THE second edition of the Thai Street Market was officially inaugurated last night bringing citizens and residents in Bahrain one step closer to the cuisine and culture that the popular Asian country has to offer.
The event, at Oasis Mall in Juffair, was attended by Thai Ambassador Piyapak Sricharoen, Information and Follow-up director Yusuf Lori, Association of Southeast Asian Nations ambassadors, delegates, members of the media and guests.
More than 25 vendors are participating in the three-day event being held this year under the theme ‘Old Town Phuket’.
“Visitors to Thailand really enjoy our street food and street market, and so we thought we might bring a bit of the good atmosphere of Thailand to Bahrain and we are grateful to Oasis Mall for supporting our activity here,” Mr Sricharoen told the GDN.
“There are about 30 genuine Thai vendors here and there’s both a non-food section with accessories, clothing, flowers, handicrafts and the like.
“Of course, we also have the food section, and I’m amazed myself by the variety of food here – it is genuine Thai food – and so I really encourage anyone who has a free weekend to come over to the event and try out bits of the Thai street market,” he added.
One of the vendors selling bags has been taking part in Bahrain’s Thai Mart for six months with a very unique product – bags and related accessories made from crocodile leather!
Kumpee by Citrus said the brand focuses on crocodile leather products such as wallets, handbags, key chains, card envelopes, belts, watch straps, and bag straps, all imported directly from the Uthai Thani Crocodile Farm in Thailand.
Meanwhile, cloud kitchen concept Chappy’s Tavern is a newcomer in the market.
“Chappy’s Tavern is more of a pub-style setting currently located in Best Western Olive Hotel together with Big Texas Barbecue,” restaurant manager Quintin Minnaar said, adding that it will soon be branching out into other Asian cuisines.
Mr Sricharoen said the response to the event has been very positive in the past and he believes the street market will receive more than adequate footfall this time around as well.
The event is being organised by the Royal Thai Embassy in co-operation with Oasis Mall, Juffair, and Fly Dubai.
It will continue today and tomorrow from 10am to 10pm each day.