Here in Washington, DC the splashing water can only be heard in stories and memories of those who had the opportunity to witness the madness of the Buddhist celebration. Nevertheless, Song Kran has its place in the district. Every year Wat Thai DC (a Thai Buddhist temple in the suburbs of Washington) celebrates Song Kran by having their own festival on the temple grounds.

The insanity of the water fights does not exist here, instead, the Song Kran festival focuses on prayers, performances, and of course food. The later being the highlight for many local Thais, Thai-Americans and the general public that make their way over. Stalls are set up throughout the temple grounds selling all sorts of food and wares from all over Thailand. This is, for many, is the one opportunity to indulge in delicacies that fans of Thai food in the US would be hard pressed to find anywhere.

Take for example, Kanom Krok. I have been dreaming of returning to my favorite Kanom Krok vendor who can be found in the first line of stalls at the main entrance of the Chatuchak market in Bangkok (near the Skytrain platform) since I left in 2000. To my great surprise I found a Kanom Krok vendor at the Wat Thai on Songkran and needles to say I was more than willing to pay the premium (which was $5 for 10 pieces and about a 30+ minute wait in line) to get my hands on them.

Kanom Krok is a sweet coconut mixture which is cooked in a cast iron, molded pan. They are topped with scallions and sometimes dried shrimp. When cooked they are a little crunchy on the outside and have a jelly-like consistency on the inside. Absolutely fantastiche! You can find Kanom Krok street vendors all over Bangkok and they are priced at around 10-20 Baht for 8-10 pieces (about a quarter to fifty cents).

All the different dishes at the festival were great and sold for around $5. There may not have been a water fight, but with all that delicious food around, who wants one?

*For more information go to www.watthaidc.org