06/30/2022
Sai krok Isan (Isan sour sausage)
Isan, a northeastern region in Thailand, where sticky rice finds its way into nearly every meal—in this case, pre-cooked grains are ground and mixed into raw pork, along with garlic and fish sauce. Don’t try this at home alert: The raw sausages are then left to ferment, unrefrigerated, for several days to achieve their signature sourness. What it tastes like: Spicy and slightly funky due to the fermentation. A good sai krok is pleasantly sour, with a snappy casing that belies a juicy, garlicky filling. Dish to know: Sai Krok Isan can be formed into long links or bite-sized balls, and grilled portions are a common street snack, served with fresh vegetables, roasted peanuts, and raw chilis. Where to get it: Zabb Elee (fresh) and Thailand Center Point (fresh and frozen) in NYC