Thai Food and Culture

Thai Food and Culture
By Michael Moran
Thai Superstitions Surrounding Food
In Thailand, meals are traditionally eaten in a group setting. Unlike in America, the Thais believe it is bad luck to eat alone. Considering the Thais eat in large groups, it's therefore not surprising that a typical Thai dinner consists of three or more different dishes. And since, in Thailand, it is bad luck to throw food away, normally all of these dishes would be consumed in one sitting. Discarding food might anger the Thai "god of rice", a female deity who watches over the people, ensuring everyone has enough to eat. Bad luck or even widespread famine may ensue if food goes uneaten or is needlessly wasted.
A Typical Thai Meal
In Thailand, a typical meal would consist of the following:

One or two curry dishes, such as green, yellow, or red curry. These might be made with red meat, poultry, tofu, vegetables, or seafood, depending on the region and what protein sources are readily available.

A noodle dish such as Pad Thai noodles. These flavorful rice noodles might be made with tofu, chicken, or prawns.

A vegetable stir-fry dish made with just one or a variety of fresh local vegetables.

With all meals, Thai jasmine-scented rice is served on the side. Dessert may consist of something as simple as fresh fruit such as pineapple or papaya. For a beverage, most Thais enjoy their meal with a cold lager or a cool drink such as lime water or Thai iced tea.
How do Thais eat?
You've probably noticed that most Thai restaurants provide chopsticks to their patrons. And while the Chinese did bring chopsticks to Thailand several centuries ago, today most Thais prefer to use Western cutlery-but in their own special way. Thai cutlery generally consists of a fork and large spoon (tablespoon). The spoon is held in the right hand and used (in place of a knife) to cut meat as well as to scoop up the food (in place of a fork).
When eating, most Americans load up their plates with various types of food, as at a buffet table. In contrast, the Thais do not combine various foods on their plates, but rather, they sample one dish at a time, always eaten with a mound of Thai jasmine-scented rice on the side. Unlike the Chinese style, bowls are used mainly for soup, not in place of a plate.
Finally, just for fun, encourage your family or guests to eat like the Thais do, sampling one dish at a time and eating with a spoon and fork. Most of all, take the time to enjoy your good health, your friends and loved ones, and last but not least, the wonderful Thai food on your plate. After all, good food truly is a reason to celebrate!
Michael Moran is the founder of CurrySimple Thai food products. With sauces made in Thailand, CurrySimple allows the average person the ability to cook a restaurant quality Thai meal at home. The concept evolved after spending years working in Thai restaurants while listening to his customer's conversations about the difficulty and complexity of cooking Thai food. Now with the development of the sauces (the hard part in Thai cooking), enjoying the taste and health benefits of Thai food is easy.

Visit CurrySimple for more product information and recipes.
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อาหารเจ

           สวัสดีค่ะ..วันนี้มาแนะนำการหารเจกัน...เพราะช่วงนี้คือเทศกาลกินเจ..เลยหาเมนูเด็ดๆมาเพื่อคนชอบเจกันค่ะ..การกินเจไม่เพียงแค่ได้บุญนะคะ..เรายังได้ประโยชน์เยอะแยะจากอาหารเจกันด้วยค่ะ ฉะนั้นแล้วคนที่กินเจต้องกินแบบไหนถึงจะสุขภาพดีและได้บุญนิเรามาดูกันเลยดีกว่าค่ะ
    ถ้าใครยังคิดไม่ออกว่าจะทำเมนูไหนดีถึงจะเหมาะกับเทศกาลเจนะคะ มีเมนูแนะนำดังนี้เลยจ้า
- ซุปรากบัว เจ
- ผัดผักกาดเขียวเห็ดหอมเจ
- โปรตีนเกษตรทอดกรอบเจ
- ต้มข่าไก่เจ
- หมูทอดพริกไทยเจ
- แกงจืดฟองเต้าหู้ดอกไม้จีนเจ
- เกี้ยวทอดไส้ผัดเจ
- เห็ดหอมอบวุ้นเส้นเจ
- เต้าหู้หวานผัดวุ้นเส้นเจ
- ยำถั่วพูเจ
- งบหน่อไม้เจ
- ห่อหมกเห็ดเจ
- ทอดมันข้าวโพด เจ
- เต้าหู้นึ่งแป๊ะซะเจ
- หอยทอดเจ
- หมูก้อนเจ
- เห็ดนางฟ้าชุปแป้งทอดเจ
- ต้มจืดอ่อมแซบเจ
- หมี่กรอบเจ
- ยำมะเขือยาวเจ
- ยำปลาเค็มเต้าหู้อ่อนเจ
- เต้าหู้ม้วนเผือกเจ
- สลัดเต้าหู้ทอดซอสมะขามเจ
- เต้าหู้นึ่งราดซอสเห็ดหอมเจ
- ขนมเต้าส่วนเจ
    แหมๆๆ..ขนาดฟังชื่อก็เรียกน้ำลายย้อยไปเยอะแล้วนะคะ..ลองทำกันดูนะคะเมนูที่แนะนำมาเนี่ย..ทั้งอร่อยทั้งมีประโยชน์ทั้งได้บุญ หาที่ไหนไม่ได้อีกแล้วล่ะคร่าา..ขอให้มีความสุขกับเทศกาลกินเจปีนี้นะคะ
อิ่มบุญๆกันท้วนหน้าจร้าาา

