Thai cuisine, though not particularly popular in France (which is regrettable, as the French miss out on an excellent alternative to Chinese or Vietnamese cooking), enjoys tremendous international popularity and an outstanding reputation worldwide.

Thai cuisine is characterized by its subtle ability to balance and blend flavors, mixing bitter, sweet, salty, and spicy ingredients harmoniously. It is also particularly good for your health, as preparing dishes involves the use of numerous fresh aromatic herbs and a variety of vegetables.

Dining in Thailand is a deeply important ritual with a uniquely social dimension. The people of the Land of Smiles habitually do not eat alone and always share different dishes during a meal.

In Thailand, diners primarily use a fork and spoon (rarely, if ever, a knife, as everything is pre-cut during preparation). Chopsticks are used infrequently (and increasingly less so) and are mainly reserved for eating noodles.

Thai Cuisine: Regional Specialties

Thailand can be (somewhat arbitrarily) divided into four major culinary zones. Each zone is characterized by its own distinct Thai cuisine based on locally produced ingredients as well as history and past cultural influences.

For example, southern Thailand's cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian and Malaysian traditions, featuring the use of coconut milk and curries. In Isaan, the cuisine is infused with knowledge from neighboring Laos: abundant use of chili and sticky rice as an accompaniment.

Here is a list of different local specialties of Thai cuisine by region. Feel free to taste them all; sometimes you'll be delighted, and sometimes you'll find yourself searching for a tall glass of water after the first bite!

Thai Cuisine: Dishes from the North

• Naem: Pork sausages with green chili. They are usually served with rice.
• Geng Hang Lay: A Burmese curry without chili, made with pork and tamarind, typically eaten with sticky rice.
• Khao Soi: Egg noodles served with curry sauce, meat, onions, and lime.

Thai Cuisine: Dishes from Isaan

• Som Tam: A spicy papaya salad. The sweet version is accompanied by pounded peanuts and shrimp (Som Tam Thai). The salty version is accompanied by pounded crab and fermented fish sauce (Som Tam Phoo Pha Ra).
• Laap: Ground meat flavored with chili, onions, mint, and lime juice.
• Nam Tok: This dish is prepared similarly to Laap but uses barbecued meat cut into thin strips.
• Gai Yang: Marinated and grilled chicken.

Thai Cuisine: Dishes from the Central Region

• Tom Yam: A spicy/bitter soup infused with lemongrass, served with chicken or seafood.
• Tom Kha: A Tom Yam with coconut milk.
• Geng Kiao Wan: A sweet green curry made with green chilis, Thai basil, and meat or fish cakes.

Thai Cuisine: Dishes from the South

• Geng Som: A spicy curry with red chilies, characterized by its distinctive orange color.
• Roti: Somewhere between a crêpe and a tortilla, it is enjoyed sweet or savory with various fillings.
• Massaman: A sweet curry made with meat, coconut cream, and peanuts.
• Khao Yam: A salad of spiced fruits and vegetables served with fish sauce.

Fruits and Desserts in Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine excels when it comes to desserts and exotic fruits alike. Visit a street stall specializing in desserts and taste everything on offer. The colors are vibrant and the flavors exquisite!

And there you have it! In just a few paragraphs, you've built a lovely little knowledge of Thai culinary culture that's just waiting to be deepened and refined.

Thais love to eat. They dine at all hours of the day and night in a spirit of conviviality. Once you've tasted their delicious cuisine, you'll understand why!