Thai cuisine has been popular in the West for decades, but if you’ve ever been to Thailand, you’d know that there’s much more to its flavorful food culture than just pineapple fried rice and pad Thai.
One of the most essential ingredients to Thai cuisine is fish sauce, a salty condiment made with fermented fish and other ingredients. Another outstanding factor of Thai food is the prominent use of fruits, nuts and herbs. Traditionally, Thai people ate with their hands, but thanks to influences from China and the West, chopsticks, spoons, knives and forks are commonly used at dining tables today. Much like a Chinese meal, Thai dishes are meant to be shared.
Favorite Dishes: Green Curry & Pad Thai
Curries are often the first dish that pops into people’s mind when it comes to Thai cuisine. While green curry is stronger than the red and yellow varieties, basil leaves and coconut milk help tame the spice, leaving an invigorating yet mellow aftertaste. Chicken, seafood or vegetables can be added to the base to suit different tastes.
Another well-loved dish is the pad Thai, a stir-fried rice noodles flavored with peanuts, palm sugar, lime, tamarind pulp and red chili pepper. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, it is also loved for its vibrant presentation, often garnished with a colorful mix of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, crushed nuts and cooked shrimps.
Where to Find Them: Urban Thai
Urban Thai is an authentic restaurant with a pleasant, chilled atmosphere. Dishing up great pad Thai, curries, seafood and fish dishes along with great vegetable plates. With their beloved Thai chef ‘Mummy’ in the house, all the customers are looked after like her children. Just tell her how you want your dishes and she will prepare them for you.