“Taste of Thailand” September Specials 🌿✨

A Seasonal Journey from Thailand to Brussels

September is a fascinating month in Thailand. As the rainy season begins to ease, the country transitions into cooler, more comfortable weather. Farmers prepare for harvest, festivals bring life to towns and villages, and markets overflow with fresh herbs, tropical fruits, and vegetables. It’s a month that reflects the Thai philosophy of living in harmony with nature—celebrating seasonal abundance, respecting traditions, and savoring food that nourishes both body and spirit.

At Sukhothai Restaurant in Brussels, we’re inspired by this spirit of September. This month, our specials highlight the ingredients that define Thai late-summer cuisine: lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, chili, coconut, and seasonal fruits like mango, rambutan, and pomelo. Through these flavors, we bring you not just dishes, but stories of Thailand’s culture, history, and celebrations.

🌧 September in Thailand: Weather, Traditions, and Daily Life

In Thailand, September sits at the tail end of the monsoon season. Heavy rains are still common, but skies often open to reveal brilliant sunshine and lush green landscapes. Farmers welcome the water that nourishes rice paddies, while city dwellers find comfort in cooling herbal teas and light meals.

Historically, this time of year is also associated with preparation—families and communities begin to transition from the heat and rains of summer into the gentler months leading to winter. Seasonal changes influence not only agriculture but also rituals and festivals. Markets fill with ingredients perfect for warm, restorative soups, spicy salads, and fruit-based desserts that celebrate nature’s gifts.

🎉 Thai Festivals in September: Culture Meets Cuisine

Thailand in September may not host its biggest national holidays, but it is full of vibrant local festivals:

• Nan Coffee Festival ☕ – Celebrating Thailand’s northern coffee farmers, with rich, earthy brews that pair beautifully with desserts.

• Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair 💎 – A showcase of Thai craftsmanship and beauty, echoed in the artistry of Thai food presentation.

• Rayong Log Jam 🎶 – A festival of music, arts, and seaside life, where coastal dishes like grilled seafood and tropical fruit salads shine.

• Thai National Flag Day (28 Sept) 🇹🇭 – A day of pride, often marked by community events and symbolic food offerings in red, white, and blue hues.

These celebrations inspire our menu at Sukhothai: vibrant, seasonal, and rooted in the rhythms of Thai culture.

🌱 Seasonal Thai Ingredients in September

Thailand’s September harvest provides some of the most iconic flavors of Thai cuisine. Here are the stars of the season:

1. Lemongrass (ตะไคร้, Ta-khrai) – A fragrant herb used in soups like Tom Yum and marinades, known for its refreshing citrus notes.

2. Galangal (ข่า, Kha) – A root similar to ginger but sharper, central to curries and soups, and valued for its medicinal properties.

3. Kaffir Lime (มะกรูด, Ma-kroot) – Its leaves add unmistakable fragrance to curries, while the zest and juice brighten seafood dishes.

4. Pomelo (ส้มโอ, Som-o) – A giant citrus fruit in season during September, often eaten fresh or in refreshing Thai salads.

5. Mango (มะม่วง, Ma-muang) – Late-season varieties are enjoyed in desserts like mango sticky rice or simply chilled.

6. Coconut (มะพร้าว, Ma-phrao) – Essential in both sweet and savory Thai dishes, from curries to desserts.

7. Chili & Basil – The backbone of Thai spice, providing both heat and aroma in stir-fries and curries.

These ingredients aren’t just for taste—they’re tied to wellness. For centuries, Thai people have used herbs like lemongrass and galangal as remedies for digestion, immunity, and balance during seasonal shifts.

🥘 Dishes Inspired by Thai September Traditions

At Sukhothai, we’ve crafted a selection of dishes inspired by Thailand’s September flavors and festivals:

• Som Tam Thai (Papaya Salad) – A refreshing mix of shredded papaya, lime, chili, and peanuts—perfect for late summer.

• Tom Yum Soup with Lemongrass and Galangal – A warming yet light soup that embodies the season’s transition.

• Pomelo Salad with Shrimp – Juicy pomelo paired with herbs, nuts, and seafood for a vibrant seasonal dish.

• Green Curry with Coconut & Kaffir Lime – A classic that highlights the fragrance of seasonal herbs.

• Mango Sticky Rice Cups – Mini portions of the beloved Thai dessert, perfect for savoring summer’s sweetness.

• Butterfly Pea Tea (Nam Dok Anchan) – A naturally blue herbal tea, symbolizing Thai creativity and balance, served hot or iced.

📜 A Brief History of Seasonal Eating in Thailand

In traditional Thai culture, food has always been deeply connected to the land and the seasons. Before refrigeration, families relied on what was available in markets and fields. Rainy season (May–October) meant plenty of herbs, leafy greens, and tropical fruits, while the dry season brought rice harvests and preserved foods.

This natural rhythm shaped Thai cuisine: light, spicy, and herb-forward in the wet months; richer and heartier in cooler months. Today, even in modern Bangkok or Chiang Mai, seasonal eating is still embraced—especially during festivals when dishes symbolize prosperity, health, or community.

🧑‍🍳 Bringing Thai September Flavors to Brussels

While you may not be able to stroll through a Thai market this September, you can experience the essence of Thailand right here in Brussels at Sukhothai Restaurant.

This month, we invite you to enjoy:

• Seasonal specials highlighting lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and tropical fruits.

• Light, refreshing meals perfect for the end of summer.

• A culinary journey inspired by Thai September festivals and traditions.

Whether you’re joining us for a weekday lunch, a family dinner, or a weekend gathering with friends, our dishes are designed to bring the colors, aromas, and flavors of Thailand’s September right to your table.

🌍 Tips for Celebrating Thai September at Home

Can’t make it to the restaurant? Try bringing Thai September traditions into your home:

1. Cook seasonally – Use fresh herbs and fruits from Brussels markets. Look for lemongrass, limes, or even pomelo at specialty grocers.

2. Drink herbal teas – Thai teas like butterfly pea or lemongrass tea are both refreshing and healthy.

3. Celebrate with color – Create a meal that mirrors the Thai flag (red chili dishes, white coconut desserts, blue pea drinks).

4. Mindful eating – Take inspiration from Thai Buddhist traditions: enjoy meals slowly, with gratitude.

🌟 Conclusion

September is a month of transition and celebration in Thailand: rains nourish the land, festivals bring people together, and seasonal ingredients inspire vibrant dishes. At Sukhothai Restaurant in Brussels, we are proud to carry this spirit into our kitchen, offering you a Taste of Thailand’s September specials.

Come and join us to discover the magic of Thai seasonal flavors—fresh, fragrant, and full of tradition.