 
Thai Food & 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. |
