Koktail Kurious: A Taste of Home with Thai Talents

Koktail Kurious explores Thai stars’ favourite comfort foods and the flavours, memories and family that express coming home.

There is no warmth quite like the warmth of home. Beyond any comfort the world can offer, this warmth is found in affection, in acts of service and, in Thai culture, perhaps most beautifully, in food. Love can be expressed through a meal cooked for someone, a dish prepared with their tastes in mind, or simply sitting together around the table and sharing a meal.

Perhaps that is what makes comfort food so comforting. It is not simply about what is on the plate, but the care, familiarity and memories that come with it. These are the flavours that remind us of home, no matter how far we may be from it.

Following Mother’s Day earlier this month, Koktail takes you back to that familiar warmth through the comfort foods that remind us of home. This comes in many forms, from mum’s signature dishes to childhood favourites. There is something special about food made by someone you love. Even the simplest meal can become a source of warmth, nostalgia and connection. These are the flavours that remind us where we come from and of the people who have always made home feel like home.

Phuwin Tangsakyuen

No Explanation Needed

“My favourite comfort meal when my family cooks is probably bolognese. Why? No real reason – it’s just comfort food for me, you know.”

Natsha “Miu” Taechamongkalapiwat

Mum and Brother Know Best

“Pasta. Because I love the way my mum and my brother cook it. The taste is just on point for me.”

Chanikarn “Prim” Tangkabodee

The Perfect Egg Fried Rice, Her Way

“I’d say egg fried rice because I love eggs and I like my food a bit salty.”

Thasorn “Emi” Klinnium

The Seafood Exception

“Seafood baked rice. I don’t normally like seafood, but when my mum makes it, I’m like, “Oh, this is actually really good.” It just has the kind of flavour I like.”

Tawan “Tay” Vihokratana

The Flavours He Grew Up With

“Southern yellow curry with an omelette and fish with fried jackfruit leaves. I really loved eating that when I was little. My grandmother used to make it for me and I can probably eat it every day.”

Ployshompoo “Jan” Supasap

The Taste You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

“Stir-fried morning glory. My mum makes it really well, so I love it. It’s a flavour you can’t really find anywhere else because of the way my mum cooks it.”

Prariyapit “Jingjing” Yu

A Family Feast

“When the whole family gets together and there are lots of people at home, my dad likes to make Peking duck.”

Paphavarin “Pangjie” Sawasdiwech

A Southern Staple

“Sour curry, because I’m from the South and I could eat it every day. It’s delicious.”

Thitiya “Baipor” Jirapornsilp

A Combo That Just Works

“Fried pork belly. You have to dip it in chilli paste sauce. It’s so good when mum makes it. Everyone loves it and it’s really delicious when we eat it all together.”

Waruntorn “Ink” Paonil

A Warm Welcome Home

“Steaming hot rice with maybe a clear soup or tom yum goong. I need something refreshing, something that makes me feel like, “Ah, I’m back home”. It gives me that feeling of warmth too.”