The first rule is that eating is an essential part of Thai culture (and I am sure that this is true for Chinese, Asian and some European cultures as well). “Have you eaten yet?” is a question that you would hear when Thais greet each other. Thai food, and particular ways of eating and ordering it, are central to most social occasions. For example, in Thailand there is no such a thing as a ‘starter’. Soup or any other small dishes are eaten as main courses in Thailand. Nor are there any dishes on a table that would belong only to one person. The Thai way of eating is for all at the table to share and enjoy every dish together. All Thai restaurants have to adapt to suit Western ways of eating. This is a rule that you have to remember when you cook Thai food. It is not just about cooking- the variety of foods and ways of eating mean that you might need to change some of your perceptions. Choose a couple of dishes from the menu or cook them for one meal and share them with your family and friends.
The second rule is that Thai food is well known for its complex flavours. Combinations of sweet and sour, spicy and salty, or sweet and spicy, are common. Typical Thai dishes have 4 main favours: salty, sweet, sour and spicy. In one meal, it is recommended to mix some spicy dishes with some non-spicy ones to tone down the spicy dishes. This is one way in which Thai food is different from other Asian food. Western people familiar with Chinese food may find Thai food is a different taste experience.
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