[dropcap2]M[/dropcap2]ost visitors to Thailand are attracted as much by the incredible array of Thai food available as they are by the climate and scenery. Thai food is a main attraction all over the country, but Phuket is particularly well known for its fresh seafood.
[dropcap2]A[/dropcap2]Thai meal is incomplete without rice; it is the basic ingredient and will appear in some form in every meal. The second thing a meal needs is harmony; the flavours and textures must complement and balance one another, so there will be a mix of sweet and sour, salty and spicy, dry dishes and curries. Achieving this wide range of flavours requires liberal use of fresh herbs and spices.
[dropcap2]T[/dropcap2]hais like their food spicy, which can come as a shock for the uninitiated! If their food isn’t sufficiently spicy when served, they’ll waste no time in adding chilli powder or fresh chillies to liven things up. Speaking even a little Thai here can help you avoid overheating. Just tell your waitress ‘mai ao prik’ (no chillies). Most restaurants in the tourist resorts adjust their dishes when they know they are for foreigners, so most of the Thai food you have been eating wasn’t really authentic! If you want the real thing, just ask for “ao pet maak” (very spicy please).
[dropcap2]A[/dropcap2]Thai meal is served as several dishes in the centre of the table for sharing by all. Each diner is also served a portion of plain white rice. Using a shared spoon on each of the plates, you serve yourself small amounts of whatever takes your fancy. It is this mix and match of flavours that makes every meal a new adventure. Generally, a meal will consist of a soup, a curry, a vegetable dish, a meat dish, and most probably some kind of dip.
[dropcap2]E[/dropcap2]ating is accomplished with a fork and spoon – knives are not used nor needed with Thai food. It is normal to eat from the spoon, using the fork to manipulate your food. Don’t worry, even a noodle soup can be eaten with fork and spoon if you haven’t mastered chopsticks yet!
[dropcap2]I[/dropcap2]mprove your Thai dining experience even further – learn to speak some Thai at Patong Language School and let the taste adventure begin!