Thai Food Delivery Services

Thai Food Delivery Services
By Stephanie Zhang
Once you get to know what Thai food tastes like, chances are you'll fall in love with Thai cuisine. Similar to other types of Asian food, Thai cuisine is full of wonderful flavors and spices. Also, there are several health benefits to eating them, thanks to some of the ingredients used when preparing Thai dishes. For example turmeric, galangal, coriander and lemongrass are famous for their health benefits as well as their flavors.
If you're a big fan of Thai food or simply a beginner who would like to get to know the Thai cuisine better, there are several Thai dishes you can try. Quality Thai dishes are available in many countries and there are many advantages to use food delivery services.
One of the biggest advantages of ordering food to be delivered to your house is that you can save a lot of time this way. Instead of wasting hours in the kitchen you can be with your loved ones, read a book, watch a movie, hang out with friends etc.. All you have to do is place an order and wait for your Thai food to be delivered. Of course it will cost you a bit more money, but you'll get to save hours of boring work in the kitchen. And time, after all, is money!
If you're wondering whether Thai delivery services will offer you the same quality and selection as real-life Thai restaurants then relax. Most Thai food delivery restaurants offer a great variety of dishes for an affordable price. The Thai menu includes several items such as salads, soups, fried rice, noodles, greens, seafood and world famous tofu. You can rest assured that you won't miss a thing if you decide to take advantage of one of the many Thai food delivery services available in your area.
The following is just a small sample of all the different kind of Thai dishes that have already won millions of Thai food fans across the world.
Gai Pad Met Mamuang: Salty chicken fried with crunchy cashew nuts. Although this dish doesn't represent the Thai cuisine's style very well, it's a perfect meal for starters since it's not too spicy or hot.
Por Pia Tord: The English translation would be something like "Fried Spring Roll" and the crispy pastries with vegetable fillings and sweet dipping sauce make it a perfect appetizer for foreigners.
Khao khluk kapi: The English name of this one is "fried rice with shrimp paste". In this case rice is fried with shrimp paste and served with pork, shrimp, mango, cucumber, green beans and shallots. This meal could make a perfect Thai lunch.
Naturally if you want to know more about Thai dishes there are many other sources you can turn to. could also consider catering them on your events/functions. And once your Thai food delivery arrives all you have to do is eat your meal in the comfort of your own home.
Delicious Thai food dinner delivery service in Singapore. Check out our thai food menu here.
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3 Reasons to Love Thai Food

3 Reasons to Love Thai Food
By Charles Cheow
Thai delivery services are serving up some of the best take out food available anywhere today. You can sink your taste buds into some of the most incredible flavors with delicately saut�ed vegetables, perfectly cooked chicken and fish, and a variety of other foods that will make you never want to put your fork down.
Following is a list of just some of the top reasons people state for loving authentic Thai food. What reasons could you add to the list?
#1: You can always find a hot and spicy Thai dish when you crave it.
Many people crave hot, spicy foods, and not every cuisine has this type of dish readily available. Authentic Thai cuisine is different because it is known for being very spicy. Many restaurants allow diners to choose between different sauces and some may be a bit hotter than others, but you can always get an authentic Thai kitchen to kick up the heat when you need it.
Craving something hot? Thai is the way to go. Try a dish called Pad Kee Moa and ask for it very spicy if you like hot dishes. Nam Prik is another hot one to try out.
#2: You don't have to be rich to learn to cook basic Thai dishes.
Anyone with Thai parents who grew up eating authentically cooked Thai foods will tell you is that you don't have to be rich to enjoy this cuisine. Thai people aren't rich for the most part, but they take advantage of all natural resources in their environment to make delicious foods that could be served to the rich and famous.
Some very cheap foods are considered staples in the Thai cuisine. This includes rice, which practically everyone has access to today. This is a cuisine that can teach you to infuse very basic ingredients with intense flavor and aroma.
#3: There is such variety in Thai food that you will never get bored.
Some national cuisines rest on a few basic tastes or types of meals, but Thai is definitely breaking the mold. This cuisine offers such a wide variety of dishes that you could eat it every night for the rest of your life and never get bored.
This is why many people who love Thai food say that you are never "not in the mood" for Thai. There are so many different flavors, textures, and types of food that you can always find something appealing to your taste buds.
This probably comes from the differences in Thai cuisine in different areas of Thailand. You can go to different regions of the country and see some real differences in how they prepare food, what dishes they serve, and how even how they are served.
Thai food is affordable, fun, and delicious. There are ways to spice it up and tame it down, depending on your own taste buds and what you may be in the mood for. Of course, be prepared for intense heat if you order one of the hottest Thai dishes being served. This is not one of those cuisines that claim to have hot food while serving mere mild dishes.
Spicy means intensely hot in the Thai culture! Of course, there are still other options such as sweet and sour chicken and fish if you can't stand the heat.
Delicious Thai food delivery in Singapore. Check out our thai food menu here.
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3 Reasons to Love Thai Food

