DELICIOUS AND COMMON DISHES IN THAILAND

       Thai food is famous for its spicy qualities. Chili peppers were imported to Thailand from the New World, in the 16th century by European trader. The Thais took to them (especially the small, fiery ones) with great enthusiasm. In spite of this, mild dishes are also widely available in Thailand. Rice is, of course, the staple food, while rice noodles come second, appearing in dry, fried dishes and in soups. The cuisine is nutritious and flavorful: meats are lightly fried, the vegetables boiled.

Noodle soup(kuaytiaw nam)

is the only Thai dish to be eaten with chopsticks. It includes vegetable and usually meat balls.

Wheat noodles served with slices of red pork(Bami haeng mu daeng)

is a typical dish that can be bought from street vendors throughout the country.

Phaneng curry(kaeng phanaeng)

is a "dry" chicken curry. Ingredients include shrimp, coriander seeds, red chilies, and a small amount of basil.

Fried rice dishes(Khao phat Pu).

meal with egg, slivers of meat, and vegetables, are a delicious and filling all-in-one meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Tom yam Kung

typically made with shrimp and tomatoes, is the most famous of all Thai soups. It is spiced with coriander, lemon grass, and chilies and is often cooked and served in a tureen.

Green curry.(kaeng khiaw wan)

      Look like many Central Thai curries, is cooked in coconut milk, which gives it an almost sweet flavor. Green chilies add spice and heat.

Rice porridge(khao tom)

is a standard breakfast. Often an egg is added, which cooks as it is stirred in. The best condiment for this dish is chilies in rice vinegar.

Phat thai

is a mixture of flat rice noodles fried with bean curd, vegetables, egg, peanuts, and dried shrimp. It is claimed to be Thailand's national dish.

Mu Sap Bai Kraphao(fried pork flavored with basil)

is a delicious meat dish that may form part of a communal meal.

Steamed Rice(khao suay)

the mainstay of communal meals in Thailand, is always served first. It is the best thing for cooling the mouth where eating very hot food.

Sticky rice(khao niaw)

cooked and served in a covered basket is common in the North and Northeast. This glutinous rice is eaten with the fingers; sometimes the rice is rolled into a ball and used to carry food to the mouth.

Fried water lillies(phat pak bung)

     This dish are just one of many simple. mild dishes that may be served as part of a main meal. They take only a minute to cook.

Papaya salad(som tam)

      Som Tam or Papaya Salad is a very popular dish throughout Thailand. The papaya is sliced thin and mixed with chillies. Chicken is a good accompaniment.

Seafood Salad(yam thalay)

is often served as an appetizer in the South. Like many other Thai salads, the warm, cooked seafood is placed on a bed of lettuce.

Mango with sticky rice(khao niaw mamuang)

which is sweetened with coconut cream, is the country's best known dessert. Only the sweetest mangoes are used.

Coconut custard(sangkhaya)

is a dessert of coconut milk, egg, and sugar. It may be served either with sticky rice or baked in a hollowed out pumpkin.

Drinks

    Thailand has a wealth of fruits, many of which can be juiced. Coconut juice, drunk with a straw straight from the coconut, is also popular. Tea and coffee are usually served chilled. 

    Tradition Thai Beer is the preferred alcoholic accompaniment to meals, it complements spicy food better than wine. Plain water(nam plao) is served with main meals.