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From a Small House in the Thai Countryside

Japanese Cooking in Thailand 〜 Tamagoyaki Edition 〜

Sawasdee-ka! It’s been three years since I moved to the Thai countryside, and every day feels like an adventure. Today, I’d like to share my thoughts on the “Tamagoyaki” I’ve been making in this little house. It wasn’t until I left Japan that I realized just how deep this dish is.

Using ingredients from the Thai market and a recipe passed down from my grandmother, I’ve created a “Thai-style Japanese Tamagoyaki” that’s now a big hit with the villagers! Today, I’m sharing that special recipe with you.

My Encounter with Midnight Diner

After moving to Thailand, I found myself rewatching the drama *Midnight Diner* a lot. The tamagoyaki episode especially warms my heart every time. Watching the Master silently whisk eggs and carefully cook them made me think, “I want to make proper tamagoyaki too!”

Just watching the Master, played by Kaoru Kobayashi, handle the eggs makes me hungry. Every time I see this video, it inspires me to make delicious tamagoyaki again.

Delicious Tamagoyaki Recipe Made in Thailand

Ingredients （Serves 2–3）

Eggs
4 （Thai eggs are smaller, so one extra）

Sugar
1 tbsp （palm sugar also works!）

Salt
A pinch

Dashi broth
2 tbsp （Katsuobushi is precious!）

Vegetable oil
As needed （Coconut oil is also nice）

Thai twist
A dash of fish sauce （as a secret flavor）

Instructions

Whisk the eggs

Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well with chopsticks. Thai egg yolks are rich in color, which makes for beautiful results. Mix until the whites are fully broken up.

Add the seasonings

Add sugar, salt, and dashi, then mix thoroughly. Add a dash of fish sauce for a deep Thai flavor—but be careful not to overdo it!

Heat the pan

Warm a tamagoyaki pan over medium heat. Thailand is hot, so adjusting the heat is trickier than in Japan. Start with medium-low. Lightly oil the pan.

Cook the first layer

Pour in 1/3 of the egg mixture and spread it evenly. When it’s half-cooked, roll it toward the far side. Don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfect at first—it takes practice!

Cook the 2nd and 3rd layers

Move the rolled egg to the far end, oil the empty space, and pour in half of the remaining egg. Tilt the pan so the new mixture flows under the roll. Repeat for the last portion.

Shape and serve

Remove from the pan and shape using a sushi mat or kitchen paper. Let cool slightly before slicing for a clean cut. It’s perfect with Thai jasmine rice!

Thai-Inspired Variations

Herb Tamagoyaki

Add chopped homegrown coriander or basil for a fragrant, Thai-style twist. Thai basil is especially delicious!

Spicy Version

Add finely chopped prik kee noo （Thai bird’s eye chili） for an adult kick. The spicy-loving locals really enjoy it.

Memories with the Villagers

The first time I served this tamagoyaki to the village aunties, they looked puzzled and asked, “What is this? Is it sweet?” But once they took a bite, they smiled and said, “Aroi!” （Delicious!）. Now, it’s a requested dish at our monthly gatherings.

What’s fun is that the village kids started coming over asking, “Can you make tamagoyaki?” For them, a sweet egg dish was a new experience. When they help me in the kitchen whisking eggs, it makes me feel truly happy.

Tips for Cooking in Thailand

Temperature control: Thailand is hot, so be careful with heat. Cooking gently over low heat is key.

Storing ingredients: Eggs are typically stored at room temperature. Since many homes lack fridges, buy fresh and use quickly.

Choosing utensils: Surprisingly, a wok from the local market works well. Once you get used to it, it might be easier than a specialty pan!

Conclusion

How did you like this tamagoyaki recipe from a little house in Thailand? Even far from home, homemade meals prepared with care can warm people’s hearts. Like the Master from *Midnight Diner*, I’ve come to appreciate the value of putting love into each dish through life in Thailand.

Please try this recipe at home! And if you ever visit Thailand, you’re more than welcome to come and taste my tamagoyaki!

From a small house in the Thai countryside to the world

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