While scouring through some of the social media groups, my foodie senses (which are similar to “Spidey Senses“) began to tingle as I started seeing many posts from fellow Bangkok foodies sharing their culinary results from Mama Jean’s corned beef delivery service.

Folks were raving about this tender, flavorful corned beef and sharing their sandwich pics. It inspired me to order some and see what my gal and I could whip up in our kitchen.

Not only is this corned beef super tasty, but it’s also easy to quickly whip up some delicious dishes with it.  At 300 baht for 400 grams (with free delivery) it is a great value, too.

Hmmm…what to do with corned beef?

One bag goes a long way. With one order of corned beef, we were able to make 2 generously filled Reuben sandwiches for dinner and a large skillet of corned beef hash that brought nostalgic goosebumps for breakfast.

Fans of corned beef will want to learn more about Mama Jean’s and the lovely family that’s bringing this tender treat to Bangkok households!

Corned Beef vs Pastrami

Mama Jean’s corned beef chunks…

If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering, “What’s the difference between corned beef and pastrami?” Let me share with you what I’ve learned going down that rabbit hole while researching corned beef for this article.

Corned beef and pastrami are very similar. They’re both made from beef and they are both brined in pretty much the same seasonings.

Where they differ is in the cooking process. Corned beef is boiled after brining. While pastrami is coated with an additional layer of seasonings and then smoked after brining.

Now let’s make some great things with Mama Jean’s corned beef…class dismissed!

Reuben Sandwich

Yum!

One of the best things you can do with Mama Jean’s corned beef is to use it for sandwiches. Saying this, I would argue that the best sandwich you can make is a Classic Reuben Sandwich!

The history of this iconic sandwich is passionately debated.  But one thing is known, to make a delicious Reuben you need to make sure you invest in quality ingredients.

You’re already off to a GREAT start using this corned beef…

All you need is…

Making the ULTIMATE Reuben Sandwich…

To make a Reuben sandwich you’ll need rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.

In order to make this ULTIMATE Reuben sandwich, I used a Maison Jean Philippe dark rye sourdough (purchased at Villa Market), Mama Jean’s corned beef (obviously!), The Serial Pickler’s old-fashioned sauerkraut (the BEST!), Swiss cheese (I used the Mainland brand purchased from Villa Market), and homemade Russian Dressing (found in this recipe (1/2 the measurements)). You can substitute Russian Dressing for Thousand Island Dressing (if you have no shame!).

Serve with a pickle and chips…

Serve with a chilled beer, too!

Use quality ingredients and you’re sure to make a fantastic sandwich. Use loads of corned beef (we used 125 grams/sandwich), sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing. Make sure to serve this delicious mess with potato chips (I prefer Kettle chips), a large dill pickle, and an ice-cold beer.

Mama Jean’s corned beef is not just for sandwiches. For the 150 grams of corned beef that we had remaining after making our sandwiches, we made an amazing breakfast…

Breakfast is served!

Corned Beef Hash!

America’s answer to corned beef leftovers is this hearty breakfast dish, Corned Beef Hash. What a wonderful way to start your day! As soon as I bit into this I got goosebumps. This hash reminded me of the little family diner, Kay’s Country Kitchen in Old Town Orcutt, California where I regularly got my corned beef hash fix.

Being able to make this in my own kitchen today, thousands of miles away from California is a game-changer for me.

Combine diced potatoes and onions…

…with diced corned beef chunks and parsley!

We loosely followed this recipe to make the hash (reducing the ingredients based on 2/3 cup of corned beef). For a nicer texture, we also chopped the potatoes into little cubes and cooked them with the onion (instead of having them pre-cooked).

It easily makes a filling breakfast for 2 with each served with a fried egg, sunny-side up!

A Filippino favorite!

Filipino-style! (Photo Credit: Mama Jean’s)

Mama Jean’s initially began offering their corned beef shredded as it appealed to the Filipino community that they were reaching out to. Corned beef “Filipino-style” is somewhat similar to a corned beef hash except that it’s not fried and it’s served with white rice.

After tasting their corned beef one customer was reminded of the American-style corned beef flavors they’d enjoyed before. They suggested to Mama Jean’s that they also offer their corned beef in chunks so that it would be easier to make sandwiches.

Not only did this suggestion allow for their product to be used in more ways, but it also opened up a new market into Bangkok’s western expat community.

PRO TIP: If your goal is to make sandwiches, make sure to order them in chunks!

The story of Mama Jean’s

The Mama Jean Family

I had the opportunity to chat with Jean (center), who along with her husband, Mardy (left), and son, Tyrese (right) run the Mama Jean’s business as a family.  Originally from Manila, they arrived in Bangkok in 2006. It wasn’t their cooking skills that brought them to the Big Mango. Rather they were entertainers, and it was Jean’s talented singing and Mardy’s supporting keyboard that made them a dynamic stage duo in Bangkok’s hotel entertainment scene.

When COVID hit Thailand it decimated the entertainment industry. Released from employment, the family found themselves in a precarious situation. Rather than give up hope they relied on their faith. Jean believed that “God will make a way“. As a family, they decided to try something else. After perfecting Jean’s recipes in the kitchen, Mama Jean’s began delivering their delicious meats in June 2020.

Incredible corned beef!

Offering a selection of luncheon meats and corned beef, they started to create a buzz within the community of Bangkok foodies. I confess that I am not a very religious person, but I will say that their corned beef tastes heavenly! Jean demurs about sharing too many details about the recipe stating only that it is marinated overnight and then boiled to tender perfection.

It’s their hope that they can put the stage life behind them and grow this food business successfully. From my experience with their corned beef, I think they have a bright future before them. Corned beef fans who order from them will agree with me!

I’m Hungry. How do I get it?

Delivered fresh to your home!

Mama Jean’s is a delivery service so ordering from them is done online directly from their Facebook page. I ordered from them and received a same-day delivery (having the chance to meet Mardy and Tyrese!). They offer a free delivery service within a 10 km radius from their Sukhumvit 71 location. Grab delivery is available at a charge for orders outside of this radius.

Their menu includes other things besides corned beef. Make sure you specify that you want the corned beef in chunks if you’re making sandwiches!

I want to hear from you!

Should you decide to experience Mama Jean’s corned beef I’d love to hear your feedback in the comment section below, directly to me, or via message on either the Chow Traveller Facebook page or Chow Traveller Instagram (and feel free to like/follow these pages if you want to learn about more foodie gems). Show me those recipes and pictures of your dishes. However you choose to reach out, I’d love to hear from you!