3 Reasons to Love Thai Food
By Charles Cheow
Ask anyone you know that loves Thai food and they will give you their personal reasons for enjoying it so much. There is definitely a reason this style of cuisine is growing in popularity around the world! If you are considering joining the ranks of enthusiasts, consider just three of the most often stated reasons for loving this cuisine style:
#1: Variety
One thing is for certain: you will never get bored exploring Thai food! Since there have been a variety of cultural influences on the population in Thailand, there are different styles of Thai food that are more popular in different areas of the country. This has led to an immense variety of Thai foods with different flavors and cooking styles.
There are still some elements on the cuisine that pull all of these different influences together, such as the love of rice and vegetables, but how these basic foods are combined, spiced and made into meals is quite varied.
You can experiment with different types of Thai foods to see what pleases your palate the most. Have some fun with it and try a variety of recipes to get the full experience of what Thai food has to offer.
If you are interested in learning to cook Thai, eating authentically prepared dishes from a delivery service or restaurant is the best way to study! You will then know what the cuisine is all about and recreating that in your own kitchen will be easier. To be an excellent cook of Thai you have to be an eater of Thai.
#2: Intense Flavor
The different flavors used in Thai food and the way they are mingled together is another reason to love this style of food. Once you taste it, you see that it is quite different from other ethnic foods because of the spices, vegetables and fruits used in very unique ways.
Thai food should have a lot of flavor and there should be a lot of flavor mixtures that are pure heaven on the tongue. Not only is this true of Thai desserts, but of main courses as well.
#3: Healthy Options
Thai cuisine is one of the few that can easily be made very healthy. If you are concerned with weight loss or just keeping in shape and healthy so you can sustain an active life, Thai food is a great way to eat out of the house without setting your goals back.
Some of the most basic ingredients found in Thai recipes include vegetables, rice, and lean meats like chicken. There isn't a lot of beef found in Thai food, which is a good thing considering the high saturated fat in beef. Rather, you will learn to cook meatless meals as well as working with healthier meat options like fish and chicken.
A lot of authentic Thai recipes will use fresh spices and herbs rather than thick sauces and oils that can pack the calories into a meal. Even recipes that do have sausage, oil and other fatty elements can often be tweaked a bit to be lighter and more calorie-friendly.
Remember, not every Thai meal will be completely healthy, but you have a lot more options for healthy eating with this type of cuisine than you do with most others.
Delicious Thai food lunch delivery service in Singapore. Check out our thai food menu here.
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The Spice of Thai Food: Healing Herbs, Healthy Dishes

