The Science Behind Tasty Thai Food (2.42)

This week we're talking with an honest to goodness food
scientist who gives us the lowdown on the health benefits - or lack
thereof - of Thai food and its sundry ingredients. But first, Evo
plays Robin Hood as he recounts a pleasant encounter with a
wandering sheriff.

What are the odds a visitor to Bangkok would not only run
into one of the hosts of his favorite podcast, but run into said
favorite podcast co-host just minutes after listening? Pretty
high if you happen to visit Jack's Bar. But as cool and
unexpected as that was, it's not what we're talking about
today. Adam Yee is a food scientist who works at a
billion dollar health-and-wellness company in Phoenix Arizona.
He's the kind of guy who takes his work home with him, because
he's also the host of a podcast called My Food Job
Rocks!. We brought Adam on the show to dispel the
rumors and myths about the healthiness of Thai Food. Adam has a
lot to share about what science says about fad diets and more,
including these choice bits:



How gluten spreads civilization (no offence to those
diagnosed with Celiac Disease)


Why you shouldn't (and practically can't) avoid MSG in
Thailand


A reference to the tastiest of tastes:
umami


Why you can blame the American military for Thailand's
dedication to sweetened condensed milk in everything


How to curry favor from a food
scientist (did you see what I did there?)


The curious case of tamarind and why
anyone would find it a tasty food
additive



Since Adam is curious about Thailand (his roomie is Thai),
we talked about some unique aspects of Bangkok that shows why
he's a great food scientist. Among other things, we
covered:



The flavors and styles of snacks are made from
seaweed


The Mexican food scene of Bangkok (since he's from
Arizona, right on the Mexican border)


How mayonnaise contributes to the Thainization of
sushi


Why Thais love Red #40 like French Canadians love Yellow
#6


Macro trends on Thai-centric health concerns

Love, Loathe, or Leave

As we've talked about on prior episodes, Bangkok cops are
cracking down on helmetless riders. Mototaxi drivers are
accommodating, offering pay passenger a spare helmet. But when
you're sporting a mellon the the size of a beachball like both of
us, it's more about fine-avoidance than safety. Listen in to find
out how we deal with this reality.
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regular basis!
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(Direct download .mp3)