Titbits
These can be hors d'oeuvres, accompaniments,
side dishes, and/or snacks. They include spring
rolls, satay, puffed rice cakes with herbed
topping. They represent the playful and creative
nature of the Thais
Salads
A harmony of tastes and herbal flavours are
essential. Major tastes are sour, sweet and
salty. Spiciness comes in different degrees
according to meat textures and occasions.
General
Fare
A sweet and sour dish, a fluffy omelette, and
a stir-fried dish help make a meal more complete.
Dips
Dips entail some complexity. They can be the
major dish of a meal with accompaniments of
vegetables and some meats. When dips are made
thinly, they can be used as salad designs. A
particular and simple dip is made from chillies,
garlic, dried shrimps, lime juice, fish sauce,
sugar and shrimp paste.
Soups
A good meal for an average person may consist
simply of a soup and rice. Traditional Thai
soups are unique because they embody more flavours
and textures than can be found in other types
of food.
Curries
Most non-Thai curries consist of powdered or
ground dried spices, whereas the major ingredients
of Thai curry are fresh herbs. A simple Thai
curry paste consists of dried chillies, shallots
and shrimp paste. More complex curries include
garlic, galanga, coriander roots, lemon grass,
kaffir lime peel and peppercorns.
Single
Dishes
Complete meals in themselves , they include
rice and noodle dishes such as Khao Phat and
Phat Thai.
Desserts
No good meal is complete without a Thai dessert.
Uniformly sweet, they are particularly welcome
after a strongly spiced and herbed meal.