The Spice of Thai Food: Healing Herbs, Healthy Dishes
By Charles Cheow
Modern research has revealed through the years that herbs and spices can have a healing impact on the human body when consumed in high concentrations and on a routine basis. This is why so many people now focus on herbal supplements and medications that heal and support the body just as well as prescription medications.
Many of the spices and herbs that have been found to have healing properties for the human body happen to be used quite frequently in Thai dishes. This supports the idea that Thai food is healthier than most other cuisines found around the world. If you want something delicious and healthy, there are many Thai dishes that can tickle your taste buds while keeping your body healthy and functioning properly.
Authentic & Fresh Thai
In order to take advantage of the herbs and spices that are beneficial to your body, you have to consume fresh Thai food. There are some Thai restaurants and delivery services that don't use fresh ingredients or which skimp on the herbs and spices that would normally be included in an authentic Thai meal.
Make sure that you are enjoying fresh Thai cuisine from a chef that uses fresh, wholesome ingredients. Not only will your body benefit from more of the spices that are so good for your body, but your food will taste much better as well. You can't get that true Thai taste if fresh, natural ingredients are not used.
Explore Thai Cuisine
If your purpose for eating Thai food is to add spices and herbs into your diet that may help your body stay healthy, it is important to do some research into which spices have proven to give the benefits you wan to receive. You can then find Thai dishes that incorporate those spices to ensure you get what you ultimately want from your food.
For instance, if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and are interested in stopping the pain that you feel on a daily basis, you might be interested in spicy Thai dishes that use cayenne pepper. Why? Because cayenne pepper has proven to help block pain in the body, including joint pain.
If you are interested in digesting foods properly and supporting your digestive system, then foods that are high in fennel or ginger may be of interest to you. Do some research and you will find that a lot of other spices and herbs can used in your food to get a variety of different health benefits.
Not Diet Alone
One thing must be made very clear here: you aren't going to get complete relief from arthritis or stop all of your digestion problems just by eating Thai foods that incorporate fresh spices and herbs. If you love Thai food, it certainly can help, but it isn't a miracle cure for all of life's little ailments.
To get the most relief from health problems causing you concern, use spices and herbs in your food as a supplement to a doctor's treatment and other remedies.
The good thing about Thai food is it uses fresh ingredients and incorporates a lot of fruits and nuts that are very healthy for the body. There are also a lot of Thai dishes that are on the lighter side, such as soups and salads.
Of course, t here are definitely some fattening dishes in the Thai cuisine when you want to be a little naughty, but so many Thai dishes can be made very healthy!
Delicious Thai food dinner delivery service in Singapore. Check out our thai food menu here.
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Delicious Dishes: Thai Food

Delicious Dishes: Thai Food
By Charles Cheow
You don't have to live in China to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, so why would you expect that authentic Thai food could only be enjoyed in Thailand? Wherever you are in the world, there are a wide variety of cuisines available to you. It's a matter of deciding what types of food sound good to you and figuring out how to get authentic food at the most affordable prices.
If you thought that eating authentic Thai dishes required a reservation at a fancy Thai restaurant and a wad of cash ready to blow, it's time to rethink this idea. If you give it some thought and serious looking, you will find that authentic Thai food can be found without spending money. In fact, you can get authentic Thai food delivered right to your front door in most cases!
Thai Food Delivery
Thai food delivery services are the most convenient way to enjoy fresh Thai dishes without learning to make it yourself or booking reservations at an expensive restaurant. You just need to make sure that the food delivery service you are using has an authentic Thai chef on hand who knows how to make each dish exactly as it was intended to be cooked.
Most areas don't have a lot of delivery services preparing Thai dishes, so it shouldn't be too difficult to determine which ones are the best and which ones serve authentic Thai dishes. You should be able to look up the services in your area online and learn more about their services and their menu.
It is best to familiarize yourself with their menu prior to placing your first order. If you are new to Thai food you may need to look some dishes up to see what they include or what the ingredients may be. Or, just call the Thai food delivery service up and ask them your questions. A knowledgeable service should be able to tell you exactly what is in each dish and help you find something that suits your taste buds.
Thai Flavors
What makes Thai dishes so interesting is the blend of flavors included. The people of Thailand recognize all of the flavor categories when they prepare their meals:
1. Sweet
2. Sour
3. Bitter
4. Salty
5. Spicy
Some meals may lean heavily toward one of these flavor categories while others blend two or more together delicately. When you consider all the different ingredients that can create each of these flavors, you see why Thai food is so diverse.
Enjoying Thai dishes at Home
If you don't live in Thailand, then enjoying authentic Thai dishes in your own home is the simplest way to get to know the cuisine and indulge your cravings once your palette has been introduced. Most people find that they crave the flavors that come out of Thai food, so they become regulars with the delivery service in their area.
You never know, you could end up being one of those people once you try Thai food! Once you find a Thai delivery service that works with an authentic Thai chef to deliver delicious Thai cuisine, you can enjoy this cuisine whenever you want it...and it doesn't matter where on earth you live!
Thai cuisine is so diverse it can please anyone's taste buds, so why not give it a try?
Delicious Thai food dinner delivery service in Singapore. Check out our thai food menu here.
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An Introduction to Thai Food

