Like we mentioned earlier, the thai culture plays a big role in the style of food they produce, and how they eat it. Thai dishes are characterized by their balanced flavor profiles and great combination of sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter flavors. Many traditional dishes have become national favorites in the state and can be found in almost any town nationwide. American’s have come to love thai food, especially the popular pad thai, tom yam kung, and curry dishes. Although you do have many choices for authentic thai food around the country, we do believe their is nothing like the authentic cooking of Siam Cabin Cuisine.

For those still curious to learn more about the culture of the thai people and not just the food, read on.

Thai Culture

1. The thai culture believes rice is sacred, and because of that they never waste it and leave uneaten rice on their plate. Additionally they do not step on rice in the fields and believe rice has a divine god inside it. Also, because of their climate and typography rices grows extremely well, and is their largest export and they are the largest producer of rice in the world.
2. Most thai homes do not have an oven, and baking is not a common practice what so ever in Thailand. Seems weird to most Americans, because of our obsession with baked goods, but the thai people have gotten along just fine without them.
3. Eating is considered a celebration, and why thai entrees are designed to be enjoyed in groups and shared between individuals. Eating alone is not common practice, and even believed to be bad luck by some.
4.  There is no difference in the type of food thai people eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner, like their is in the States. They simply eat a similar style of food at three different points in the day.
5. Traditionally beer is poured over ice in Thailand. So don’t be surprised if your beer is served with a glass of ice.

Hopefully you feel a little more knowledgable about the thai culture and what makes thai food so unique and good!

Although thai food is enjoyed by millions of Americans annually, most who order it have very little understanding of the culture that created this popular style of food. Although it may be simply characterized as spicy veggies, rice, and protein variations, the thought and consideration that goes into these dishes has a much deeper origin then simply good flavor. The predominate buddhist religion and economic history of the country has played a significant effect on the foods thai people have adopted over the years.

Thai families are traditionally very large, and consist of many members, so meals are traditionally large portions that are intended to be shared and passed around between the many family members. Rice is typically the main course and served in the largest portion. Being that rice is affordable and has the ability for it to absorb the many flavors and spices of traditional thai dishes.

Thai food is typically consumed while seated on the ground, and after everyone has gotten their portion of rice and side dishes they then eat the food with their bare hands. After years of english exposure, cutlery was introduced to the thai people, and the fork and spoon became common practice, there are still those that eat with their hands. Most people have adopted the spoon and fork and use them skillfully to consume their dishes.

Being traditional at a thai restaurant

There are a few ways that you can really enhance your thai dining experience and make it as authentic as possible, beyond simply enjoying the delicious thai cuisines.

• Order Shared Plates – Sharing plates is the most authentic you can be at a thai restaurant, and something that really lets you enjoy the dishes as they were intended to be enjoyed. Let the most senior person pick the first side dish, and then order a variety of different protein and veggies dishes with different flavors and textures to make sure you have a balanced assortment of options that everybody will like, and have the full range of flavors. Be considerate to the taste buds of all that are joining you, and try and get a full spectrum of flavors if possible.
• Serve the food properly – Like we mentioned earlier, the spoon and fork are the traditional utensils used for consuming thai dishes, and each side dish is served with its own serving spoon. For contamination reason, people use the serving spoon that accompanies each dish as opposed to their individual utensils. Some dishes may include fish parts that are not intended for consumption, which are traditionally cut off using the serving spoon and moved to the side of the dish.
• Stack dishes when done – When everyone is finished with their meals stack the bowls on the edge of the table letting your server know you are done.

Thai food is not only good, but fun and enjoyable to eat in groups. Whether their is two or twenty of you, try ordering as a group, and experience thai food the traditional way.