Sauerkraut with your tom yum kung?

Germany is popping corks this year to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic ties, with celebrations centring on “The Thai-German Culinary Gala”, on June 7 at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

Thailand and Germany first joined hands on February 7, 1862, when they signed the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation. A century and a half later, the friendship is still going strong.

 “This year Thailand and Germany look back on 150 years of fruitful and friendly relations. Our linked fields of interest cover politics, economics, science and culture, and there is also a great fascination [on both sides] in the culinary traditions of the partner country,” says German Ambassador Rolf Schulze.

With its Berlin roots, the Siam Kempinski Bangkok was keen to get in on the act by hosting the gala dinner.  

“It is truly an honour for the Siam Kempinski to be part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary,” beamed the hotel’s general manager Holger Schroth. 

The recipe for the gala will involve two chefs from each country creating a six-course dinner of extraordinary dishes inspired by their cultures. 

Famous Thai cuisine ambassador ML Sirichalerm Svasti (better known as Chef McDang) will 

represent Thailand. A TV personality, lecturer on cuisine and author of “The Principles of Thai Cookery”, McDang will use traditional Siamese recipes to whip up appetisers, soup and a main dish. 

Representing Germany is TV personality and foodie Reiner Calmund who will be cooking up renowned German classics.

 

      Prost!

The Thai German Culinary Gala takes place on June 7 in the Chadra Ballroom, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Tickets priced at Bt1,862++ to symbolise the year relations began are available at the hotel. Make reservations at (02) 162 9000. Proceeds from gala go to Deutsche Hilfsverein, a charity helping distressed Germans in Thailand.