In Thailand, the proverb Jahp Pu Sai Kra Dong––to put crabs in a basket––refers to the act of corralling naughty children. And on a recent Monday at Hong Thaimee's restaurant Ngam, we could see exactly why. As the chef walked us through her grandmother's recipe for Thai-style crab and Nam Jim Talay dipping sauce, a dozen feisty crustaceans came very close to sneaking out into the wild of the East Village. Chef Thaimee, ever the multitasker, always managed to scoop them up in time. Originally from Chiang Mai, Thaimee had a career as a model before discovering her calling was food. She can still do a shampoo-commercial-worthy hair flip, though, in addition to whipping up a sublime crab boil. Watch to see both in action!
In Thailand, the proverb Jahp Pu Sai Kra Dong––to put crabs in a basket––refers to the act of corralling naughty children. And on a recent Monday at Hong Thaimee's restaurant Ngam, we could see exactly why. As the chef walked us through her grandmother's recipe for Thai-style crab and Nam Jim Talay dipping sauce, a dozen feisty crustaceans came very close to sneaking out into the wild of the East Village. Chef Thaimee, ever the multitasker, always managed to scoop them up in time. Originally from Chiang Mai, Thaimee had a career as a model before discovering her calling was food. She can still do a shampoo-commercial-worthy hair flip, though, in addition to whipping up a sublime crab boil. Watch to see both in action!