Soybeans have been an integral part of Asian cooking since ancient times. The Chinese refined and disseminated the secrets of soybeans fermentation into savory food flavoring agents. From the Natto in Japan to the Indonesian Tempeh, Soybeans are in the roots of Asian cuisine.
In the northern parts of Thailand, the home of the gentle Lanna cuisine, we can find yet another type of fermented soybeans product called Tua Nao.
Tua Nao originated from the ”Tai Yai” (ไทยใหญ่ Shan people) and “Tai Leuu” (ไทยลื้อ) minorities, who inhabits the Burmese and Thai territories of the north-western part of the Kingdom.
In the Tai Leuu dialect Tua Nao refers to Tua Oh (ถั่วโอ่) which simply translate to as bad odor beans.
Two main types of Tua Nao exist:
Wet (ถั่วเน่าเมอะ ; tua nao muh) (ถั่วเน่าเปอะ ; tua nao bpuh)
Dry (ถั่วเน่าแข๊บ ; tua nao khaaep).
Making both types of Tua Nao starts with the boiling of soybeans in brine for 4-6 hours. The soft beans are than pounded smooth in a wooden mortar and pastel and let to ferment for 2-3 days.
At this stage, the paste is sometimes lightly seasoned with salt and chilies. The paste is than hand formed into flat cakes.
To make the wet type, the flat cakes are wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over open fire, whereas for the dry variety the cakes are left to dry in the sun.
Before using Tua Nao in food preparations the cakes are lightly grilled and pounded to a fine powder.
Get Access – Join Thaifoodmaster Today
Practical and kitchen-tested recipes with a mix of theory, history, psychology, and Siamese culture tidbits.
Get access to everything right away. Unlock more than 40 Masterclasses, over 150 recipes and Articles
Access to Thaifoodmaster’s constantly growing library of prime professional classes, articles, recipes and videos on Siamese culinary topics, available nowhere else in English.
GET EXTRA - New Monthly Masterclasses and Recipes
Gain access to NEW MONTHLY masterclasses as they become available.
1-1 support from Hanuman
1-1 support from Hanuman to help you achieve your professional Thai culinary goals
Live Q&A Sessions
The opportunity to join a monthly live two-hour videoconference where I can answer your questions.
Great Value!
one year access for the price of 3 days in-person training.
You will get everything you need to:
To Get inspired
When you design or build a new menu for an event or restaurant or even prepare for dinner with friends.
To Satisfy your curiosity.
Finally !
To Master Your Craft
Master your Thai cooking skills and expand your repertoire.
It is truly brilliant with a revolutionary approach introducing aspects and concepts never broached by cookbooks.
Get Access – Join Thaifoodmaster Today
Practical and kitchen-tested recipes with a mix of theory, history, psychology, and Siamese culture tidbits.
Access to Thaifoodmaster’s constantly growing library of prime professional classes, articles, recipes and videos on Siamese culinary topics, available nowhere else in English.
Gain access to NEW MONTHLY masterclasses as they become available.
1-1 support from Hanuman to help you achieve your professional Thai culinary goals
The opportunity to join a monthly live two-hour videoconference where I can answer your questions.
one year access for the price of 3 days in-person training.
You will get everything you need to:
When you design or build a new menu for an event or restaurant or even prepare for dinner with friends.
Finally !
Master your Thai cooking skills and expand your repertoire.