An Introduction to Thai Food
By Charles Cheow
You can go anywhere in the world today and find people who say they absolutely love Thai food. This ethnic cuisine is becoming more and more popular, leading to online delivery services and mail order Thai cuisine services that take these authentic flavors and traditional Thai dishes all around the world. If you find yourself getting interested in Thai food as well, it doesn't hurt to learn a little more about what you are eating.
There are many people who love Thai food, but don't realize that there are different varieties and different flavors that go into this food. "Thai food" is actually a generalized term used to describe food from Thailand, but the reality is there are different types of Thai food with different flavors coming from different areas of Thailand.
It is the same thing in most other countries as well. People around the world will talk easily about "American food," but when you actually live in the U.S. you realize that it is near impossible to really classify American food in general. In the southern United States they eat different things than you will find in New York or California.
Plus, a lot of the food served in the United States today has been influenced heavily by other cultures that have been assimilated in the American culture. All of this comes together to bring a huge variety of the flavors and food styles found in the United States. It is the same thing with food from Thailand!
When you actually live and eat in Thailand, you learn that there are different styles and flavors that are prepared in different areas of the country. While all of these different flavors and dishes from all regions are included under the general term of "Thai food," and all are considered authentic, most people in other countries will never know try all of the different varieties.
Authentic Thai food has a lot of variety, so you will take their time to explore different flavors from different areas of the country.
Finding Thai Food in Your Country
What if you love Thai dishes but don't live in Thailand? Everyone can still enjoy authentic Thai dishes by ordering online. There are many mail delivery and local delivery services popping up all around the world. Their goal is to serve authentic Thai food to people who want something different than they can prepare in their own kitchen.
Unless you are from Thailand or have been trained by someone from Thailand, there is no way to make authentic Thai food on your own. You can find recipes for knock-off dishes, but to get that authentic flavor that you crave, you have to order directly from Thailand chefs who are trained to work with all styles and flavors of the culture.
Enjoying Thai Dishes
Once you discover Thai dishes, it is difficult to forget about it. This is one of the most popular ethnic food styles enjoyed around the world, and there is a reason for that! Everyone loves Thai because of the fresh ingredients and intense flavor. Once you try Thai, you will want to taste it over and over again. You will want to explore new dishes as well, so be prepared to get hooked on it.
Delicious Thai food dinner delivery service in Singapore. Check out our Thai food menu here.
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Thai Food - Adding a Bit of Spice to Your Life

Thai Food - Adding a Bit of Spice to Your Life
By Michael A. Allen
When you go to an exotic new country, one of the best parts of the experience can be sampling new taste sensations at the local restaurants.
Thailand is no exception. This is a country of culinary delights. From the extra spicy to interestingly sour you will find a wide range of local foods that will delight your taste buds, fill your belly and soak up tons of booze before you hit the town.
Thai food is typically spicy and has many herbs and spices; this is for a few reasons.
One, Thai's love spicy food and two, the spices often have medicinal purposes.
Many of us from major western cities already have a fairly good idea of what Thai food is from our own local restaurants. Still, the food here is obviously going to be better, made with local ingredients and not exactly what you expect.
The first major difference that you will notice is that there is no knife on your place setting. Instead you get a spoon!
This goes back to ancient Buddhist customs where serving someone a large piece of meat would be deeply offensive; so all pieces of meat or fish are already cut into small portions that can be easily brought to your mouth with a Thai spoon.
Another big difference is that Thais rarely eat alone and everyone shares each other's plates of food. Typically, if two Thais go out together they will order three main courses. If three Thais go out together they will order four main courses, and so on and so on.
Soup also comes with every meal; but unlike in the west they don't eat it as a separate course. Instead it is enjoyed at the same time as the main course as a way to incorporate a variety of taste sensations.
Almost all Thai meals are served with a plate of rice.
Every course brought to you will provide you with complete taste balance. If one part of your meal is very spicy, the other part will be very bland. If part of your meal is sweet, another component will be sour.
This is also part of the Buddhist way of looking at meals.
A Different Type Of Curry
Curry is used in many Thai dishes but in a different way than you will be used to if you associate it with Indian food.
Indian curries tend to burn in your mouth for long periods of time Thai curries, on the other hand, tend to burn hotter at first, but quickly diminish in your mouth. Nearly all Thai food is spicy. Hot peppers are in most dishes. If you want non spicy, make sure to request that!
Indian curries are also made from dried spices while Thai curries are made from fresh herbs.
A Typical Thai Meal
A typical Thai meal incorporates many different courses including:
o Tidbits: Small items to get your appetite going including spring rolls, satay and puffed rice balls.
o Hot Salads: These are often spicy and more often than not have meat or fish in them.
o Main course: Served with soup and rice.
o Dips: Sometimes a main course all their own, sometimes they are included to be shared as part of the tidbit or main course. They are accompanied by vegetables or small pieces of meat.
o Curries: These can also be a main course or stand out on their own. Curries almost always have meat or fish in them.
o Desert: Because of how spicy most Thai meals are, Thai deserts are often much sweeter than you may be used to. They may add the pounds but they will be delicious!
Remember that Thai's don't differentiate between Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. So you will not find the wide variety of breakfast foods that you will in most places. There are tons of restaurants that cater to foreigners and that have excellent Breakfast food and buffets.
It is not unusual for Thai restaurants to serve food as it is ready. It is not considered rude to begin your meal when your food arrives. I have been to restaurants where I was finished with my meal before my friend's food arrived.
This is not uncommon and not considered rude to eat when your plate arrives.
It is also not uncommon for a group to order and all share the same meal. I have seen many Thai's order 3 plates of food and then just share at will. If you have an aversion to someone taking food off your plate, you need to make this clear as most people that eat here do so in group settings and it is considered part of the meal to share.
Most places you eat will not offer 'real' napkins or paper towels. Instead, they bring you toilet tissue. Again, don't be offended by this. It is just part of the course. You will also notice that after a meal, most Thai's get up and go to the rest room and wash their hands carefully.
Tipping is not considered necessary but it is VERY appreciated. I suggest a tip of 20 baht to 100 baht for a meal. It all depends on the price. I know most that read this will disagree but if you have a great meal and you had good service, give a nice tip to your waiter. To do this, you place the tip outside of the bin. If you place the tip inside, it is shared with the entire staff or goes to the owner. If you want to tip your waiter, pay your bin and think separately give them 50 baht (or whatever amount you have decided on) in another hand. This assures that the tip goes to them.
For more information about Thai food and culture go to: http://www.thailandvisa.com
For all the information you need to know about Thailand Visa and Immigration issues and about living and working in Thailand, go to http://www.thailandvisa.com. The Thailand Visa website is a free resource for expats living in Thailand and for travelers who want to visit the country. Michael A. Allen lives abroad and loves travel and adventure.
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An Introduction to Thai Food

