Food Culture of Thailand

Stacie Nelson

Section 5

Thailand Cultural Facts

Population: 64,865,523

Religions: Mainly Buddhism but also includes Muslim, Christianity, and Hinduism

Family: Families in this culture are very close and children are taught to honor and look up to their parents. If you were to look at a pyramid parents would be on top.

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html

When invited over to eat:

1) You show up on time

2) If the person who invited you is wearing NO shoes then the guest should also remove shoes

3) Step over the threshold not on it

When you eat at the table:

1) A fork and spoon is usually present

2) Spoon is always in the right and fork in the left

3) When you are given your food you can begin to eat

4) Don’t leave rice on your plate

5) Never be last one to take a bite from the serving bowl

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html

Typical Meal in Thailand

A typical Thai meal would consist of :

Salads (sour, sweet and salty)

General Fare (sweet and sour dish)

Dips

Soups

Curries ( fresh herbs)

Single Dishes (include rice and noodles)

Desserts

http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/food/index.htm#Eating%20&%20Ordering%20Thai%20Food

Regions of Thailand

Thailand is split into four diverse regions. Just like the United States each region has particular foods unique to their location and culture. These four regions consist of 1)The North

2) The Northeast

3) Central Plains

4) The South

The north has a unique culture and the ability to have different foods due to their cooler mountain climate. They have a large array of vegetables, roots, herbs, glutinous rice, and one of the most popular items which is noodles.

http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/food/regional.htm

The Northeast

The northeast is strongly influenced by the Loa and deprived by the flow of the rivers into Loas, Cambodia, and Vietnam instead of the Gulf of Thailand. Some of the foods special to this region are glutinous rice, chilies, green papaya, kai yang chicken, and the Mekong catfish.

http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/food/regional.htm

Central Plains

The central plains are know historically as the delta country. Many crops can be grown because the land is nourished greatly by the rivers and the rain. This is also an area influenced by the Chinese and many of the Thai dishes have originated in this region of Thailand. Some of their specialties when it comes to food are jasmine rice, tom yam (sweet and sour soup), khao lam (sticky rice and coconut), and dried fish.

http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/food/regional.htm

The South

The south is very different from the other three regions of Thailand. It is located on a peninsula covered with areas of jungle, mountains and beaches. They get large amounts of rain during 8 out of the 12 months a year. They are largely recognized for coconut fields, pineapple, fish, crab, chili hot food, and coffee.

http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/food/regional.htm

Holidays in Thailand

01 January, New Year's Day

03 March, Makha Bucha Day
13 April, Elephant Day
06 April, Chakri Memorial Day
12-14 April, Songkran Festival
01 May, National Labour Day
05 May, Coronation Day
31 May, Wisakha Bucha Day
29 July, Asarnha Bucha Day
30 July, Buddhist Lent Day
12 August, H.M. The Queen's Birthday
23 October, Chulalongkorn Day
05 December, H.M. The King's Birthday
10 December, Constitution Day
31 December, New Year's Eve

http://www.geckovilla.com/thailandfacts.html