hai food typically uses other common seasonings including ‘laos’ or galanga root (khàa), black pepper, three kinds of basil, ground peanuts (more often a condiment), tamarind juice (náam makhãam), ginger (khîng) and coconut milk (kà-tí). The Thais eat a lot of what could be called Chinese food (there has always been a large Chinese migrant population), which is generally, but not always, less spicy (the food not the people). However, these dishes have been a part of the Thai food menu for so long that they are commonly thought of as a Thai dish.
Thai food is nearly always eaten with Thai rice (khâo); ‘to eat’ in Thai is literally ‘eat rice’ or kin khâo. Thais can be very picky about their
Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and sauces, including ground red pepper (phrík bon), ground peanuts (thùa bon), vinegar with sliced chillies (náam sôm phrík-both clear and orange in color), fish sauce with chillies (náam plaa phrík), a spicy orange-red sauce called náam phrík si racha (from Si Racha, of course), sugar, fish sauce (nàam pla) and any number of other dipping sauces (náam jîm) for particular dishes. Soy sauce (náam síi-yú) can be requested, though this is normally used as a condiment for Chinese food only. Except for the ‘rice plates’ and noodle dishes, Thai food is usually ordered family-style, ie two or more people order together, sharing different dishes. Traditionally, the party orders one of each kind of dish, eg one chicken, one fish, one soup etc. One or two extras may be ordered for a large party. Eating Thai food alone at a Thai restaurant is unusual- but then, as a farang (westerner), you're an ex
Thai food can also be ordered 'over rice' or râat khâo. Curry (kaeng) over rice is called khâo kaeng; in a standard curry shop khâo kaeng is only 25 to 35B (about US$0.75-US$1.00) a plate, making this style of eating Thai food a cheaper alternative.
Thai food comes in another category known as kàp klâem-dishes meant to be eaten while drinking alcoholic beverages. On some menus these are translated as ‘snacks’ or ‘appetisers’. Typical kàp klâem include thùa thâwt (fried peanuts), kài sãam yàang (literally ‘three kinds of chicken’; a plate of chopped ginger, peanuts, mouse-shit peppers and bits of lime-to be mixed and eaten by hand) and various kinds of yum and Thai style salads made with lots of chillies and lime juice.
Thai food isn't usually eaten with chopsticks so if you aren't offered a pair don't worry. If you're not offered chopsticks, don't ask for them. When farangs
Chopsticks are reserved for eating Chinese-style food from bowls (egg noodles) or for eating in all-Chinese restaurants. In either case you will be supplied with chopsticks without having to ask. Unlike their counterparts in many western countries, restaurateurs in Thailand will assume you know how to use them.