CSR Project

Ban Sanuan Nok is a small village in Huai Rat district, Buriram province, where the local people still preserve their tradition of speaking the Khmer language. Most of the villagers earn their livelihood by producing and weaving silk, a craft passed down through generations. Today, this village has become a learning center for silk production, welcoming visitors to experience the full cycle of traditional Isaan weaving culture. From growing mulberry trees and raising silkworms to dyeing silk threads, weaving, and processing the finished silk, visitors can immerse themselves in every step of the process. In addition to its famous silk products, Ban Sanuan Nok is known for its distinctive cultural performance called Kantrum, a traditional Khmer music and dance originally performed to invite people to religious ceremonies. The performances feature both fast and slow rhythms. To top it all off, visitors can enjoy the village’s authentic local cuisine, with bold and flavorful dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients.

Silk Pupa Salad: One of the renowned local dishes of Ban Sanuan Nok is this unique salad made from silk pupae, which are the larvae of silkworms obtained during the silk-making process. Rich in protein, the pupae have a crisp exterior and a soft, delicate interior. They are mixed with traditional Thai salad ingredients and seasoned to perfection with a bold blend of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. This dish offers a new and exciting culinary experience, especially for those unfamiliar with eating insects. However, for the locals of Ban Sanuan Nok, Silk Pupa Salad is more than just a dish—it is part of their way of life. It reflects the abundance of natural resources in the area and the community's wisdom in utilizing nature's ingredients. This dish highlights the villagers' ability to adapt and thrive in their environment.

Chicken Curry with Mulberry Shoots: Mulberry shoots, or mulberry leaves, are packed with nutritional benefits and are known for their medicinal properties, such as lowering blood sugar levels and providing antioxidant effects. The tender crunch and refreshing tartness of the mulberry shoots are the perfect addition to this chicken curry. The chicken is simmered until tender in a flavorful broth, creating a dish with a rich, balanced taste similar to Tom Yum. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, adding ground chili, fresh lime juice, and bird’s eye chilies can elevate the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. This is an example of the simplicity and resourcefulness of the Ban Sanuan Nok community. It showcases how the locals live in harmony with nature, using readily available ingredients to create wholesome, nutritious meals while preserving the authentic flavors of their traditional cuisine.

Khanom Tod Ma (Dog Fart Cake): Despite its unappetizing name, this famous dessert from Ban Sanuan Nok is sure to surprise those who try it with its sweet, fragrant flavor, reminiscent of the traditional Thai dessert Khanom Jak. What makes it truly unique, however, is the inclusion of Khruea Tod Ma, a wild vine commonly found in mixed deciduous forests. While the plant may have an unpleasant smell, it is valued for its medicinal properties. With the villagers' wisdom, the root of the Khruea Tod Ma vine is sliced, sun-dried, and boiled to extract its essence. This liquid is then mixed with other ingredients, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled until it becomes a fragrant and chewy dessert. The result is a deliciously soft and sticky treat that showcases not only the creativity of Ban Sanuan Nok's people but also their sense of humor in naming their traditional sweets in a way that is memorable and distinct.