kosher snacks in your luggage. Scope out grocery stores in the places you will visit and find some go-to vegetarian or vegan restaurants. With some preparation, you can find plenty of delicious kosher friendly food during your Thai holiday!

Tips for Traveling With a Kosher Diet

Here are some additional tips for keeping kosher while traveling in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia:

Cooking Your Own Meals

Consider booking accommodations with a kitchenette so you can prepare simple kosher meals yourself. This gives you full control over ingredients.

Learn Food Vocabulary

Learn words for pork, shrimp, meat, vegetable etc. in Thai, Khmer, Lao etc. This helps you identify ingredients and clarify food prep at restaurants.

Grocery Delivery

In major cities, you can order kosher approved groceries online from supermarket delivery services.

Carry a Traveler's Card

Have a small card translated into Thai, Khmer, Lao explaining your kosher dietary needs to show restaurant staff.

Pack Food for Day Trips

When going on tours and excursions outside cities, pack nuts, fruit, and sandwiches so you always have kosher options.

Seek Local Jewish Communities

Get in touch with Jewish communities in the cities you'll visit who may know of local kosher resources.

With research and preparation, keeping kosher in Thailand and Southeast Asia is very doable. Bon voyage!

FAQs

Where can I find kosher food in Bangkok?

There are no certified kosher restaurants in Bangkok, but you can find kosher-style food. Indian, Middle Eastern, falafel, and vegetarian restaurants are good options. Some hotels like the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park have kosher meal options. Grocery stores like Villa Market and Gourmet Market have some imported kosher products.

What street foods should I avoid in Thailand?

Most Thai street food is cooked in non-kosher pork fat or fish sauce. Avoid anything fried at a street cart, as well as noodle dishes with unknown ingredients. Fruit that you peel, like mango or bananas, are safer kosher street food options.

Is Thai fish sauce kosher?

No, traditional Thai fish sauce is made from anchovies, which are not considered kosher fish. When eating at local restaurants, request no fish sauce in your dishes. Look for veggie-friendly Thai restaurants that use mushroom or soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Can I find kosher wine in Thailand?

It is highly unlikely you will find certified kosher wine in Thailand. Your best bet is to bring a few bottles of kosher wine in your luggage from home. Some high-end grocery stores may carry a small selection of imported kosher wines.

What is the best way to explain my kosher diet in Thailand?

Have a small laminated card translated into Thai that explains you follow a kosher diet and avoid pork, shellfish, and non-kosher meat. Many local vendors will not be familiar with kosher rules, so the card can help clarify your needs.