Bread In Thailand

[NanaFoods]

I like the piquant maple-iness of fenugreek... so yes, I use it in my ambasha (along with cardamom, white pepper, and cracked coriander seed). In fact, fenugreek is used in the production of artificial maple flavoring.

Here is a pic of my ambasha, complete with a spicy north African topping (made with peanut oil, chili powder, ginger powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of clove powder). No wonder my extended Thai family liked it.

[JohnBKKK]

Looks good, I found that a lot of Thais don't like Fenugreek or Cumin for that matter but I guess there are a few that do. If you like North African food, we supply quite a lot of HARISSA to Hotels. I make it 100% original - makes a great marinade or even bread spread - quite spicy though for anyone who is not used to spicy food,

John

[Briggsy]

Foodland is the answer.

[JohnBKKK]

Foodland is the answer.

While the Swiss Foodlnd Bakers products are better than most, he still has to comply to the Thai mass market and their bread is light with little body to it

Edited November 30, 2008 by JohnBKKK

[NanaFoods]

Looks good, I found that a lot of Thais don't like Fenugreek or Cumin for that matter but I guess there are a few that do. If you like North African food, we supply quite a lot of HARISSA to Hotels. I make it 100% original - makes a great marinade or even bread spread - quite spicy though for anyone who is not used to spicy food,

John

I like all international foods that are hot and spicy.

I eat North African and MidEast food once in a while as well - given my tendencies, I naturally liked harissa the first time I tried it. If I ever come to your area, I'll stop by and see if I can have a taste.

I've observed Thais tend to use the leaf of the cumin plant more so than the seeds, as with the beef curry (at least around this area).

[pampal]

I get very good bread from, oh what's it called, l'etoile or saint etoile or something. I think they are the same company as Yamazaki (who do great - if not authentic - peroshkis), but do better actual bread. The stuff I get is called a French loaf or a rustic loaf, although that might be the name from Carrefour, where I also buy good bread. About 60 baht for a big loaf. Nice bit of crust, nice bit of chew - just have to wait a while if it's straight out of the oven before asking them to slice it.

Seconded. Yamazaki have branches in The Mall and do an excellent choice of breads. I like the wholewheat or the rye they do and don't begrudge the 25 K I have to drive in order to stock up the freezer . They will also slice it to any thickness you want.

I will also give a thumbs up to Yamazaki, good products. I buy from the MBK branch.

[Sarge]

I know it's a long, long shot but wondering if there's anywhere in BKK (or somewhere else), where one can get bread baked in wood fired oven. It makes a hel_l of difference over traditional gas or electrical steel ovens. Baking bread in stone domed chamber, fired by selected woods gives the bread a distinctive texture and flavour with the added benefit of staying fresh longer

[JohnBKKK]

I know it's a long, long shot but wondering if there's anywhere in BKK (or somewhere else), where one can get bread baked in wood fired oven. It makes a hel_l of difference over traditional gas or electrical steel ovens. Baking bread in stone domed chamber, fired by selected woods gives the bread a distinctive texture and flavour with the added benefit of staying fresh longer

Hi Sarge,

the stone oven baked bread stays fresh longer because its usually put into the oven at high temperature, the oven is shut and than left allone for 10-12 hours - the slow cooling and very long baking process causes a very thick crust to develop wich "seals" the bread and stops it from drying out quickly. The question is though, how many customers one could get for such a bread in a time when everybody is used to styrofoam bread, even the western folks here and would they be willing to pay the extra money for it?

Most people are used to buying bread by size and not by weight or taste and texture anymore,

John

p.s. many years ago, a baker here told me, having tried my bread, "yea its great, but who would pay me the price that I would have to charge for this kind of bread when I want to make a profit?" One must say, that bread was a lot more expensive (compared to actual income) per loaf some 40 years ago than it is today but in those days a loaf weight 2KG and today a loaf of the same size weighs barely 1/2KG

Edited November 30, 2008 by JohnBKKK

[Stravaig]

For those in Pattaya, there's an excellent German bakery (Peter - Baker) on the corner of Naklua Road and Naklua Soi 12. The local Germans flock to the place; it's very popular. They sell some really good bread and rolls, and some other groceries - ham, mustard etc., as well as doing snacks and meals.

