BANGKOK: It is a royal tradition that has proved bountiful through the ages and one that Thailand’s fruit carvers are determined to keep alive — even as young people peel away from the unique art form.
From beetroots carved into roses to fruity floats made from papayas and melons, the most important fruit carving competition in Thailand took place in Bangkok Friday.
But for competitor Piyanat Thiwato, carving is about more than just winning.
“Carving can improve our mind because it requires concentration and enhances our imagination, it’s a way to relax,” he said.
The tradition has been traced back to Thailand’s royal Sukhothai dynasty, in the 14th century.
“The art of food carving started hundreds years ago. Thailand is rich with arts and crafts. It’s like a very beautiful treasure that we have,” said Araya Arunanondchai, the event’s organizer.
“In the old days, it was done in the royal palaces for the royal family,” she added.
Dozens of Thai artists competed in the famous fruit and vegetable carving competition, which was organized in honor of Queen Sirikit, who turns 85 on August 12.
More than 20 teams carved anything from owls to elephants or intricate Thai designs onto fruits including taros, melons, and papaya.
Fruit carving is still popular as an offering in temples or as a decoration for weddings. Fine arts students can still choose to learn it at university, as they would take painting lessons. But the tradition is fading away.
“Not so many young people are interested in it or the ones who studied it in art schools cannot make a living out of it,” Manirat Svastiwat na Ayutthaya, food carving expert said.
Fruit carving, a meticulous art in Thailand
Fruit carving, a meticulous art in Thailand
Where We Are Going Today: Wild Flower
- The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone
If you are ever in AlUla and looking for a dining experience in the heart of the oasis, overlooking its lush farmlands and surrounded by palm trees, I highly recommend checking out Wild Flower in Daimumah.
What is really unique about Wild Flower is its farm-to-table concept: as you discover the different vegetables and herbs grown in Daimumah, such as eggplant, coriander, tomatoes, spring onions, arugula, and chili peppers, you get the burst of flavor from the fresh produce straight to your plate.
The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone.
We started off the meal with some cold mezze. The avocado hummus and beetroot hummus, served with beetroot chips, were light and refreshing as we took a break from the harsh sun under the restaurant’s shaded seating area.
We really enjoyed the watermelon salad that had an interesting mix between tangy and sweet, but the crunchy parmesan truffle fries are a must.
For mains, we opted for the vegetarian biryani, which was not anything to write home about, but the lemon garlic pasta dish, served with grilled chicken, was definitely one we would go back for.
We also really enjoyed their Moroccan-style roasted chicken, which was super juicy and spiced to perfection.
The service, although a bit slow, was OK. The staff did their best to accommodate our needs. When I ordered an iced ginger lemonade and was served hot ginger tea instead, they were happy to change the order. The spot is moderately priced and perfect for sharing if you are going with a large group.
It is also a great spot to visit solo. While there is a small entry fee for Daimumah, you can explore the farms, pick vegetables to take home, feed the goats, join an art workshop at The Nest, see art installations, and learn about AlUla’s landscape, flora and fauna — and then finish the visit with a good meal.
