Thailand - Betel Leaf

These fresh betel leaves stuffed with candied beef cheek are a common item on market stalls in Thailand, but rarely seen in the UAE.

The bite-size wraps burst with flavour and taste sweet, sour, spicy and salty, all at the same time. Fried shallots, fragrant herbs, lime - including the peel - are also thrown into the mix, along with small pieces of ginger, palm sugar and dried prawns with a hint of chilli.