Foodie in Fairbanks: the unexpected culinary scene in the middle of Alaska
Summary
Fairbanks, Alaska, a small city known for its cold weather and Arctic location, has developed a surprising and diverse food scene, especially with many Thai restaurants. Immigrants and independent family businesses have introduced a wide variety of international cuisines, adapting recipes to local ingredients and conditions.Key Facts
- Charlie Boonprasert and Tutu Navachai, from northern Thailand, arrived in Fairbanks in the 1980s and opened the first Thai restaurant, Thai House, in 1989.
- Fairbanks has about 31,000 residents and is known as a gateway to the Arctic and northern lights, not for its food.
- There are now about 15 Thai restaurants in and around Fairbanks, reflecting the presence of a small Thai community.
- Independent and family-owned restaurants thrive in Fairbanks because big food chains find it costly to transport goods there.
- Lemongrass Thai restaurant, opened in 1996 by Tutu Navachai and run by his family, uses local vegetables and imported Thai ingredients.
- The extreme cold, which can reach minus 50°F, influences restaurant operations and food sourcing.
- Local farms, like Ann’s Greenhouses, take advantage of Fairbanks’ long summer daylight hours to grow fresh produce for restaurants.
- Restaurants combine traditional recipes with local seafood, such as a dish called chu chee scallops with red curry and coconut milk.
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