Thailand, a country roughly the same size as France, encompasses palm fringed beaches, tribal villages high in the mountains and the big bold busy city of Bangkok. It is rightly becoming one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations.

A largely moderate climate combined with flat central plains results in a country where agriculture is still the key occupation with rice, fruits and vegetables grown throughout the year. There is also an abundance of seafood found along two long coastlines, hence the reason that rice and fish are the staples of the Thai diet. To these basic ingredients others were gradually added drawn from a variety of countries, such as chillies from South America.

The ethnic Thais originated from southern China from where they migrated southwards, in search of

 better land and greater independence. By the 13th century the Thai’s numbered such that they were able to establish a kingdom of their own, named Sukothai – or ‘Dawn of Happiness’. The only country in Southeast Asia that remained independent during the era of colonisation meant that westerners sampled its unique style of cuisine and it is only relatively recently that Thai food has become popular.
One special aspect of Thai food is the plethora of street food vendors found on almost every street corner of Thailand’s big cities. Cooked on charcoal, snacks come in a variety of shapes and sizes from noodle soups, barbecued chicken to noodle stir-fries such as Pad Thai.

Wherever it is eaten a Thai meal is a social affair. A large container of rice is usually the centrepiece, surrounded by other dishes and the all important condiments. Guests are free to help themselves, mixing dishes at will and seasoning them to their desired taste. The Thai meal aims at being a harmonious blend of the spicy, sweet and sour. In addition to the rice, a typical meal might include a soup, a curry, a salad, a fried dish and a steamed dish. Condiments include – nam pla, Thai fish sauce used as a salt substitute and nam prik, a spicy mix of chillies and lime juice. Fruit is most likely to be served as a dessert – mangoes, lychees, jackfruit to name but a few.