When given the opportunity, many Isan people move away from home to study in the capital, work in Bangkok, or even start new families abroad. It’s only natural that homesickness can creep in, leaving one feeling lonely at times. However, a simple way for the Isan people to soothe their homesick hearts is by cooking with plara (fermented fish). For them, it works wonders, just as comforting as a good meal of grilled pork (mookata).
Today, plara has become a popular export from Thailand, especially among Thai communities abroad. Supermarkets that carry Thai products often stock multiple varieties of plara, ensuring that Thai expats can always feel a sense of home. According to reports and data from the Department of International Trade, the demand for plara and other fermented fish products has grown significantly, particularly in countries with large Thai communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and some European countries. These products have become high-value exports, generating billions of baht.
For those who have been away from home for long periods, technology certainly makes it easier to stay connected with family. But nothing compares to enjoying a meal that tastes like home. Plara has the unique ability to shorten the emotional distance that comes with being far from loved ones. When you’re not sure what to do, enjoy a spicy, flavorful dish of som tam with plara, and solve life’s problems afterward.
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