Chim chum

Chim chum is a cherished street food throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. This delectable dish traditionally features either chicken or pork, combined with fresh herbs such as galangal, sweet basil, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. These ingredients are cooked together in a small clay pot over a charcoal stove, imparting a unique and aromatic flavor. It is often served with a tangy dipping sauce known as nam chim. The name "chim chum" derives from the Thai words for dipping and dropping, which perfectly describes the eating process.

Here's how it works: At the table, an earthenware pot sits on a brazier. Inside, a flavorful broth is simmered with vegetables and herbs. Diners immerse their marinated meat into the boiling broth, allowing it to cook right in front of them. It's an engaging and interactive way to enjoy your meal.

To make chim chum, you’ll need your choice of meat, an egg, glass noodles, and a variety of fresh vegetables. The highlight, nam chim, is a dipping sauce made by pounding garlic, coriander roots, sea salt, and chili in a mortar and pestle. Then, you blend in palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and shallots. Allowing the nam chim to sit for a while intensifies its flavors, making it even more delicious.