Thailand is famous for a lot of things, primarily among them being it's delectable delights. Night markets and food stalls are a common site in any city that you go, but competition makes operating even the most humble of food carts difficult.
In Krabi, 12 years ago, the go to market of choice was Chao Fah Night Market. A small open air arrangement of food stands and cheap metal tables that can easily be packed up and put away. However, over the years, the once thriving market has suffered at the hands of the more popular walking street markets that have sprouted up.
The market still operates most nights, but is a shell of its former glory. It doesn't mean that you can't still find a reason to go. One particular stall tends to attract quite the queue.. when it opens.. and they only focus on one distinguishable specialty.. The Thai Pancake..
When I was first wreaking havoc on the small Thai town that is Krabi City, my routine was simple, finish work, take a nap, get ready for the evening, then head to the night market for food before beginning the nightly pub crawl with the other expats making a living in the area.
I enjoy spicy food and have built up a tolerance, but I've gotten into the bad habit of going for sweet treats after my main meal. My favorite place to go was a corner stall that peddles thai pancakes.. The place is operated by a cute old couple and it's NOT a roti shop. The pancakes they specialize in is known locally as 'Tohkeow'(pronounced similar to tokyo).
Tohkeow is most like a sweet mini version of an iHop pancake, but instead of flipping the pancake, a filling is added and the pancake is rolled up like a tube. You can find the delicious Thai snack all over the country in a variety of forms. Popular fillings include Taro, Pandan, Sweet Cream, Chocolate, and even hot dog.
To be honest, I don't normally like Tohkeow, it's often made waay to sweet for my liking, but this particular stand in the Krabi night market has got the recipe just right..
Unfortunately, word must have spread over the years because they are extremely popular now.. when they are open.. which is few and far between. The elderly couple who set up and run the snack cart must be well beyond the age of retirement. Im sure they don't operate out of necessity, but rather habit or boredom. My sons love the sweet snack too and are often disappointed when we drive by the market.. "Is the Tohkeow shop open, daddy?" .. not tonight.. or.. the rare, Yes.. but.. oh.. look at that line.. ::sigh::
So imagine their delight, when a once in a blue moon occurrence happened last night. The Tohkeow shop was actually at the night market last night AND there wasn't a huge line sprawling around the corner. I grabbed 100 baht worth of the scrumptious delicacy and was berated for not getting more by my wife and kids who inhaled the treats before we even made it to the end of the street.
If you ever find yourself passing through Krabi town, you might want to wander past the Chao Fah Night Market. If you are extremely luckily you'll find an adorable old couple making thai pancakes.. wait in line and order a few.. it'll be worth it, I promise..
