Published June 6, 2017 at 5:59 PM Updated June 6, 2017 at 7:01 PM
On a roadside two hours south of Bangkok in Phetchaburi province… a local food vendor is preparing to harness the power of the sun for the most talked about part of his menu: solar chicken.
CGTN America’s Joshua Barlow has more.
Thailand is hot for Sila's solar chicken
On a roadside two hours south of Bangkok, a local food vendor is harnessing the power of the sun for the most popular part of his menu: Solar chicken.
Sixty-year-old Sila Sutharat uses a wall of about one thousand mirrors to focus the sun’s rays onto a rack of marinated chicken. It’s a system he invented himself.
He says inspiration for the device came 20 years ago when he noticed how the sun’s heat reflected off a passing bus.
“I thought, with this heat reflecting from the window from the sun, I could possibly change it into energy,” Sila said.
And he did. Not only did his invention work, but using the makeshift solar panels ended up saving Sila a great deal of money in energy costs.
“At the time, energy was becoming more expensive. For example petrol, gas, and they were running out of wood to sell,” Sila said. “If I use solar energy I could save a lot. So I thought, hmm it’s possible, and it decreases the pollution.”
PHOTOS: Sila’s solar chicken
Click on any image for full-screen slideshow.
It’s efficient too. Silas says his solar array can cook a full chicken in about twelve minutes.
Because of the intense heat from the mirrors, Sila has to wear protective gear – like a welders mask – to avoid severe burns.
Sila says people thought his solar reflector idea was crazy at first, but over time they came around.
“After a long time passed by, they’d say: ‘Actually, you could do it’,” he said.
For two decades, Sila’s roadside restaurant has been a mostly local phenomenon. But, over the last few years, his solar cooker has become a big hit on Thai TV and social media. Customers have been flocking from all over the country. Visitors to Thailand are also eager to try Sila’s solar chicken… if they can find him.
Sila and wife Pansri now cook around 40 chickens — as well as several sides of pork – every day. His customers can definitely taste the difference with their solar cooked feast.
“We’ve been eating here for a long time – it’s delicious,” said customer Thanyarat Kaewpaleuk. “His chicken is fatty, it’s not burned and doesn’t smell like a charcoal grill, which you can smell on the meat.”
At the end of the day, taste is what matters most. But don’t wait that long… The solar cooker doesn’t work at night.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.