For many years, Kai GaTa could only be found in Essan, in provinces with a large Vietnamese population ie, those along the Mekong River. For some reason Khon Kaen, though not near the river, has long had more than its fair share of Kai Gata restaurants. When I was doing a lot of traveling in Thailand, I used to scout out the Kai GaTa shops in any NE province that I ventured through. Then, it was mainly a traveling salesman's breakfast as it takes only a minute or two after you order to have it in front of you, it's filling, and inexpensive. The shops that sell it are usually located near third class hotels or bus stations. On a recent trip to Essan, I found the old shops I used to frequent were still open and new ones open and the customers were not just traveling salesmen like in the old days but now families and couples and tourists. Kai GaTa has gone mainstream.
Kai GaTa has traditionally only been available in the early mornings and usually comes as a set breakfast. It is now available in Hua Hin at the
Hua Hin Naem Nuang shop near the Dinosour Market. As you can see, the small skillet, or GaTa, contains two fried eggs topped with Mu Yaw and Kun
Chiang, two types of Essan sausage, and green onion and black pepper. You also get a small glass of fruit juice and coffee; sometimes Coffee
Bolan, but all too often, just strong Nescafe. The toasted sandwich (Kanom Bang Sod Sai) also contains slices of Mu Yaw and Kun Chiang.
The sandwich pictured is what Ozzies would probably call a jaffle. Normally the bread is a mini baguette which are also common in those
areas with Vietnamese populations. In Hua Hin, the mini baguettes are hard to find so our host makes do with the jaffle when he runs short.
Not to matter. This is as good a Kai GaTa as I've ever had and this man, and his lady, learned from the pros in Khon Kaen.
In Essan the set meal goes for about 40-60 Baht and in Hua Hin is a bargain at 45 Baht. Additional GaTas of eggs or sandwiches can be ordered at very reasonable prices.
The only problem in Hua Hin is that our Kai GaTa man is not in the best location for tourists. He's about 2.5 km as the crow flies from the fishing pier. If you have transport, go north on Petchkasem Rd to Soi 56 and turn left (west). Continue through the narrow street and continue straight through the traffic light and over the canal. You will soon pass through the Dinosaur Market. If it's Wednesday or Sunday afternoon, there will be lots of activity and traffic. Otherwise it will look more like an abandoned shanty town. Just past the market on the right, you'll see a new row of shophouses and there resides our Kai GaTa man at number 29/204.
He also has a few other specialties up his sleeve and they will be the subject of our next update, when my son gives me a couple of hours to work it up. Stay tuned. After that, we talk about Martabak...
