Topic: Thai Food Culture and Table Manners
Thailand ain't just the Land of Smiles, it is every bit the Land of Gourmet Food as well. Thai table manners and a way the dishes are prepared and served, have its own distinct course. Normally, in restraurants serving the Thai food one will be given a spoon and fork for the main meal, and a short spoon with small bowl used for soups. No knifes, since the Thai food is whether already cut down into small enough pieces, or could be easily sliced by spoon. The idea is to eat with a spoon in your right hand and a fork in your left to help push foods onto the spoon. Chopsticks are typically served when ordering noodle dishes. Naturally, one will be given a knife and fork when ordered steaks or similar western food dishes.
Needless to mention that fragrant rice is the basic ingredient in Thai-style dining. It is prepared as Thai classic steamed rice called khao soway, and served right on a plate or in small bowls from which you put it into your plate. Except deserts, all other dishes are served in no particular order, just as soon as they ready, and are eaten all together as well. Typical Thai dinner consists of several dishes placed and occasionally even cooked (fondue style) right on the table, and are tucked in by taking small portions from selected dishes simultaneously and topping the rice in your plate.
Thai herbs, aromatic spices, chili oils and numerous sauces are always at hand. As drinks, aside from the ice water, Thais opt for some light beer, or an occasional glass or two of whiskey-rocks-soda, rather than wines.
