Whether you’re in Holyoke or Bedford, Thai food has universal qualities. From cutlery to spices, in this article, we’ll take a look at the foundations of Thai food and what one should expect when dining on this multi-century old authentic cuisine.
One thing is for sure, Thai food is known for its use of spices. Heavily influenced by Indian spices and flavors, Thai food uses a lot of curry. However, Thai curry and Indian curry are much different. Thai curry incorporates locally sourced ingredients such as basil, lemongrass, and ginger to create its own distinct and unique flavor.
Although this blend of ingredients sounds delightful (which it is), be careful of the heat. The Thai spice level is a numerical system created for consumer awareness. Much different than the American spice level, Thai spice five is not for the faint!
Although personal preference is key here, there are a few dishes that seem to be the most commonly ordered. Below is a list of the top five dishes ordered in Bedford Thai food and around the globe:
Tom Yum Goong: Spicy shrimp soup
Pad Thai: Thai style fried noodles combined with a protein of choice
Som Tum: Spicy green papaya salad
Tom Kha Gai: Chicken in coconut soup
Guay Teow: Noodle Soup
A common misconception when it concerns Thai food is how to eat it. Many people associate Thai cuisine with Chinese. However, the two have many differences. One of the most overlooked differences is the use of utensils. While the Chinese prefer chopsticks while dining, the Thai culture does not. Thais prefer to eat with a fork and large spoon. The spoon is typically held in the right hand, replacing the American standard of properly holding a knife.
Phosop is known as the rice goddess in Thai culture. Ensuring that the Thai people all have enough to eat, it’s considered rude to throw away any uneaten portions of your meal. Whether you intend to eat your leftovers or not, be sure not to enrage Phosop, who will spread famine if enraged.
If you’re looking for authentic Bedford Thai food, be sure to take a short trip over to Burlington and visit our team at White Coconut Thai Restaurant. Providing only the finest ingredients with carefully crafted family recipes, dining with us is like dining in old-world Thailand!