Thai American cuisine is widely popular and has become a staple for many diners in the United States. It is also known for its diverse flavors and delicious aromas.
However, Americanized Thai food differs from the real thing in several ways. One of those differences is in the sourness level.
Thai food
Thai food is characterized by its amazing balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty flavors, often finished with aromatic herbs. It has been influenced by the cuisines of Thailand’s neighbors, India, China, and Portugal, over the centuries.
A wide range of dishes can be classified as Thai food including rice, curries and side dishes. Desserts are also common and typically made of rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk.
Breakfast, also called khao chao in Thailand, is limited to a few simple dishes that are eaten along with rice such as an omelet, fried pork or chicken, steamed noodles, and stir-fried vegetables. These dishes are sold for breakfast from street stalls as a quick take-out meal.
One of the most popular Thai foods is pad thai. It is a delicious dish that can be found at any restaurant or street cart. This Thai noodle dish is made with stir-fried chicken, shrimp, tofu, peanuts, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and other vegetables. It is flavored with a sauce that includes tamarind juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and chilies.
Thai culture
Thai culture is a rich blend of traditional elements and contemporary attitudes. It has shaped the social and political life of Thailand, and influences its modern economy.
Thai society is based on respect for family and others, as well as a belief in social hierarchy. This can be reflected in many everyday practices, such as greeting someone with two palms together at chest level or bowing to those in a prestigious position, such as royalty or monks.
Aside from being extremely respectful, Thais also practice good manners in general. For example, pointing with one’s feet is considered an impolite gesture in Thailand, and the head is considered the highest part of the body.
Another important aspect of Thai culture is avoiding negative criticism of the royal family. It is illegal to make negative remarks about the royal family on social media, and a person can be jailed for up to 35 years for making such a comment.
Thai religion
Thai religion is based on Buddhism, which is practised by nearly all of the country’s people. It is also influenced by folk religion, or traditions that Thais have added to the original doctrine.
Many Thais believe in reincarnation and ancestral spirits. They also practice tam bun (merit making), which is an important social and religious activity in which a person strives to make enough merit for less frequent rebirths.
Another important part of Thai religious tradition is the marriage ceremony, which involves the heads of a couple being linked with joined loops of sai mongkon (white thread) by a senior elder. A sacred water blessing is then poured over the hands of the couple and guests.
Funerals are also held in a ritual manner. The body of a departed family member is buried in a small, ritual structure, which is surrounded by a number of pyres and other sacred offerings. This ritual is designed to help the departed advance along the path to nirvana, or perfect peace.
Thai people
Thais value self-control, respect and a non-confrontational attitude. Losing face is not acceptable and it is considered shameful to display anger or to tell a lie.
Thailand is a Buddhist country, and displaying respect towards elders is a cornerstone value. This means that children are expected to treat their parents with respect and show deference to those in higher social positions.
Division of labor is not adhered to rigidly, but some tasks are traditionally assigned primarily to men or women. These include preparing land for planting and sowing seeds, transplanting rice seedlings, harvesting, weaving and pottery.
People in Thailand are encouraged to be modest and wear neat clothing. However, it is important to be aware that the Thai dress code differs from Western cultures in many ways. For example, women typically wear skirts and blouses in formal settings while men often wear pants or a t-shirt. It is also common to see women wear hats and head coverings.