Royal recipes

Cookbooks are more than just collections of recipes. They can be invaluable memoirs, recapping the social and cultural background found during the authors’ time of living.

In Thailand, where the joy of food is at the centre of our everyday life, many meaningful historical moments are learnt through a cook’s culinary narrative.

Launched last week was Banthuek Nuek Aroi, a collection of cookbooks inspired by the kitchen manuscripts of Thanphuying Prasarnsuk Tantivejkul, a head chef of the royal household of the late King Rama IX and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. Thanphuying Prasarnsuk, who passed away in 2002, had served the royal family for more than 40 years.

Produced by the Chaipattana Foundation, the books were granted publishing permission by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who graciously bestowed the title Banthuek Nuek Aroi,…