Imagine a plate of freshly-steamed Jasmine rice, served with luscious spicy shrimp soup and creamy chicken green curry. You're torn between the colourful and spicy papaya salad garnished with crisp vegetables on your right and a delectable dish of 'Pad Thai' on your left. Don't forget to leave some room for a delectable selection of Thai 'kanom' (dessert) or fresh tropical fruits. Treat yourself with the sweet-smelling sticky rice topped with succulent mango - very much worth the few extra pounds you'll be gaining in the process!
Above is an example of a typical Thai meal, which consists of a soup and/or curry dish, a salad, a fried dish and desserts. Normally there would be a mix of spicy and mild dishes for 'balance' and to neutralise tastes. Also, a Thai meal is served all at once, as opposed to serving dishes in courses. It's also noteworthy that Thais don't particularly mind having spicy food in the morning. Different kinds of curry on top of rice with a fried egg, accompanied by 'prik nam pla' (sliced chilies in fish sauce), are common for breakfast. Due to their busy lifestyles, most city dwellers prefer something quick and easy like 'kao niew moo ping' (grilled pork with sticky rice), the equivalent to sandwiches in the West, or something light like 'johk' (rice porridge). Lunch will be something a little heavier and dinner is often shared among family and friends. And, in between, 'snacking' is common.