THAI CUISINE

THAI CUISINE
Thai cuisine refers to typical

foods, beverages, and cooking styles common to the country of Thailand in Southeast Asia

THAILAND
Formerly known as Siam

Bangkok is the capital city.

Official language is Thai. Official religion is Buddhism.

Land of the Free = Thailand is the only country in

Southeast Asia never colonized by any European power. thai means free people

Characteristics of the Cuisine

Well-known for being hot and spicy There is a balance of five fundamental

flavors in each dish or the overall meal - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and bitter (optional). Known for its enthusiastic use of fresh herbs and spices and fish sauce. Often Thai food is served with a variety of spicy condiments to embolden dishes like nam prik.

Characteristics
Thai cuisine is also described as 4 regional cuisines

corresponding to the 4 regions of the country.

Northern Northeastern Central Southern

Thai cuisine share similar dishes with Burma, China,

Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. In addition to the 4 regional cuisine is the Thai Royal Cuisine.

Influences in Cooking
Burma use of lime juice in Northern Thailand

Malaysia use of coconut milk with turmeric in

Southern Thailand China use of wok, deep-frying and stir-frying techniques, noodles, oyster sauce and soybean products

Traditional Food Habits

Thai food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon

Introduced as part of Westernization during the reign of King Mongkut, Rama IV. Chosen by King Mongkuts brother, Vice-King Pinklao after watching a demonstration of Western dining etiquette by American missionary, Dr. D.B. Bradley.

The fork, held in the left hand, is used to push food into the spoon.

Chopsticks

soups. Thais in the North and Northeast still eat food using their right hands. Thai-Muslims also frequently eat meals with only their right hands.

are used only for the consumption of noodle

Meal Composition
Consists of rice with many complementary dishes to be

shared by all. Has no distinct breakfast dish similar to lunch or dinner Khao rice Accompaniment dishes include curries, stir-fries and other dishes, with chillies, lime juice and lemon grass. Khao rad gang rice topped with curry or stir-fry

Thai Flavorings
HERBS SPICES & POWDERS
Ginger Galangal

Cilantro Thai basil Lemon grass Mint

Turmeric
Garlic Shallots Pepper Chillis Kaffir lime Tamarind

Thai Sauces
Nam pla fish sauce; provides unique character to

Thai food Pla ra an opaque sauce from fermented fish Si-io dam dark soy sauce Si-io khao light soy sauce Taochiao fermented whole soy beans Namman hoi oyster sauce

Nam pla

Thai Pastes
Kapi shrimp paste

Nam phrik chilli paste made of chillis, shrimp

paste and garlic pounded using a mortar & pestle

Nam phrik phet red curry paste using red chillis, garlic, shrimp paste Nam phrik num green curry paste using green chillis, shallots, garlic and coriander leaves.

(Shrimp paste) pla ra

Green Curry Ingredients

Rice and Noodles

Rice (khao) staple grain Jasmine rice indigenous to Thailand; long-grain variety Sticky rice (khao niao) staple rice of Northern and Northeastern Khao tiao rice noodles Sen yai thick flat noodle Sen lek thin flat noodle Sen mi thin round vermicelli

Bami egg and wheat noodle

Rice flour is also used in making desserts.

Vegetables

Pea-sized eggplants and Egg-sized eggplants Legumes like Yardlong beans, winged beans, etc Bamboo shoots Tomatoes Bean sprouts Cucumber Corn Squash Straw mushrooms Cabbage Banana heart

Fruits
Rambutan

Lychees
Mangosteen Durian Rose apple Mango Jackfruit Longan Pomelo Pineapple

Generic Terms

Khao rice Kaeng curry Gung/kung shrimp Phat stir fried dish Tom yam sour soup Yam sour salad Khai chicken Mu pork Pu crab meat Phanaeng beef Nam sauce/dip Khanom sweet dish made of sticky rice

Well-known Thai Dishes

Phat Thai stir-fried flat noodles with fish sauce, sugar,

lime juice or tamarind pulp, chopped peanuts, and egg combined with chicken, seafood, or tofu Tom yam gung hot & sour soup with shrimps Tom khat kai hot spicy soup with coconut, galangal and chicken Som tam green papaya salad Lap mu pork salad Sate grilled meat served cucumber salad and peanut sauce Khao niao mamuang Thai mango with glutinous rice Khao phat fried rice Deep fried insects are also popular street food in Thailand.

Phat Thai

Lap Mu (Pork Salad)

Kaeng matsaman (Thai-Muslim beef curry)

Tom yam gung

Thai mango with sticky rice

Sangkhaya (egg custard in pumpkin)

REVIEW
What are the important flavorings used in Thai

cooking? Describe the Thai way of eating. Translate:

Tom yam Yam Khai Kung Nam pla Pla ra Khao