Grilled Dishes

Thais grill their food over slow-burning charcoal that imparts a wonderful smokiness. Grilled foods are normally accompanied by a dipping sauce, a Nam Jim. This is made in a mortar and pestle which is indispensable in the preparation of Thai food. All pastes and sauces are traditionally made in this crucible, some taking longer to produce than others — crushed garlic takes a few seconds while curry pastes can take much, much longer.