Blog Scribbles

Being so close to Singapore, we often hear the comparisons.

“If only Bangkok could put all of the street vendors in hawker stands like in Singapore – maybe then I could walk on the sidewalks.”
“I sure wish English was the first language in Bangkok, just like it is in Singapore.”
“Years ago Singapore put all electrical wires underground ‘cause they are not very attractive – ever think Bangkok will do the same?”
“In Singapore the taxis drivers actually talk to me – in Bangkok they only grunt.”

Yet, after a recent trip for my son’s first birthday, I noticed the biggest difference of them all.

Singapore has Ginger Beer. Bangkok only has Ginger Ale.

The difference is significant. Although similar, ginger beer has a distinctly stronger ginger taste to it. Ginger beer, when compared to ginger ale is like your older brother with tattoos of skulls and dragons – he simply has more kick, strength and spirit.

Specifically, ginger beer is usually made from natural sugars or honey, while most other ‘sodas’ are made from high fructose corn syrup or fake sugars. Further, and adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of ginger beer, is the fact that traditional ginger beers are brewed through a fermentation process and uses live cultures such as yeast.

Now, the saddest part about this sad story is that Bangkok once had ginger beer, but no longer does. This is huge. Imagine Singapore digging up their ugly (and hidden) electrical wires and actually wiring them along Orchard Road so that you could actually see them. Imagine Singapore telling all off their hawker inhabitants to go back on the streets and congest Chinatown with their stalls, tables,and chairs.

It’s crazy, right? Backwards crazy. You don’t remove lemongrass. You don’t remove chili peppers, and you don’t remove ginger beer.

I might slip on a ginger colored shirt and go protest.

Villa Market did carry Ginger Beer up until late 2008, but has since stopped importing this glorious beverage. Hence, today, when you ask for a Ginger Beer in Bangkok, you receive Ginger Ale. This is like asking for a Rottweiler at the pet store and the clerk brings you a French Poodle.

Where’s the kick?

It’s not the same. It’s not even close.