The traditional Thai way of Eating
The culture of eating in Thailand has been cultivated and developed over a long period of time. In the olden days it was often said that Thailand was the cradle for rice and water, there always being fish in the water and  rice in the paddy fields. Even now, the Kingdom remains abundantly rich in plants and cereals, allowing everyone to prepare and cook food to satisfy their own tastes.

Since olden times, Thais have cooked with locally grown herbs to maintain a healthy diet and in this health-conscious time this has undoubtedly played a large part in increasing the popularity of this diverse, tasty, aromatic and colorful cuisine throughout the world.

Different kinds of Thai food

In general terms, Thai food can be classified into three categories: Traditional. Adaped and Modern.

Traditional Thai food
This is the basis of Thai cooking; meals that have been prepared and served from ancient times, using ingredients found locally and being fairly easy to prepare. Such meals might include a spicy mixed vegetable soup and boiled vegetables served with a coconut-based dip. The desserts would be made from flour, sugar and coconut milk and served with a seasonal fruit.

Adapted Thai Food
This category is food which has been strongly influenced by foreign cuisines but has been adapted to local tastes and local methods and is now considered to be Thai food. Dishes such as Kang Kari Kai (yellow chicken curry) and Mus-sa-man Kai (red chicken curry) are by- products of Indian curries, While the numerous clear soups have their origins in Chinese cuisine. And many recipes for desserts such as Tong Yod (golden egg drops). Foy Tong (golden shreds) and Sangkaya (coconut custard) came about through trade with European nations during the Ayuthaya era.

Modern Thai Food
In order to cater the modern trend for convenience and concerns about healthy diets, the more traditional Thai recipes have incorporated many new herbs and foreign ingredients, such as macaroni and other pastas. The results have been dishes which, while being difference in appearance to the more traditional dishes, have retained the original tastes and aromas and proved very popular with the Thai people , particularly so the young.