Bringing cheese into LOS

[xyznot]

4 hours ago, Lokie said:

Always bring in decent propa Cheddar from UK, never had any issues with being pulled or cheese deterioration; I buy either vacuum packed in 400g or 500g sizes they all go straight into the freezer then as packing case I use a nice little cooler bag which you can get 4 x 500G blocks of cheese in, or sometimes bring extra and that is wrapped in a towel from freezer and straight into case. I fly Manchester via Abu-Dhabi to Phuket about 18hrs with transfers (Etihad) and me cheese is always in tip top condition. 

 

Cheese here is overpriced and not very good, I have only seen mediocre Imported UK cheddars at daft prices in places like Villa Market, they used to say Thailand is a place where sex is cheaper than cheese.....

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Mainland-Epicure-Aged-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Coombe-Extra-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Seriously-Strong-Extra-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Coombe-Double-Gloucester-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Seriously-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

Do you folks consider the above expensive and not very good?

 

Foodland has a greater variety and better prices and more cheese from France and Denmark but I couldn't find the prices online.  I buy from there monthly and have never thought they were expensive.  Sorry I don't have a grocery bill handy.  The only thing I would bring from the West is ..... I was going to say cotton top sheets but I found them at Central. 

Edited February 9, 2018 by xyznot

[oldhippy]

9 minutes ago, xyznot said:

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Mainland-Epicure-Aged-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Coombe-Extra-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Seriously-Strong-Extra-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Coombe-Double-Gloucester-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Seriously-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

Do you folks consider the above expensive and not very good?

For European standards (Belgium) these cheeses are very expensive.

But of course som tam is very expensive in Europe too.

That is why we bring papaya to Europe, and cheese to Thailand.

Also, our 6 months in Europe we  eat mostly European food, in Thailand mostly Thai food.

 

Edited February 9, 2018 by oldhippy
edited

[balo]

If you want to buy Gouda cheese from Holland, they are not very expensive, I paid 430 baht for a kilo at Friendship. But they used to be 300 thb/kilo some years ago.

Edited February 9, 2018 by balo

[pest]

3 hours ago, HooHaa said:

freezing cheese ruins the texture, makes it grainy and crumbly.

wrap well in towels or some sort of insulating material.

generally speaking it is very cool in the main luggage compartments and it should be fine.

Animals are carried in a separate heated compartment from regular baggage especially on wide body flights.

 

you obviously have not frozen cheese in a long while Try a bit next time it does not change the texture Maybe its the cheaper cheese I freeze but it does not crumble

 

[xyznot]

21 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

For European standards (Belgium) these cheeses are very expensive.

But of course som tam is very expensive in Europe too.

That is why we bring papaya to Europe, and cheese to Thailand.

Also, our 6 months in Europe we  eat mostly European food, in Thailand mostly Thai food.

 

I don't believe you.  Perhaps you could provide some documentation

 

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Mainland-Epicure-Aged-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

https://shop.countdown.co.nz/Shop/Browse/deli-chilled-foods/standard-cheese#url=/Shop/ProductDetails%3Fstockcode%3D281739%26name%3Dmainland-cheese-block-organic-cheddar%26searchString%3Dmainland%2Bcheddar

 

Seems to me the NZ cheese prices are the same NZ or Thailand

Or below?

 

http://www.igourmet.com/shoppe/shoppe.aspx

 

Edited February 9, 2018 by xyznot

[Naam]

5 minutes ago, pest said:

you obviously have not frozen cheese in a long while Try a bit next time it does not change the texture Maybe its the cheaper cheese I freeze but it does not crumble.

try to freeze a Camembert, Brie or Bresse Bleu and weep.

[anon537687643]

A Hard cheese will freeze and retain almost all its texture after thaw


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[JAFO]

Amazing how a poster reaching out for input on how to "transport" cheese ended up in this winded debate about which cheese is better, cost, etc.  I don't think the OP asked about the best cheese or did I miss that?  LOL.

 

[KMartinHandyman]

Amazing how a poster reaching out for input on how to "transport" cheese ended up in this winded debate about which cheese is better, cost, etc.  I don't think the OP asked about the best cheese or did I miss that?  LOL.
 

That’s because the penalties for high jacking threads is less severe than for airplanes. Give them time.

