Cumin Thai

In Thailand, it is considered bad luck or bad manners to mix your foods together. Instead Thai people sample their different foods separately, one dish at a time. White rice, eaten on the side, precedes or follows each bite, and bowls are used for soup only.

A traditional Thai meal consists of four main seasonings: sweet, salty, sour, and hot. In fact, in Thailand most dishes are considered hollow or wanting unless they partake of all four seasoning types. This is why so many different types of dishes are ordered in a traditional Thai meal.

In Thai cuisine, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish, with balance created between all tastes and textures. Dishes can be chili hot or relatively bland, and are guided by centuries old Eastern and Western influences.

What common Asian herb is used extensively in Thai recipes? If you guessed lemongrass, you're right. Besides being a popular culinary ingredient, lemongrass is also used as an herbal remedy to treat high blood pressure, headache and stomach problems.

Turmeric is an herb used in many Eastern cuisines, including Thai food. Its bright orange roots are used for the coloring in yellow curries, whereas white turmeric (which resembles ginger) is served as a raw vegetable.

The national dish of Thailand a culinary masterpiece that adeptly blends the fundamental flavors of Asian cuisine including bitter, salty, sour and sweet is Pad Thai. If you are looking for a serious introduction to Thai food, try an authentic Pad Thai dish.

The two main types of curries used in Thai cuisine are water-based curries and coconut-based curries. Thai chefs use a combination of herbs, chilies and spices to create water-based or coconut-based curries with a variety of mouth watering flavors.

Coriander, which is also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, has been used for centuries as a remedy for the following health complaints: gas and bloating, digestive problems, bacterial and fungal infections, and loss of appetite.

Khao Man Gai (chicken with rice) is a staple in Thai restaurants. Typically the chicken is simmered until tender and the rice is prepared in chicken broth. The dish is served with chicken broth and may be topped with a sweet sauce or spicy curry paste.

Chiles are a big part of the Thai dishes we serve and of Thai dishes all around the world, and they were introduced to Thai cooking in the 1600s. They came to Thailand via Portugese missionaries who had been working in South America.

Not sure how many dishes to order while eating Thai food? As a general rule, Thai diners order the same number of dishes as people present. Keep in mind, though, that all dishes are shared and enjoyed together - kind of like a family-style meal.

Galangal, a common spice found in Thai cuisine, was once regarded as "the spice of life" by St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). The spice, which is thought to have many health benefits, was one of her favorite remedies for everything from deafness to heart disease.

Thai food is known for its spiciness, which comes from the heat of chili peppers, but did you know that chili peppers have numerous health benefits? Recent studies have found that chilies can help you sleep better, keep your heart healthy, and help maintain consistent insulin and glucose levels.