[Sarge]

granted that oven fired baked bread is a speciality even in countries where bread is a staple product, but price is never an overriding factor. Flavour, texture and freshness are of paramount consideration. In Europe and Australia never bought polystyrene wrapped breads, always by weight at specialised bakery & deli shops and daily. I get your point here in Thailand, so that's why I was sceptical to find such breads.

Here an example of breads:

wood fire oven

....and European bakery & deli counter

[JohnBKKK]

Hi Sarge,

your Bakery picture is of an english Bakery - in the UK Bread is usually light and not thick crusted - see below a German bakery

Now imagine tucking into one of those loafs on the top shelve with some fresh farmers butter and aged cheese as well as some good blackforest ham ........ good German Beer ...

Edited November 30, 2008 by JohnBKKK

[Sarge]

Hi Sarge,

your Bakery picture is of an english Bakery - in the UK Bread is usually light and not thick crusted - see below a German bakery

Now imagine tucking into one of those loafs on the top shelve with some fresh farmers butter and aged cheese as well as some good blackforest ham ........ good German Beer ...

it's actually an Italian panetteria (bakery), we don't have €uro currency here in Blighty yet, need a new pair of specs mate? Anyway best bread in the world in Italy (with Germany being 2nd and France 3rd). Bread there is thick crust, flavoursome and rich in proteins.

Now imagine in feasting on Italian breads with matured Pecorino Romano peppered cheese and some delicate Culatello cured pork all accompanied with a glass of good Italian wine .... heaven!

[JohnBKKK]

Hi Sarge,

your Bakery picture is of an english Bakery - in the UK Bread is usually light and not thick crusted - see below a German bakery

Now imagine tucking into one of those loafs on the top shelve with some fresh farmers butter and aged cheese as well as some good blackforest ham ........ good German Beer ...

it's actually an Italian panetteria (bakery), we don't have €uro currency here in Blighty yet, need a new pair of specs mate? Anyway best bread in the world in Italy (with Germany being 2nd and France 3rd). Bread there is thick crust, flavoursome and rich in proteins.

Now imagine in feasting on Italian breads with matured Pecorino Romano peppered cheese and some delicate Culatello cured pork all accompanied with a glass of good Italian wine .... heaven!

Hi,

this looked a lot like a pound sign .. well anyway, either would be a delight

[bulbous]

Dieter's Rauch Kate in Udon Thani for anybody living in the North East

Dieter is a professional baker from Germany and makes all kinds of bread fresh every day.

He makes Stollen and all the christmas stuff too and I believe he has an outlet in or around Soi 33 Sukhumvit but you'd need to check with him personally.

Highly recommended

[Sarge]

Hi Sarge,

your Bakery picture is of an english Bakery - in the UK Bread is usually light and not thick crusted - see below a German bakery

Now imagine tucking into one of those loafs on the top shelve with some fresh farmers butter and aged cheese as well as some good blackforest ham ........ good German Beer ...

it's actually an Italian panetteria (bakery), we don't have €uro currency here in Blighty yet, need a new pair of specs mate? Anyway best bread in the world in Italy (with Germany being 2nd and France 3rd). Bread there is thick crust, flavoursome and rich in proteins.

Now imagine in feasting on Italian breads with matured Pecorino Romano peppered cheese and some delicate Culatello cured pork all accompanied with a glass of good Italian wine .... heaven!

Hi,

this looked a lot like a pound sign .. well anyway, either would be a delight

yeah it can be deceiving to people who're not familiar with £-GBP and €uro and the old ₤ or L- Lira currency signage. That photo was prolly taken soon after €uro became legal tender, if you look carefully there are some prices still listed with the old L lira sign, other having modified to look like €uro sign. However, the give away is the large selection of bread, pizze (focaccie) and sweet cakes, all displayed and packed in simple but stylish design. You just don't get that in Blighty, unless you really go to the top end of the market (Harrods, Fortnum & Mason etc...), this is just a typical family run panetteria you can find in most high streets in Italian cities. Also notice the electrical plug near the price labels; it's an old 2 pin plug (now Italy uses a 3 pin plug, symmetrical lined), British standard is a 3 pin plug (three rectangular prongs forming a triangle).

you right, both Italian and German fare are of high standard

[neverdie]

OP, you have failed to follow one of the golden rules of travelling in asia, remember the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". You should ditch your bread jame and egg breakfast and have a bowl of pig gut noodles.....its actually quiet enjoyable if you add plenty of chilli!

