Dining in Thailand

The Unexplored Cuisine of Thailand 

Exotic Thai Cuisine

If there is one word to describe the food of Thailand, it would probably be exotic.  Thai food is characterized by fiery, fragrant dishes which are flavored with basil, chili, lemon grass, and the local more fragrant variant of ginger, called galangal.  The staple diet consists of rice and noodles (known as ba mii or kway tiaw), and you shouldn’t have too much difficult finding meals for under a dollar at most of the stalls and cafes that crowd the busy streets and thoroughfares.  This amount can go up to $2 and up once you decide to go high-brow. But as a general rule, food in Thailand is extremely affordable; even at 5–star restaurants.  But the best way to get a feel of the country and its cuisine would be to venture into the local night markets that are open between 6 in the evening to 6 in the morning.  Known as talaat yen, these consist almost entirely of pushcart kitchens located close to the fruit and vegetable markets or the bus stations in most towns.  The stalls are self sufficient with makeshift tables and chairs, and one can chose from endless options. 

Definite Must-Eats While in Thailand

There are a few signature Thai dishes that top the list of must-haves on trips to Thailand.  Fried rice or khao pat is an essential part of most Thai meals.  Thai cuisine also includes fiery curries known as kaeng.  Soup is also a staple in the country, despite the heat and humidity (Thailand has 3 seasons…all of them warm or hot).  Though very few natives are vegetarians, one can ask for vegetable-only options in noodles or rice.  The north-east region of the country near Isaan offers a slightly different blend of spices, flavors, and staples than what you might find in Bangkok or the southern beaches.  Easily available in most restaurants, Isaan’s highlights include sticky rice known locally as khao niaw, which is best eaten accompanied with barbecued chicken on a stick called kai yang.

If you’re used to Western cuisine, there are a few things you should know about Thai food.  It can be incredibly spicy.  Even when you ask for mild, what they give you is often much stronger than the spiciest dishes you have back home.  In addition, tourists should be cautious about the water they drink.  It is always safer to opt for bottled water, available even in the smallest towns and villages.  But the fruit (which is safe, exotic, and abundant) is something you won’t want to miss.