An Introduction to Thai Food
By Julian Adikary
A Guide for the Gastronomically Timid British Newbie
A surprising number of us Brits are still very wary of "foreign food". Despite claims that curry is now as much an English national dish as roast beef or fish and chips, there are still many people who are missing out on flavours they never dreamed existed. Whether we like it or not, the British palate is not renowned for its sense of adventure. Our indigenous cuisine is universally regarded as bland and, apart from the odd dash of mustard or horseradish sauce, hot and spicy are not qualities easily found in a traditional British meal.
Indian and Chinese foods have gained wide acceptance as recent generations have grown up with their presence. Other spicy foods that have long been popular in the USA, such as Mexican and Thai, have taken longer to become established in the UK. Mexican cuisine is still something of a novelty, but Thai food has enjoyed a veritable explosion of popularity in the last decade.
It is, perhaps, the universal presence of rice that misleads the uninitiated Brit into assuming that all South East Asian food is much the same. This misconception, although typical of the British indifference to, and ignorance of, exotic cultures, could not be further from the truth. The four regional styles that comprise Thai cuisine contain a range of unique and spectacular dishes. While the influence of Thailand's Asian neighbours, particularly China, is present in some recipes, the richly structured native Thai cuisine evolved from a fusion of many influences. Trade routes brought input from Europe as well as other pats of Asia.
Thai cuisine has elements in common with both Indian and Chinese food, but offers advantages over both. The aromatic flavours are more prominent and varied than in Chinese food, and the majority of dishes are lighter and less fatty than Indian foods.
Rice, vegetables, fish and fresh herbs and spices are essential elements. Some common Thai ingredients, such as turmeric, which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are often included in lists of so-called "super foods". When one also considers the relatively small amount of red meat used in Thai recipes, it is not surprising that it is regarded as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
But, health considerations aside, the best reason for the timid British diner to try Thai food is its impressive range of flavours. To get the full benefit of the experience, it is a good idea to partake of a meal served in the traditional manner. The company of two or three people is so much nicer than dining alone, so a Thai meal should be a communal occasion. In general, the more people present, the more dishes will be ordered, and the more different things may be tried. As a rough guide, it might be expected that two people would order three dishes in addition to their rice. Three diners might order four, or maybe five, dishes.
When the food arrives, each dinner guest will receive an individual plate of rice, which forms the base upon which she may construct a meal according to taste from the dishes that have been ordered. Each will choose whatever she fancies from the shared dishes and add it to her plate of rice. While eating the meal, soup may be enjoyed as an accompaniment and does not have to be taken as a separate course. This sometimes surprises first-time diners.
Thai food is usually eaten with a fork and spoon; something which greatly reassures those who might have expected to have to master the unfamiliar technique of chopsticks. Chopsticks are actually used rarely, generally only for eating some noodle dishes. As all elements of a Thai meal are usually served in nice, bite-sized pieces, it is easy to eat one's dinner with dignity.
In some part of Thailand, as in many parts of the world, it is common to eat food directly with the right hand instead of using cutlery. Practicality, and the sometimes rather rigid British sense of propriety make this an uncommon technique to use in restaurants, and it probably goes without saying that the spoon and fork option will be seen as preferable by all present!
Amongst the fare, one might find various snacks and side dishes such as rice cakes, satay (a kebab-like meat snack, skewered with bamboo and often served with a peanut sauce) and spring rolls. General dishes might include omelettes and stir fried or sweet and sour dishes. Soups, curries and various dips are all likely to make an appearance, as is a salad. The Thai salad is, however, often a little different from its conventional British counterpart in the use of sweet, sour and salty flavours along with the spiciness of chillies.
Like many Asian cuisines, Thai restaurant cookery has made the occasional adaptation to take advantage of ingredients local to the country in which it operates. Broccoli, for example, is used in many British Thai restaurants, but it is rarely used in Thailand itself.
It is beyond the scope of this article to describe in detail the flavours of individual Thai dishes. Suffice it to say that there is something to suit every palate. Thai cuisine specialises in balancing spicy, sweet, sour, salt and bitter flavours, and as fresh herbs generally take precedence over strong spices, those flavours are perhaps less daunting than those in some of the fierce curries to be found in Indian food. That is not to say that Thai curries lack fire, but the spice-heat is perhaps more fleeting than that from Indian foods, and thus the palate is more quickly free to enjoy the flavours of other dishes. The meal is usually rounded off with a welcome sweet or fruit desert to contrast with the spices and herbs of the main meal.
A Thai meal is a visual experience as well as an olfactory one. The presentation of many dishes is colourful and rich in varied textures. The attractiveness of the food, the richness of the flavours and the emphasis in communal enjoyment of the meal make Thai dining an experience that should not be missed.
The original article can be viewed at Thai Food [http://www.thai-food-online.co.uk/thaifood.asp] online website.
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Getting Introduced to Thai Food

