Thailand Vacation Series – Thai Foods and Cooking

Thai foods and cooking

Thai food has become in recent years one of the world’s favorite cuisines. When we speak of

“Thai food “, we are in fact talking of four very distinct regions in the country, each with their own

culinary traditions. We are speaking too of the dishes created in the royal courts and palaces of

Old Siam, that have been passed down through many generations of chefs, and finally into

public domain.

Good food also comes up from the street level, and many of Thailand’s most popular dishes

can be found at the smallest food stalls and restaurants. And there is the influence of China,

India, Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. So all these different factors come together

under the label “Thai food”, and you will find them in varying degrees at any Thai restaurant you

care to visit, anywhere in the world.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the cuisine is its use of herbs and spices. With regard to

the spices, some Thai dishes are very hot, but by no means all of them. The herbs have another

function, in addition to providing flavour, in that they all have to varying degrees various medical

and therapeutic benefits.

Thailand has a long history, going back to ancient times, of the use of herbs for medical

purpose, and this in turn has permeated the ways of cooking and preparing food. Coupled with

its low-fat qualities and its essential freshness, this helps make thai food one of the healthiest

anywhere. Another important aspect about Thai food is the hospitality and friendiness, the

sheer enjoyment of good companionship and of eating that is such a powerful element of the

Thai personality. Sharing a meal is an important part of the day for any Thai person, and meal

are very seldom taken alone. That is why all the dishes are generally served at once during Thai

meal, and why there is a communal spoon placed alongside each dish for people to help

themselves and to serve others.

A Thai meal ideally is a communal affair, principally because the greater the number of dinners

the greater the number of dishes that can be sampled. Diners choose what ever they require

from share dishes and generally add it to their own plate of rice. All the dish are serve

simultaneously, or nearly so. The object is to archive a harmonious blend of the spicy, the

subtle, the sweet and sour, and a meal is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and

palate.

Thailand is blessed with many varieties of plants, herbs and spices which ensure s balanced

diet. Today, visitors can both relish classic Thai menus and the benefits of a natural diet, and

study the art of Thai cooking at several specialist schools in Bangkok and major beach resorts.