The Joys of Thai Food!
Thailand is known for its cuisine, which combines Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian influences. The great characteristic about Thai food is the variety of ingredients. Lemongrass, basil, mint leaves, garlic, coconut milk, chilies, sugar, fish sauce, and a hot and sour sauce are used to produce spicy, sour, sweet, and salty tastes. Dishes with Chinese influences include meat and vegetables stir-fried in oyster or garlic sauce and dim sum. Curries with coconut milk suggest Indian and Malay influences, while skewers of grilled meat with peanut sauce are typical of Malay and Indonesian cooking.
Food is cheap, plentiful, and delicious. Food stalls can make stir-fried noodle dishes, soups, and rice dishes for 20 to 40 baht. They are in every town and city, and many are open quite late. There are plenty of sit-down restaurants that offer good food for much less money than western restaurants. Prices range from 40 to 120 baht per plate. Compared to western meals though, Thai dishes have smaller portions, so you may need to order two! Be sure to take the same precautions you would in any developing country. Drinking tap water and eating unpeeled fruits and vegetables could lead to typhoid or hepatitis. Consult your physician about getting immunizations before you travel.