[dingdongrb]

buy a bread maker.

you wont regret it.

Buy one? I married one.....

[dingdongrb]

Hi Sarge,

your Bakery picture is of an english Bakery - in the UK Bread is usually light and not thick crusted - see below a German bakery

Now imagine tucking into one of those loafs on the top shelve with some fresh farmers butter and aged cheese as well as some good blackforest ham ........ good German Beer ...

I love seeing these open bakery shelves.... Just disgusting to think who has handled it, coughed or sneezed on it, let alone the fly larva..... Yummy

I would like mine wrapped please..... (or at a minimum tucked into a bag....)

:D :D

[neverdie]

Hi Sarge,

your Bakery picture is of an english Bakery - in the UK Bread is usually light and not thick crusted - see below a German bakery

Now imagine tucking into one of those loafs on the top shelve with some fresh farmers butter and aged cheese as well as some good blackforest ham ........ good German Beer ...

I love seeing these open bakery shelves.... Just disgusting to think who has handled it, coughed or sneezed on it, let alone the fly larva..... Yummy

I would like mine wrapped please..... (or at a minimum tucked into a bag....)

HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU WASH YOUR HANDS EACH DAY DDRB???

[JohnBKKK]

OP, you have failed to follow one of the golden rules of travelling in asia, remember the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". You should ditch your bread jame and egg breakfast and have a bowl of pig gut noodles.....its actually quiet enjoyable if you add plenty of chilli!

Naaaa I leave that to tourists to try .however after a few Thai meals they turn up in western restaurants simply because Thai food is not as good as it is promoted .. well that would be another thread in the Thai food forum ....

Just as the Thai's in London, New York or Frankfurt shop in Asia shops to make their own food, can I not see the reason for eating pig gut noodles but rather have a nice slice of Rye bread with fried eggs and bacon for breakfast or my american pancakes with bacon and cheese

Who is that complainign about flies on the bread in the open shelves ?????

My friend, first this is Germany and a Bakery, not an open market stall - secondly, have they all got blue light fly killers for the odd one that should turn up and bread is either handled with tongs or gloves ....... sure you have eaten thai food here .... have you ever been to a place where they make those fish balls or dumplings etc... which than spend a couppleof days on a un-colled shelf in a soup kitchen on the side of a major road, being flavored by exhaust fumes and visited by thousands of flies during their exposure ..... yummy

oh yes, I forgot, was in a supermarket the other day where the girl behind the meat counter wore plastic gloves and I was impressed untll she took customers money, handed back the change and proceeded to serve the next customer ..... of course wearing the sames gloves .. hmmmm

Edited December 1, 2008 by JohnBKKK

[dingdongrb]

Hi Sarge,

your Bakery picture is of an english Bakery - in the UK Bread is usually light and not thick crusted - see below a German bakery

Now imagine tucking into one of those loafs on the top shelve with some fresh farmers butter and aged cheese as well as some good blackforest ham ........ good German Beer ...

I love seeing these open bakery shelves.... Just disgusting to think who has handled it, coughed or sneezed on it, let alone the fly larva..... Yummy

I would like mine wrapped please..... (or at a minimum tucked into a bag....)

HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU WASH YOUR HANDS EACH DAY DDRB???

First of all I'm not deaf, is your CAPS LOCK not functioning?

I wash my hands many times a day, particularly just before eating and every time after I take a piss.... Is that fine with you Mom? And yes, I use a tissue to wipe/blow my nose as well as cover my mouth when I sneeze and cough.... So, what's your point? Don't get so riled just because I prefer to choose a little cleanliness and mucus free bakery goods whenever I have that option....

Geezzzzzzzz

[Sarge]

it's a matter of taste, nothing beats sweet breaky. Tucking in freshly baked, filled "pastarella" and creamy hot cappuccino at a caffe bar

[Sarge]

Dieter's Rauch Kate in Udon Thani for anybody living in the North East

Dieter is a professional baker from Germany and makes all kinds of bread fresh every day.

He makes Stollen and all the christmas stuff too and I believe he has an outlet in or around Soi 33 Sukhumvit but you'd need to check with him personally.

