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Chiang Mai Food:
Crispy Insects

Chiang Mai is a city of markets; from the local daytime ones to the night markets and the Walking Streets on the weekend. If you happen to stroll along some of them, you may well find vendors with a wide selection of crispy insects. Yeah, crispy and deep fried, just like crisps. So what are these items for? Certainly not as a souvenir; but to be eaten by Thai people as a snack. Now what comes to mind when you hear this? Yucky? Horrifying? That can be a very common first impression of course. But to be honest, eating insects doesn't always warrant the same reaction as in the Fear Factor. When it comes to reality, it's just like other tidbits. And to Chiang Mai people it can be said that crispy insects is one of the favorite snacks of all time as they not only contain a flavorsome taste but are also high in protein.

The insects popularly consumed vary from bamboo caterpillars and grasshoppers to crickets, queen ants, silk worm pupas and mengda na or giant water bugs. All are deep fried, seasoned with salt and soy sauce and served with fresh vegetables as an optional side dish.

Unfortunately, there can be a bit of a hazard attached to eating crispy insects, not because of the insect itself but due to the use of pesticides that can sometimes be found in them. But if you are feeling brave enough, such delightful creations are sold in local fresh markets and the Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Markets. However, the most popular way of getting the little delicacies is through the Jacky Chan Crispy Insects motorbike vendor who rides around the city with his insects throughout the night but who mostly serves these tidbits to those partying at the nightclubs on Nimmanhaeminda Road. But - would you believe it? - he's got a delivery service! Use the number below and - if you've got the stomach for it - put in an order.

Jacky Chan's phone number: 08-9851-1387

Text: Jiratorn S.
Photos: Apirak