Getting Introduced to Thai Food
By Napatr Lindsley
Are you having a standard American dinner tonight? Bored with chicken, potatoes, salad and pasta? Thinking of Thai food but nah it seems hard to cook? Well, Thai food should be easy and quick to prepare. In Thailand, street food or food vendors are everywhere in a city or small town. There are all kinds of street food, appetizers, noodle soup, curry, desserts, fruits, etc. I would say this is our way of life in Thailand. It is common to find a very good food vendor, even better than a restaurant. Most street vendors in Thailand did not go to a culinary school. How do they make such yummy food? Mostly it is from helping in a kitchen.
As I mentioned, Thai food is prepared easily and quickly. Thai food is all about putting the right ingredients together. In America, finding a restaurant that serves authentic Thai food can be somewhat challenge especially if you are not living in a big city. I have been to many Thai restaurants in Oregon, and most of them offer Thai food that is very Americanized. Some dishes are way too far from the original Thai food except the name of the dish.
If you have not been to a Thai restaurant or eaten much Thai food before, going to your local Thai restaurant is an option to get acquainted with Thai dishes. Go with your friends so that you can try a variety of dishes. Also, using the Internet, you can find authentic Thai recipes. You might ask what kinds of elements define an authentic Thai recipe.
Ingredients make a difference. If a recipe requires lots of standard American vegetables, it is not likely to be a real Thai recipe. If you find a recipe that has lots of unrecognized names or something that is uncommon to find in the local grocery store, that might be it. For example, in Thailand, a green curry dish has four main vegetables: Thai eggplants, pea eggplants, kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil. Americanized green curry might have green beans, carrots, eggplants, or perhaps tomatoes.
If this is your first time to make a Thai dish, plan ahead. Find the dish you like on the Internet or in a Thai cookbook. Learn about the ingredients and visit either a local or online Asian grocery store. Templeofthai.com and importfood.com are popular websites specializing in authentic Thai ingredients and products. They carry almost everything from flour, sauces, curry paste, noodles, cookware, fresh produce and vegetables.
Don't be discouraged. Really, making Thai food is not too complicated. It is easy once you have and know your ingredients.
Another component is having the right cooking equipment. Many people say having a wok is a minimum requirement, but I would say it depends. It is a nice thing to have. If you have an electric stove, using a wok is not going to do much for some dishes. But if you have a gas stove, adding a wok in your kitchen could spice up your meals because of how gas stoves distribute heat. I have a wok at home but also an electric stove. So I do not really use my wok that much at all because with the electric stove, it does not distribute heat evenly to the side of the wok. Mortar and pestle are needed if you like to make your own paste. Many people find ways to use a food processor instead. It is certainly a substitute, but in my opinion, it does not deliver the same texture of paste.
When you are ready to cook, following your recipe directions is a good start. However, when it comes to taste, follow your own preference, given that taste varies from person to person. You will need to find your own balance for seasoning your dish. If the recipe tells you to add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, add 1 tablespoon first. Taste it and see how you like it. If you would like more, then add more. As my mom always told me, "it is easier to fix the taste if you add little at the beginning. If you add too much at first, you might not be able to fix it."
Thai cuisine is versatile and offers a range of flavors and textural variety. It is aesthetically pleasing, and there are many ways to make Thai cuisine part of an enjoyable culture experience. Cheers to Thai food!
Napatr Lindsley
Learn Authentic Thai Cooking at http://thaicookinghouse.com/
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Introduction To Thai Food - Thai Curry, Pad Thai And Stir-Fry

