Thai Food and Tradition

November 15, 2022

Thai cuisine is a unique and delicious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. It has its roots in Chinese and Indian cuisine but has been influenced by many other cultures over the centuries. Thai food is typically cooked with fresh ingredients and often features complex flavor profiles.  In this article, Eattini Thai Kitchen, one of the best spots for Thai food in Baltimore discusses Thai traditions.

Evolution of Thai Food

Thai cuisine has evolved significantly over the years, but some traditional dishes remain popular today. These include pad Thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), tom yum soup (a hot and sour soup), and green curry (a coconut milk-based curry).  Thai food actually comprises of four regional cuisines. They are Central Thai, Northern Thai, Northeastern Thai and Southern Thai. All four have their own distinct flavors and ingredients.  Central Thai cuisine is the most popular and widely available type of Thai food. It is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients, strong flavors, and a wide variety of dishes.

Types of Thai Food and Traditions

Northern Thai cuisine is less well-known but features some unique dishes, such as sai oua (a sausage made with herbs and spices), khao soi (a noodle soup), and larb (a minced meat salad).  Northeastern Thai cuisine is similar to Lao cuisine and features dishes such as tam mak houn (a spicy soup) and gaeng som (a sour curry).  Southern Thai cuisine is the spiciest of all the regional cuisines and features dishes such as kaeng phet (a red curry) and pla som tam (a sour fish dish).

No matter what type of Thai food you try, you’re sure to enjoy its delicious flavors!

What to Keep in Mind

When eating at a Thai restaurant, it is important to keep in mind the unique flavor profile of Thai cuisine. This includes the use of fresh ingredients, complex flavor profiles, and a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Additionally, traditional dishes such as pad Thai, tom yum soup, and green curry are still popular today and can be found on many menus.

How These Traditions Affect the Food and Culture

When eating at a Thai restaurant, it is important to keep these traditions in mind in order to fully enjoy the experience. Additionally, understanding the history and culture behind Thai food can help you appreciate the dishes even more. For example, green curry is a popular dish in Thailand that is usually made with coconut milk, chicken, and vegetables. This dish is often served with rice or noodles. Green curry is just one of the many delicious and traditional dishes that you can enjoy when dining at a Thai restaurant.  Visit Eattini Thai Kitchen today to try some new Thai food in Baltimore, and experience some of these traditions.