Highly recommended

interesting, I travel often to Udon Thani (just a couple hours or so drive from Mahasarakham); where exactly is it?

[chuenyongman]

Hi,

This is my first post. I read with interest about the bread debate. I too would like some nice bread. It was suggested that people could purchase a bread machine. I have one in Aussie but can I purchase the commercial bread mix in Thailand. I am hoping to live in Thailand permanently on retirement visa. (Surin). All your replies will be welcome and thank you in advance. Yrreg.

[gennisis]

Hi,

This is my first post. I read with interest about the bread debate. I too would like some nice bread. It was suggested that people could purchase a bread machine. I have one in Aussie but can I purchase the commercial bread mix in Thailand. I am hoping to live in Thailand permanently on retirement visa. (Surin). All your replies will be welcome and thank you in advance. Yrreg.

Why ever would you want to buy 'Bread Mix'???

Just buy the flour and ther yeast.

[TheJoker]

it's a matter of taste, nothing beats sweet breaky. Tucking in freshly baked, filled "pastarella" and creamy hot cappuccino at a caffe bar

YAMMIE

[Sarge]

Agree 100% about German Bread but things have changed and to find a really good one is not that easy anymore .. so I was told. Pumpernickel is Pumpernickel and I love it. Will make some next week. The sweet German Bread is called "Platz", Zopf or "Weck" or a number of different names depending on the area

I will make "Stollen" with Marzipan next week -

John

John, giz an update on the Stollen (yummy) and other breads

[JohnBKKK]

Well Sarge,

year by year we supplied a lot of 5 star Hotels with top quality stollen, mince pies, xmas puddings et..... this was great until the muppets here decided to shoot themselves in the foot and one particular person still thought Thailand was his own corporation - this season most of those Hotels are near empty for xmas - did make the stollen though which is available at the Bistro as of today,

John

p.s. for the Pumpernickel I had ordered some special stuff from Germany which got stuck in the airport closure and went off .... happy day's

[butterisbetter]

I get very good bread from, oh what's it called, l'etoile or saint etoile or something. I think they are the same company as Yamazaki (who do great - if not authentic - peroshkis), but do better actual bread. The stuff I get is called a French loaf or a rustic loaf, although that might be the name from Carrefour, where I also buy good bread. About 60 baht for a big loaf. Nice bit of crust, nice bit of chew - just have to wait a while if it's straight out of the oven before asking them to slice it.

Seconded. Yamazaki have branches in The Mall and do an excellent choice of breads. I like the wholewheat or the rye they do and don't begrudge the 25 K I have to drive in order to stock up the freezer . They will also slice it to any thickness you want.

And thirded!

I buy my bread at the Mall Bang Khae, and I put up with the horrible car exit from the place just to get my bread at St. Etoille (or whatever it is called) there. This bread is not only good for being in Thailand, but it would be good anywhere. I haven't tried the sandwich-type bread, but the French-style breads are really quite good.

speaking of german bread, my wife's bakery in Chiangmai, Butter is Better, has just started producing genuine german sourdough rye. she got her start and her starter (sauerteig) from a german friend who was making his own. he used his own homemade sauerkraut juice to help get the starter going. anyway, her rye bread uses for its flour 67% dark rye and 33% whole wheat. it is intense. our german friend passed samples out to a gathering of mostly middle aged and older germans who said it was just like their grandmothers used to make. i love the stuff but there are some who find it too intense. for them, she makes a whole wheat sourdough bread which just has a light sour tang but tastes mainly of whole wheat so it's good for jams as well as savory foods. The breads are available at Rim Ping Supermarkets.

If you want to make your own rye sauerteig bread but don't want to go to the trouble of making your own sauerkraut, i think that kim chi juice will do just fine being that kim chee essentially is sauerkraut with some chile pepper.

[jkaskren]

I live in a small town about an hour and a half from anything even resembling foreign food. There is but one way to get good bread... Make it myself. After looking for almost a year I finally found a Severin bread maker on the internet at a place called Verasu.com in Bangkok. They shipped in to me for about 250 baht. We set the timer and wake each morning to fresh bread, and even make garlic bread and other fun kinds to go with dinner. We love it and I wouldn't trade it for the world.