You would probably be surprised to learn that despite the diversity and richness of produce Thailand has to offer, the basic pillars of Thai cuisine are simply made of rice, salt, chili, and some proteins from fresh water fish. In the central and southern regions of Kingdom, fermented shrimp paste (gabpi), originally made as a preserved, is also part of the very grounds of Thai cuisine. In the early days, rice and fermented shrimp paste (gabpi) were an essential part of every traveler’s personal gear.