Some Background
Although they will tell you that they are Thai, many people in the Lanna region have a Chinese background and, in their hearts, are Chinese. Their features are those of the Chinese; they follow Chinese traditions. Despite their grandparents having emigrated to Thailand, obtained Thai citizenship, and registered a Thai surname, they feel more Chinese than Thai.
When you visit their homes, you feel you have been transported to China. You will see a statue of a Chinese God on display, you’ll be invited to share a meal sitting around a “Lazy Susan” table, and the hospitality will be Chinese.
Today’s Chinese Breakfast
Outside the Wat, and close to a very busy market, some enterprising Chinese-Thais have set up a breakfast café. They open at day-break. The one guy and two women work endlessly cooking and serving the never-ending stream of arrivals. Rice soup, chicken soup, and my favourite, sarapao cheen (a Chinese bread).
Chinese tea, made from fresh herbs, is freely available.
It’s a convivial atmosphere and a good start to my day. Everyone, including me in my broken Thai, chatting and gossiping while enjoying our breakfasts.
And it cost just 40 baht. A sarapao cheen, a cup of hot chocolate, followed by enjoyable conversation over a few cups of herbal tea.
A Chinese-Thai Breakfast
What is your favourite Chinese-Thai breakfast and do you have other comments on the story?