[Andrew Dwyer]

Amazing how a poster reaching out for input on how to "transport" cheese ended up in this winded debate about which cheese is better, cost, etc.  I don't think the OP asked about the best cheese or did I miss that?  LOL.
 

Yup, wasn’t really my intention to create a “ my cheese is better than your cheese “ debate !!

But it was bound to happen anyway and only added a bit of spice to a relatively boring thread .

[JAFO]

8 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Yup, wasn’t really my intention to create a “ my cheese is better than your cheese “ debate !!

But it was bound to happen anyway and only added a bit of spice to a relatively boring thread .

True Andrew but not all threads are supposed to be big debates that usually become petty . Good information helps when you leverage from travelers having done it before but not if you have to filter through pages to find it.

 

Regardless good luck with your cheese.  You have some good responses to make it fruitful no matter what your cheese preference may be.   

[whiteman]

I just spend my baht i do not give a flying fig and buy nz. cheese here in Thailand.   So many cheap charlies here trying to pay for their trip back home with bulk buys.

[Andrew Dwyer]

I just spend my baht i do not give a flying fig and buy nz. cheese here in Thailand.   So many cheap charlies here trying to pay for their trip back home with bulk buys.

It’s not just about the cost !
Near to me I have the choice of a Mainland Vintage Cheddar ( which is good I admit) or an Edam ( not to my taste ), or I could travel an hour each way to the nearest Tops to see what they have there.

As I’m going to the uk, for personal reasons not a cheese based road trip !, I think it’s acceptable that I take the opportunity to stock up on a variety of different cheeses !, the fact that they are a lot cheaper is a bonus .

Money is not a problem, I’m from Yorkshire after all !!

[xyznot]

2 hours ago, JAFO said:

Amazing how a poster reaching out for input on how to "transport" cheese ended up in this winded debate about which cheese is better, cost, etc.  I don't think the OP asked about the best cheese or did I miss that?  LOL.

 

If this were a forum from Newcastle and a poster asked for the best way to bring coal there in his suitcase what would you advise?

[norrska]

--

Edited February 9, 2018 by norrska

[Andrew Dwyer]

Well, thanks to all the cheese fans for the useful advice .
I will not freeze it just take it from the fridge shortly before leaving for the airport and will probably buy a small cooler bag to assist keeping it cool as am traveling via Doha.

And remember :

[Lokie]

3 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

It’s not just about the cost !
Near to me I have the choice of a Mainland Vintage Cheddar ( which is good I admit) or an Edam ( not to my taste ), or I could travel an hour each way to the nearest Tops to see what they have there.

As I’m going to the uk, for personal reasons not a cheese based road trip !, I think it’s acceptable that I take the opportunity to stock up on a variety of different cheeses !, the fact that they are a lot cheaper is a bonus .

Money is not a problem, I’m from Yorkshire after all !!

No being from Yorkshire money will certainly be no problem as I am sure you will be 'very careful' with it lol... and obviously at least bung some Taylors Yorkshire tea bags in with your cheese contraband while your at it flower! As there is no decent tea here in LOS either!

[Lokie]

6 hours ago, xyznot said:

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Mainland-Epicure-Aged-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.cCheese here is overpriced and not very goodo.th/en/p/Coombe-Extra-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Seriously-Strong-Extra-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Coombe-Double-Gloucester-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

http://www.tops.co.th/en/p/Seriously-Mature-Cheddar-Cheese-200g

Do you folks consider the above expensive and not very good?

 

Foodland has a greater variety and better prices and more cheese from France and Denmark but I couldn't find the prices online.  I buy from there monthly and have never thought they were expensive.  Sorry I don't have a grocery bill handy.  The only thing I would bring from the West is ..... I was going to say cotton top sheets but I found them at Central. 

Err... I refer you to my second paragraph, first sentence: Cheese here is overpriced and not very good As I said 'Propa' cheese at not Rip Off prices for tat. And the poster who said freezing deteriorates cheese, again use a good cheddar to start with and you will have no issues (most cheese sold in supermarkets around the world has been freezed at some point in storage/delivery)

 

I have freezed my cheese ever since I was once delayed in ME (morning fog) I can assure you after that trip when got to LOS my cheese was a mess, so you lot who do not freeze your precious cargo beware the risk??

