Giant Eggplant of Bagan, Myanmar

The giant eggplant of Bagan and a unique eggplant eating experience

When it comes to eggplants in mr.hotsia's eyes, I have to say it's not just an ordinary vegetable you find in our local markets. Once, I encountered a giant eggplant in Bagan, Myanmar, which was large and completely different from any I had seen before. This eggplant is not like the Thai pea eggplant we are familiar with; it is a big round fruit, about the size of a small coconut, with smooth skin and softer flesh than typical pea eggplants.

The first time I saw a large eggplant was in Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang Province, where the pea eggplants were much bigger than those in Thailand. But in Bagan, the feeling was more solid. The eggplants looked stout and thick, not as fragile as ours. When I tasted it fresh, the flavor was similar to the pea eggplants we know at home, but the flesh was softer and less crisp.

For those who enjoy eggplants with chili paste, you might find that this giant eggplant doesn't pair as well as the pea eggplant because its softness makes the chili paste less clingy. However, if you plan to use it in curries or dishes that require soft eggplant, the giant eggplant of Bagan would be a strong contender.

Connecting travel experiences in Chiang Mai with flavors in hand

Speaking of the giant eggplant, mr.hotsia can't help but recall travels in Chiang Mai, a place full of diverse local foods and fresh seasonal ingredients. I once visitedWat Saen Thong, OmkoiThere, besides paying respects to Phra Chao Saen Thong, there is a small market where locals sell fresh vegetables and fruits, and sometimes you can find large pea eggplants that are rare in the city.

Chiang Mai also offers natural attractions likeDoi Tao Lake Ruinswhere I experienced the atmosphere when the water receded, revealing the old lakebed to walk on freely. If you enjoy riverside ambiance, here you can find stories ofTeak Hunters along the Ping Riverwhere I experienced the lifestyle of locals collecting floating teak wood, giving me a true sense of the northern people's bond with nature.

Strolling markets and tasting local food in Chiang Mai

When it comes to food in Chiang Mai, I often think of Korean BBQ buffet restaurants where kids enjoy playing in big malls, or Hia S.'s roasted duck shop, not far from Chiang Mai Airport, where you can savor delicious roasted duck noodles with rich flavors in every bite (watch atHia S. Roasted Duck, Chiang Mai video)

Another favorite dish of mine is the bold holy basil from Chai Miang, ordered via Grab Food delivered straight to my accommodation, easy to eat without risking the city's dust and smoke (watch the video atOrder Grab Food: Stir-fried Holy Basil from Chai Miang ... Chiang Mai's Bold Holy Basil)

The charm of the giant eggplant and the spirit of Bagan in memory

The giant eggplant of Bagan is not just a strange vegetable I brought back to share; it is a bridge connecting the traveler's experience like mr.hotsia with the diverse lifestyles and food cultures of each region. I still vividly remember that when I tasted the giant eggplant, it felt like experiencing the deep Asian essence of the land—both familiar flavors and newness never encountered before.

If you have the chance to travel to Bagan, don't forget to ask for a giant eggplant and give it a try. It might be an extraordinary experience just like the one mr.hotsia had.