Episode 4: Gang Run Juan

Aromas of the Past:
The Timeless Tale of Gang Run Juan

In the heart of modern Thailand’s bustling culinary scene lies a dish that bridges the past with the present. Gang Run Juan is a testament to Thai cuisine's intricate history and vibrant flavours. To truly appreciate its legacy, one must travel back to the late 19th century to the opulent courts of King Rama V.

It was a time of significant cultural change, with new ideas and influences spreading across the globe. However, despite this whirlwind of innovation, the royal kitchens remained a stronghold of traditional charm. Gang Run Juan was born here in the aromatic embrace of fragrant herbs and spices.

The tale tells of an extravagant feast held at the majestic royal palace. Esteemed guests were in attendance, one of whom was ensnared by the tantalising aroma of a rich and flavorful curry placed before them. "Run Juan," they declared, entranced by its fragrance. This name, meaning "smells good," perfectly encapsulated the dish's essence, a delightful symphony of aromas that wafted through the opulent banquet.

Today, Gang Run Juan enchants diners, partly thanks to culinary custodians like Gai. In her thriving Hua Hin Thai restaurant, Gai embodies the spirit of those royal chefs, intertwining the past with the present through each dish she creates.

One afternoon, amidst the gentle clatter of pans and the hum of a bustling kitchen, Gai shared her passion for Gang Run Juan. "Every time I prepare this dish," she explained, "I connect to our ancestors. It’s as if their hands guide mine, whispering secrets through the lemongrass and shrimp paste."

Her reverence for tradition is evident in every step of the cooking process. The dish begins with tender slices of beef, lovingly simmered in a sauce bursting with lemongrass and baby garlic flavours. "The ingredients must be perfect," Gai insists, pointing to the small mound of shrimp paste from south Thailand. This is the soul of Gang Run Juan—rich, complex, and deeply Thai."

Listening to Gai, it becomes clear that Gang Run Juan is more than a recipe; it’s a narrative, a living story that unfolds with each preparation.

She recounts visits to south Thailand, where she selects the finest shrimp paste, ensuring every spoonful pays homage to the dish’s storied past.

As the aromatic curry is served, its fragrance fills the restaurant, a sensory bridge to the time of King Rama V. Diners, like the royal guests of old, find themselves enchanted by the aroma, each bite a journey through history.

Gai’s Gang Run Juan is not just a dish on a menu but a vibrant tribute to Thai heritage, a culinary conversation between generations. Through her hands, the flavours of the past find harmony in the present, ensuring that the legacy of Gang Run Juan not only survives but thrives in the hearts and stomachs of those who savour it.

In this way, this ancient dish reminds us that while time marches forward, the essence of tradition and the stories of those who shaped it remain immortal, lovingly preserved in every fragrant spoonful.

last but not least

As we end our exploration of "The Heritage of Gang" at Baan Gliwang, we reflect on the variety of flavours and stories each curry reveals. From the lush appeal of Gang Keow Wan, which combines fresh, local ingredients, to the complex layers of Massaman, which reflect ancient trade routes, we have experienced more than just dishes; we have tasted history.

The intense energy of Gang Phed and Panang demonstrates the daring spirit of Thailand's culinary development, while Gang Run Juan transports us to the fragrant royal courts of the yesteryear. Each curry honours Hua Hin's evolution from a fishing village to a culinary destination—a tribute to the people, traditions, and landscapes that continue to influence and enrich Thai cuisine.

At Hua Hin Thai restaurant Baan Gliwang, diners are not just guests but participants in a living tradition. They savour spoonfuls that echo the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the flavorful future of Thai cuisine. Thank you for joining us on this aromatic adventure, exploring the essence of Thai curries, where history and flavour intertwine. We invite you to continue this journey—both at Baan Gliwang and beyond—bringing the taste of tradition into your culinary experiences.

thank you for reading,
see you on the next one.