Isan, the northeast region of Thailand, represents about 30% of the country’s population but punches well above its weight when it comes to its dominance in Thai cuisine. Although Isan food is less common outside of Thailand, inside the country it can be found everywhere, from street food vendors in Chiang Mai to high-end restaurants in Bangkok. This may have something to do with the fact that millions of people from Isan have left the region looking for work; furthermore, they have brought their food with them. It’s more than that, though, as the cuisine is almost universally a favorite among non-Isan Thais and visitors, too.