The Thai feeling for food is a source of amazement to most foreigners. Food is eaten not just for nourishment or to abate hunger, although it is recognized as being necessary for these things. But food to a Thai is much more. It is an art, a topic of conversation, a source of pleasure, and a reason to enjoy the company of friends and family. It is not unusual for a Thai to travel great distances and spend freely on a certain, desired food, always enjoyed in the company of friends.