What is Esan Cuisine? 馃尪 Thai Esan (Isan) cuisine hails from the Northeast of Thailand and is known for its pungent sauces, spicy chilies, and some of the more adventurous proteins used in Thai cooking. While it might not always be in the spotlight, Esan food has a dedicated following of fans who will go out of their way to find Esan dishes made right. Here鈥檚 a little more about Esan Thai Food and what makes it stand out: 馃嵔 Regional Identity: Esan is one of Thailand's four distinct regions (along with the Northern, Southern, and Central regions), and each has its own unique cuisine. Esan food is often spicier and has more fermented ingredients, such as shrimp paste and fish sauce, which contribute to its bold, umami-rich flavors. 馃尶