When you ask Thais about their go-to dishes, Phad Kaphrao is definitely in the top 5. However, for those who don't like spicy food or have had a bad experience with chilli, the Thai-style omelette will always be their number one choice. Not to mention that Kaphrao might not feel complete without the crispy omelette or sunny side-up egg.
The Thai-style omelette becomes another foodie's goal after trying Kaphrao. The preparation generally seems simple: pour beaten eggs into boiling oil, add seasonings of your choice, and serve it on top of jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
However, making a Thai omelette fluffy and delicious requires some skill and technique. Today, the MICHELIN Guide takes you to Samlor (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023) in Charoenkrung, where we'll discover how their omelette captures the hearts of every foodie who visits.
From dad’s suggestion to mouthwatering omelette
Chef Napol 'Joe' Jantraget and Chef Saki Hoshino, the talented couple behind Samlor, shared the story behind their omelette menu. One day, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Chef Jantraget was talking with his dad over the phone, and his father mentioned the Thai-style omelette. This simple dish sparked an idea in the chef's mind, as omelette is a universally heartwarming menu in Thailand, cherished by people from all economic backgrounds. Drawing upon his culinary skills acquired during his apprenticeship in French cuisine, Chef Jantraget applied techniques for achieving the perfect soufflé to create Samlor's omelette, ensuring it's both fluffy and delicious.
At the core of creating delicious food lies the use of quality ingredients. Chef Jantraget takes great care in selecting organic eggs from a free-range farm. These eggs, laid by healthy chickens, are not only nutritious but also safe for consumption in their raw form.
Once the eggs are thoughtfully chosen, the cooking process begins. Start by separating the eggs, and then beat the egg whites until they become frothy, much like the preparation of a soufflé. This step imparts a light and airy texture to the omelette. Next, combine the beaten egg whites with the yolks, and prepare another portion of mixed egg whites and yolks to serve as the omelette's base.
Now it's time to introduce the heat. Place the oil in a saucepan and pour in the mixture for the omelette's base. Samlor's pro tip? Add a touch of lime juice for extra fluffiness and crispiness.
When the base appears to be done, spread the foamy mixture layer by layer until the pan is filled to the brim. Gently place a frozen mixture of yolk and fish sauce on the top layer before spreading yet another layer of the foamy mixture. The final step is to place the egg in the oven and bake it at 220°C.
Now it's time to savour the dish. The outside is light and crispy, while the inside reveals mouthwatering layers with a runny egg yolk. Take a portion, add a drop of fish sauce with chilli, and enjoy it with rice. You can also ask for chilli sauce to alternate with the fish sauce for an even more delectable experience.
Refined tastes elevated by friendship
Receiving the Bib Gourmand designation signifies that Samlor offers reasonable prices. The tastes here are as refined as Chang refreshments, crafted with the philosophy of 'Lamiat.' This philosophy embodies meticulousness, craftsmanship, respect, and innovation. Chang is undeniably the drink that enhances your culinary experience and fosters friendships.Illustration image: © Anuwat Senivansa Na Ayudhya/ MICHELIN Guide Thailand
