The unsung heroes of Thai cuisine

Thailand is a land of culinary abundance. The old saying nai nahm mee pla nai na mee khao meaning “there are fish in the water and rice in the field” has long remained true considering the country’s strong food security.

Fish and rice are the most recognised epitome of our gastronomic stability. But in the same type of wetlands, there’s also bua, another aquatic product that is less mentioned but is as prevalent in local cooking.

Bua is what Thais refer to lotus and water lily.

In Thai Buddhist culture, lotus, locally known as bua luang or bua chat, has a strong significance as a symbol of spiritual awakening. Its flowers — with white or pink paper-like petals — are offered to the Buddha to represent purity and faithfulness.

Water lily, meanwhile, is treasured for its beauty. Its flowers have thick and waxy petals and can be red, pink, yellow, white, purple or…