Thai national cuisine

Thailand is a nation with ancient traditions that are evident in everything, including cooking. Of course, the way food is prepared has been influenced by trends from China and India. Here they say that if a dish fails, it is not the cook's fault, but not good enough products. The quality of ingredients comes first here.

Characteristics of Thai cuisine

The relationship between geography and cooking

It is easy to see echoes of Cambodian, Laotian, Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian national cuisines in Thai cuisine. Of course, the locals have made their own additions: they add herbs, unlike the spice-loving Indians.

The regions of Thailand put their own unique imprint on the national dishes.

• In particular, the south of the country has felt the influence of China and Malaysia.
• Eastern regions have much in common with the cuisine of Laos.
• North Thailand is home to meat-eaters, devotees of poultry and pork.
• The center of the state has borrowed all the features of the outskirts a little at a time.

Ingredients and flavors: the canvass of the national cuisine

Most Thai dishes are a bizarre combination of a wide variety of ingredients that cannot coexist at first glance. All sorts of patterns are ruined by the following features:

• The cuisine of Thailand has no prohibitions about the use of meat, fish, milk, and other ingredients. It is customary to use animal products as much as fruits and vegetables.
• The presentation of dishes of the local cuisine follows a general principle: most of the ingredients are laid on a bed of greens and lettuce.
• Rice is the base of many Thai dishes. More than a dozen types are used here, including white, black, brown, red, flavored, and glutinous rice.
• A wide variety of noodles also serve as a popular base for cooking. It is created from wheat, rice, legumes, and chicken eggs.
• The flavors of Thai cuisine are traditionally considered sour, sweet, and spicy. Here, you literally can't live without curry.

Secrets of Thai cooking

The Thais have some traits of quantitative measures unique to their national cuisine:

• Recipes for Thai dishes are very rarely prescribed down to the gram. Both experienced chefs and novices often cook by eye.
• Locals eat a little, but quite frequently. As such, portions at most places are small.
• Professional chefs and amateurs alike usually don't spend more than half an hour cooking. Speed is a consequence of using an open flame and the right special cookware for it.

Here's your list of popular Thai dishes:

- Tom yam kung: A soup with coconut milk broth, lime leaves, tomatoes, and shrimp.

- Som Tam: A spicy salad featuring garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and sweet cane, with nuts and legumes.

- Tom kai kai: A spicy soup with coconut milk and chicken.

- Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles.

- Cao na fet: Rice and roast duck in broth.

- Mi krob: Fried noodles in sweet and sour sauce.

- Fat Thai: Rice noodles with chicken, eggs, and shrimp in a spicy sauce.

- Kai ji mu sap: Rice with a mixture of fish and chicken sauce, topped with meat gravy.

- Po pya sod: Buns stuffed with omelet, salad, or sausage.

- Yam nya: Grilled meat served with cucumber, onions, and peppers, drizzled with lime juice.

These dishes offer a delicious taste of Thai cuisine for travelers to enjoy.

Desserts

Thai cuisine offers a limited variety of desserts as locals are not particularly fond of sweets. Typically, after a meal, you'll find patties, buns, and puddings made from ingredients like bananas, rice, coconut, and chicken eggs. Here are some of the most popular Thai desserts:

• Pho tong: A meringue introduced by Portuguese navigators.
• Kanom luk chap: Coconut marzipans.
• Mango sticky rice: Boiled rice with mango pieces, drizzled with condensed cow's or coconut milk and garnished with chopped nuts and seeds.

Fruit

If you prefer a simpler dessert, you can enjoy an array of fruits. Traditional European fruits like pears, apples, and peaches tend to be more expensive in Thailand. However, you can find a wide variety of exotic fruits, from pomelo to jackfruit, readily available. Markets and supermarkets often offer the convenience of peeling and cutting the fruit for customers.

Exotic Cuisine

Thailand is renowned for its gastronomic adventures, including exotic and almost extreme cuisine. One such original option is fried insects, including locusts, caterpillars, beetles, scorpions, and cockroaches. They are seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs and are commonly found at food markets. Additionally, you can watch the cooking process, adding to the unique experience. These exotic snacks are crispy, salty, and pair well with beer as an alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. A single serving typically costs around 20 THB.

Non-alcoholic and Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol

Thailand offers an array of remarkable beverages. It's important to note that the sale of alcohol is prohibited by law in Thailand from midnight until 11:00 AM.

• Thai beer is a local favorite, often served over ice to keep it colder and milder. Singha, Phuket, and Leo are among the most popular brands.
• Hong Thong rum, crafted from rice, sugarcane, herbs, and spices, is another beloved choice among tourists. It's commonly enjoyed with soda, cola, or ice.
• Local farmers tend to favor Siam Sato, an 8% rice wine, while the strongest local liquor is Lao Khao rice whiskey (35% alcohol).

Among the non-alcoholic beverages worth trying are:

• Cold milk with syrup and Nom yen water.
• A unique chocolate drink with a distinct Ovantine flavor.

Other Beverages

Drinking water in Thailand is typically purchased from stores and supermarkets, costing around 1 THB per liter.

Thailand is renowned for its teas. To order natural tea, use the word "zhak," and for natural coffee, use "boran."

You'll also find a wide selection of juices, carbonated drinks, and energy drinks on the shelves in Thailand.

Where to Eat in Thailand

You can find food at grocery store chains like 7/11, Lotus, and Big C, or at local markets. The most affordable fruits and vegetables can often be found at small markets or from local vendors along the roadside.

In Thailand, it's common to have family dinners or meals with friends. Cooking and eating at home is almost uncommon. Local eateries often have inexpensive plastic furniture and offer takeout options. While the food in these cafes and restaurants is very affordable, the ambiance can be unique.

Another dining option is food courts. Lunch at these places typically costs around 100 THB. For a full meal at a mid-range restaurant for one person, expect to spend approximately 300-400 THB (about 9-12 USD). Night markets are also interesting places to eat, where food is often prepared right in front of customers.

Even when trying the most exotic Thai dishes, there's no need to worry: the ingredients used for cooking are always very fresh. Don't be afraid of the spiciness; rice is served alongside spicy dishes to help balance the heat. In any case, Thailand's national cuisine is sure to delight everyone!