 

And here is one of the best Cheddars I have ever tasted:

 http://www.caveagedcheddar.co.uk/cheese/

Edited February 9, 2018 by Lokie
info

[chickenslegs]

3 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Near to me I have the choice of a Mainland Vintage Cheddar ( which is good I admit)

After a few years living in Thailand I think we start to accept that the locally available cheese is OK - even good (same goes for the awful local beer).

 

But, when I go home - or if I'm lucky enough to have friends/family bring over the good stuff (Stilton from Leicestershire, proper Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Wensleydale +++)  I quickly realise that the supermarket "usual suspects" are a very poor imitation.

 

People living in the UK are also lucky enough to get all the best European cheeses at reasonable prices too - not to mention a fairly authentic French baguette and a reasonably priced decent bottle of wine with which to wash them down.

 

Back on topic - I keep the cheese in the fridge until the last minute. Then wrap in tinfoil and layers of newspaper. Place it in a tupperware box. Wrap the box with plenty of clingfilm (to retain the odour). Put it in the hold luggage. As soon as I get home, pop it in the fridge - or, if I don't intend to use it within a couple of weeks - cut it into single portions, wrap it and freeze it. Never had a problem.

[HooHaa]

On 2/9/2018 at 6:31 PM, pest said:

you obviously have not frozen cheese in a long while Try a bit next time it does not change the texture Maybe its the cheaper cheese I freeze but it does not crumble

 

Really not interested in arguing about crumbling cheese with you.

 

You enjoy your frozen cheesey delight now hear.

 

Ill lettgoogle make my point instead.

 

Quote

Can You Freeze Cheese Successfully?

 

 

Question: My local grocery store is currently running a special on cheddar cheese. Is it a good idea to stock up and freeze it?

Answer: You can freeze cheese successfully if you’re planning to use it for cooking purposes. 

Frozen cheese will remain safe to consume, but it will typically change texture and often become crumbly once thawed, says the National Dairy Council.

For that reason, you shouldn't count on serving the frozen cheddar at your next cocktail party. But it should be fine for use in cooked dishes like sauces, soups and casseroles.

While you can freeze just about any type of cheese, the firmer varieties  —  such as cheddar, gouda and Swiss  — tend to come through the freezing process with the least damage to texture and flavor. 

Now i ask you, if you are going to be flying something halfway around the world, why would you compromise it?

If that werent enough, see vidoes comparing frozen chesses to their original unfrozen selves.

 

http://itscheese.com/articles/can-you-freeze-cheese

 

So youndecide what you consider acceptable.

Edited February 10, 2018 by HooHaa

[sandyf]

On 2/9/2018 at 9:16 AM, Nurseynutcase said:

I bought some Branston pickle in Macro.  UK friends stunned that I got it here!!!

You can get it here at Tesco in Chonburi but I only buy it when discounted to half price, same with cheese.

[Pilotman]

On 09/02/2018 at 9:16 AM, Nurseynutcase said:

I bought some Branston pickle in Macro.  UK friends stunned that I got it here!!!

all visitors are welcome  to visit me here,  provided they bring with them at least  two large bottles of Branston Pickle and a box or two of Alka Selsa. I hate the lemon flavour stuff they have here. 

[Paul Laycock1]

I love my cheese but what’s Branston got to do with bringing cheese into Thailand. Love both.

[sandyf]

On 2/9/2018 at 10:11 PM, Andrew Dwyer said:

Well, thanks to all the cheese fans for the useful advice .
I will not freeze it just take it from the fridge shortly before leaving for the airport and will probably buy a small cooler bag to assist keeping it cool as am traveling via Doha.

And remember :
 

I have been bringing cheese here for years on end and only a couple of times coming through the ME has it showed signs of sweating. Its the luck of the draw with that, if your case ends up on the top of a luggage trolley it can make all the difference.

Overall I would rather take the chance than alter the cheese by freezing.

The biggest problem I had was when I put it in a freezer box which travelled as separate baggage and got left behind in Bahrain, didn't affect the cheese but was a close call with customs.

[Moo71]

3 minutes ago, Paul Laycock1 said:

I love my cheese but what’s Branston got to do with bringing cheese into Thailand. Love both.

Ploughman's !!!

[Paul Laycock1]

Yes love and remember a ploughmans, give me the good bread, pickled onions and whatever, memories of a pint and a hot afternoon in the UK.

[VocalNeal]

^ Could be the best thing on the menu at the Queen Vic on Soi 23?