ANN/THE NATION – If it looks like a monitor lizard, and feels like a monitor lizard, it might just be an ice popsicle.
‘I’m Here’, created by Sai Sook Khao Yai Wildlife Learning Ground and Local Treats, a cafe in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district, takes its name from the phonetic derivation on the Thai slang for the lizard.
The treat mimics the monitor lizard’s skin and colouration with caramel and sesame.
The café proudly boasts of a meticulous process involving the blending of black and white sesame for a perfect mix of crunchiness and sweetness.
A bite reveals a creamy concoction of caramel, cream, cheese and milk, offering a silky, decadent flavour. They’ve even included honeycomb for an extra crunch.
“We wanted a popsicle that resembled a monitor lizard, but would not scare off customers,” the café explained.
In Thailand, monitor lizards are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act, and violators could face up to 10 years in prison and/or up to THB1 million in fines. Four species of the reptile can be found in the country, namely varanus nebulosus, varanus salvator, varanus rudicollis and varanus dumerilii.
This reptile is so iconic that even Hollywood star Russell Crowe posted a video clip with a monitor lizard during his visit to Bangkok in October 2021, calling it his “buddy”.
The monitor lizard popsicle is not just a treat for the tastebuds but also a testament to Thailand’s vibrant culinary creativity and love for its natural heritage.