Introduction To Thai Food - Thai Curry, Pad Thai And Stir-Fry
By Michael Moran
Think of the worst food you've ever tasted. Soggy, boiled vegetables springs to mind-the kind with all the taste and nutrition leached out of them. No spice or texture, no freshness or goodness. Now think of the opposite, and you have heavenly Thai food. Fresh, spicy, salty, sweet and sour, with a variety of textures and temperatures (crispy and soft, hot and cold), Thai food is a taste explosion in every bite. Once you've tried it, you'll never go back to plain old meat-and-potatoes cooking again.
Another way to describe Thai food? Imagine Chinese food, but with more intensity. With more flavors, more aroma, spices, and textures. If you like Chinese food, you're going to fall head-over-heels-in-love with Thai food!
Thai Curry
The roots of Thai cuisine can be found both in regional tastes and flavors as well as in the influence of cooking styles from nearby cultures. Despite the fact that Thailand is at least partially separated from its neighbors by water, it has never isolated itself from other nations. Indian and Malaysian spices and dishes (such as curries) were brought with travel and trade, and the Thais were quick to add these wonderful flavors to their own unique version of curry.
Today there are four main curries in Thai cuisine:

Green

Red

Yellow

Massaman

Thai curry dishes start with a very intense and fragrant curry paste or sauce, usually made by hand with pestle & mortar. Once the paste/sauce is made, Thai curry is extremely easy to create, simply by adding any variety of meat, seafood, vegetables, or tofu and cooking it in the oven (like a casserole).
Thai Noodles
Thailand is also famous for its fragrant stir-fried noodle dishes. Most Thai noodle recipes call for rice noodles rather than those made with wheat or egg, although these can also be found in Thai cooking. Noodles were first brought to Thailand by the Chinese, many of whom remained in Thailand and integrated with the local society. For this reason, Chinese cooking has been a major influence in Thai cuisine, including cooking styles (the Chinese introduced the wok) and key cooking ingredients, such as soy sauce.
Names of popular Noodle Dishes:

Pad Thai

Land-Da Noodle

Pad Woon Sen

Pad See-U

Pad Kee-Mow (Drunken Noodle)

Thai Stir-Fry
From stir-fried local vegetables to dishes that combine meat, vegetables, tofu, or noodles, stir-fries are a common part of everyday Thai cooking. When creating stir-fry sauces, Thai chefs seek a balance of flavors-spicy, salty, sour, and sweet-by using ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, fresh chilli (or chilli sauce), and a little sugar. Achieving this balance is not difficult, but it does take practice.
Names of popular Thai Stir-Fry dishes:

Ginger

Spicy Basil Leaves

Pad Prik

Prik King

Spicy Garlic

Cashew Nut

Broccoli

Michael Moran is the founder of CurrySimple Thai food products. With sauces made in Thailand, CurrySimple allows the average person the ability to cook a restaurant quality Thai meal at home. The concept evolved after spending years working in Thai restaurants while listening to his customer's conversations about the difficulty and complexity of cooking Thai food. Now with the development of the sauces (the hard part in Thai cooking), enjoying the taste and health benefits of Thai food is easy.
Visit CurrySimple for more product information and recipes.
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