black-vs-white-sticky-rice-kats-cuisine.jpg Alt text: Close up of black sticky rice and white sticky rice used to compare colour, texture, and flavour.

If you’ve visited Kat’s Oriental Cuisine lately, you’ve probably noticed something exciting, we’ve expanded our menu to include authentic Isan food alongside our classic Thai dishes**. A lot of customers have asked us: “Wait… isn’t Isan food just spicy Thai food?” Not quite! While Isan (also called Issan or Esan) cuisine is 100 % Thai, it comes from the Northeastern region of Thailand and has its own bold, punchy personality. Think of it like this: if Central Thai food is Ba

Isan, Thailand’s vast Northeast, is more than a region. It’s a living story of survival, spirit, and celebration. At Kats Cuisine  in St Albans, we’re proud to share the culture that shaped us. Let’s journey through Isan’s remarkable past. Where Is Isan, And Why It’s Unique Covering 20 provinces and one-third of Thailand, Isan sits on a high, dry plateau between the Mekong River and Cambodia. Red soil, endless rice fields, and extreme seasons forged a people known for resilie

Few dishes represent Thailand as beautifully as Pad Thai . With its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savoury , it has become a global favourite — from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the dining tables of St Albans. At Kat’s Cuisine, St Albans , it’s one of our most-loved dishes, offering comfort, flavour, and a touch of nostalgia. A Dish Born from History Pad Thai has a surprisingly modern origin. It was popularised in the 1930s by Thailand’s Prime Minister, who encoura

One bite of Papaya Salad  and you’ll know why it’s Isan’s most loved dish. Crunchy, sour, spicy, and sweet all at once. At Kats Cuisine , we make it fresh every day, just like back in Maha Sarakham. What Is Papaya Salad? This iconic Isan starter starts with shredded green papaya , unripe, crisp, and perfect for soaking up bold flavours. We pound it fresh with: Fresh lime juice Chilli (mild to Thai hot) Fish sauce or soy for vegan Palm sugar Roasted peanuts & cherry tomatoes H

Details on Nature’s Flavour and Fragrance for Thai food Kats Cuisine

If Thai food is music, jasmine rice  is the rhythm that holds it together. Soft, aromatic, and delicately floral, it complements every curry, stir-fry, and grilled dish. At Kat’s Cuisine, St Albans , we treat jasmine rice as more than a side — it’s the quiet star of the plate. From Thailand’s Heartlands Jasmine rice, known in Thailand as Khao Hom Mali , grows mainly in the north-east, where warm days and cool nights give it its signature aroma. Each grain releases a natural p

Isan food (also spelled Issan or Esan food) is the vibrant, spicy, and refreshing cuisine from Northeastern Thailand. Famous for its explosive mix of chilli, lime, fresh herbs, fermented fish, and sticky rice, Isan cuisine is one of Thailand’s most loved regional styles. It’s now easier than ever to enjoy authentic Isan food in the UK – right here at Kats Oriental Cuisine  in St Albans! Enjoy Authentic Isan Food in St Albans at Kats Oriental Cuisine Great news for Hertfordshi

Thai cooking is all about harmony at Kat’s Cuisine in St Albans, where sweet, sour, spicy and salty flavours blend perfectly to create the authentic, balanced taste of Thailand.

The Heartbeat of Thai Cooking Curry is one of the most cherished parts of Thai cuisine — rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. At Kat’s Cuisine, St Albans , our curries tell stories of tradition, warmth, and community. Whether it’s the earthy Massaman , the creamy Panang , or a spicy Red Curry , each carries the essence of Thailand’s culinary heritage. Layers of Flavour, Crafted with Care Unlike many Western curries, Thai curries are built on a delicate harmony of sweet, sal

The of Thai Comfort Food There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of hot soup on a cool day — especially when it’s infused with the vibrant flavours of Thailand. At Kat’s Cuisine, St Albans , two soups stand out as timeless favourites: Tom Yum  and Tom Kha . Both are rooted in centuries-old Thai cooking traditions and offer a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and soothing notes. Tom Yum: Spicy, Sour, and Soul-Warming Tom Yum is one of Thailand’s most famous soups — and

Golden Thai Veg Rolls served with sweet chilli dipping sauce at Kats Oriental Cuisine St Albans”