Who, what, where is Isan (Isaan อีสาน)?

The Isan region of Thailand is its lush rural heartland – the land of farmers, ancient temples, festivals and the birthplace of Thai funk or ‘Morlum‘ with a population of about 22 million people. It’s also where Chef New is from. Her father is from Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and her mother is from Beung Kan (previously known as Nong Khai). People from Isan are notoriously warm, welcoming and embrace the lighter side of life despite the hardships rural life can bring. The culture, dialect and food have deep Laotian roots and villagers are often fondly referred to as ‘Lao.”

The Isan region, despite the vast area it covers is one of Thailand’s lesser known.