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Food is important in Thailand. People are digging in 24 hours and especially in the cities people will eat out or order take away. It if often less expensive to get your noodles and other dishes from a vendor then it is to cook everything yourself.
There is a wide variety,
and different parts of the country have their specialities and local ways.
The seasons also affects, to some extent, what is on offer.
Where tourists venture in numbers there are all kinds of western food available.
According to a survey quoted in the Lonely Planet guidebook, Thai kitchen ranges fourth in the world after French, Italian and Hong Kong in quality.
Even
if chilli is an important ingredient in Thai food there are many dishes that
does not burn the tongue. Chilli and condiments are usually available for
yourself to adjust the food to your personal liking.
The Thai kitchen has gradually adopted the best from its neighbouring countries, and from travelers bringing with them their own favorites. Noodles, an essential part of Thai cuisine, originates from China.
A Thai meal is arranged
so that several dishes are placed on the table. You get your own plate for
your rice, and you then help yourself from the available dishes as you like.
You may experience to be served from the plates with various food by Thai
friends sitting near, a polite gesture.
It is considered polite to start with sampling the rice before digging in.
Rice is the mainstay of all food in Thailand and has been fundamental for
the Thai's survival in harder times.
You can leave some food on your plate when you are full. This indicates that
the host has been generous, there has been food in abundance for everyone.
The Thai eat with fork
and spoon, not knife. Almost everything is chopped into smaller pieces during
the meals preparation, so you will rarely miss the knife. The spoon is used
to bring food to your mouth.
Chopsticks are used for soups (together with a short soup-spoon) and generally
in chinese restaurants.
If you are out
on your own looking for Thai food, check if a place is popular. An empty restaurant
is not a good sign. If the place is full of locals then food and hygiene is
normally ok.
If you are in doubt about what to order, then just select a few dishes to
test things. Prices are low. When you get something you like, you can ask
the staff to write its name down in Thai. In this way, you can build up a
small database of references without having to learn the language.
There are just too many restaurants and vendors to choose from, check your guidebook for recommendations. Be aware that your hotel may have more than one good restaurant.
Beer goes better than wine with Thai food, according to most. Singha was for a long time the most popular brand, but the last ten years or so has seen other brands introduced to take market shares.
Singha: A lager with distinct taste, high alcohol content. Quite popular, but claimed to give a heavy hangover.
Chang: As Singha, but stronger taste and even more alcohol. The bestselling beer in Thailand.
Heineken: As everywhere.
Asahi: a good Japanese brew, not available everywhere.
Beer Lao: On its way into the market. A very good beer.
Leo: As Singha, but milder and with less alcohol. Good taste.
Guinnes and other imports are available many places.
Wine is on its way, but it is expensive in Thailand. And many vendors have little idea about proper storage. Both red and white wine is often served chilled.
Spirits:
The Thai people like whiskey. Johnny Walker Black Label is a high status brand,
something to have on the table to gain face. Most ordinary brands are available,
such as Gordon's gin, all kinds of vodka and so on.
Local brands are cheap, the most famous is Mekong. Try Sang Som as an alternative,
it seems to be slightly cleaner. Mix with cola to hide some of the taste of
terpentine.
Coca Cola, Pepsi, Fanta in various colors, Sprite and 7-Up are available everywhere. There are also different brands of ice tea and ice coffee.
Coffe has become popular, and Starbucks has moved in. It is easy to get a good cup of coffee in Thailand these days.
Green tea is popular, but you get brands such as Twinings Earl Grey as well.
Fresh fruit juices are generally available, frequently home made. I like chilled pineapple juice a lot...