How to Eat Food Like a Local in Thailand

Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide, but the real way to eat dishes like curry, Som Tam or Tom Yam Soup might not be what you're used to. Thai restaurants outside of Thailand often tweak things a bit, so that it feels more familiar with what their customers expect. But if you're all about authenticity and want to get the full Thai dining experience, there's a certain way to do it. Here are some tips for eating Thai food that can bring you a bit closer to how the locals enjoy their meals.

The Technique

Here are some things you need to know if you’re planning to dine in restaurants in Phuket or resorts like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort.

Eating Thai style is all about community, especially when you're gathered for a meal with friends or family. Thais love to order up a storm of different dishes and spread them out on the table for everyone to share. It's not like a Western meal with starters and mains; Thai meals land on the table all at once. This way, you can mix and match flavours, creating your perfect bite every time.

When you sit down to eat, you'll get your own plate of rice – that's your meal base. There are dishes that can be shared by everyone around the table. They'll each have their own serving spoon, so you can scoop a little bit of this and a little bit of that onto your rice. If there's soup or curry, expect a small bowl and a soup spoon just for that.

Now, here's what happens with the utensils: you'll be given a spoon and a fork, but it's the spoon that's the star of the show. You use the fork to gently push food onto the spoon, which then goes straight to your mouth. Try scooping rice with a fork, and you'll see why you absolutely need the spoon. Save the chopsticks for noodles or if you're diving into some Chinese or Japanese dishes.

Spices and Condiments

Thai dining really celebrates personal taste, especially in the more casual eateries. You'll notice this when you see a variety of condiments on the tables, particularly at local noodle joints. It's all about customising your meal just the way you like it.

Typically, you'll find a selection that includes sugar, dried chilli flakes, fish sauce, and white vinegar – sometimes jazzed up with chillies floating in it. These condiments are there for you to tweak the flavours to your own liking.

But remember, it's good manners to taste your dish before you start adding anything. The chefs have put a lot of effort into balancing those flavours, so give it a try before you make any adjustments. Once you've had a taste, go ahead and spice it if the dish isn’t up to snuff.

Dipping Sauces

When it comes to Thai dipping sauces, Phrik Nam Pla, which is basically fish sauce zinged up with fresh chillies, reigns supreme. It's the go-to for adding a little excitement to a dish that might need an extra flavour kick. Just a few drops can transform a meal from mediocre to mouthwatering!

In some eateries, especially if you're ordering seafood, dim sum, or something grilled, you might be served a variety of dipping sauces. This is where you can have a little fun – give each one a try and see which one really sings to your taste buds. You can mix it up, stick with just one, or if none of them tickle your fancy, it's perfectly fine to go without.

Thais usually enjoy their dipping sauces by sprinkling a few drops over their food. 

Side Vegetables

Thai meals often come with a side of fresh or picked veggies, and it's not just for show – they're there to complement your noodles, curries, salads, or those fiery Nam Phrik dips.

If you're diving into a bowl of noodles, feel free to toss those veggies on top. They'll add a nice crunch and a burst of freshness. With salads, those extra veggies can be lifesavers if you've overestimated your tolerance for heat. They're perfect for nibbling between bites to soothe the burn and balance out the spiciness.

As for those spicy chilli dips, the technique is simple: scoop some veggies onto your plate, dab on a bit of the dip, and enjoy the combination of crisp veggies and bold flavours. It's all about the mix of textures and tastes, so go ahead and enjoy those side vegetables however you like!