The relationship between food and societies is deeply complex – there are even classes and degree programs dedicated to this field of study. It asks the question: what can food tell us about a culture? The short answer: a significant amount. The processes involved in preparing, serving and sharing certain foods and drinks might appear simple, but they often carry important social and cultural significance [1]. One time-involved method of baking bread could indicate the values of patience and care in that particular culture while specific curtsies around serving tea might represent the intricate relationship of a host-guest culture. Food has also been a form of expression that connects us to our memories and traditions (think of “family recipes” and the rituals surrounding them that may have been passed down through generations). As one research paper notes, “there is a relationship between culture and food [that] negotiates our identities, cultures and environments” [2]. Such is the importance of food to a culture that it has found recognition and protection from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Cultural elements that lack a physical form but are instead expressed through knowledge, skill or ritual are equally important to shaping living culture [3]. UNESCO’s list, which you can view here, features other various forms of expression and culture found in countries around the world. This includes “…artistic performances, festivals, social practices, oral heritage, [and] craftsmanship …” [4].
| Multicultural Cuisine
Food is also a source of contention. In an increasingly connected world, cultures interact with certain customs and traditions influencing each other. A phenomenon commonly observed when it comes to food, multicultural cuisine and influences are a complex topic. Interactions and combinations of cultural cuisine have produced delicious dishes but also find themselves the topic of great debate. How might mixing various cuisine influences overstep boundaries of cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation? In countries with rich ethnic diversity or long historical immigrant populations, what defines a nation’s cuisine? An article from Ideas.TED take a unique perspective on multicultural cuisine – particularly, what “American Cuisine” consists of. Other sources such as National Geographic and Nutrition.gov (includes links to recipes) highlight the cultural significances of foods from various regions. An article from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas discusses this topic and its relation in particular to Thai food in the United States. |
Thai Food Culture
As early as the 13th century, the Thai people had established what might be considered the heart of Siamese cuisine as we know it today: various types of meat and seafood combined with rice, local vegetables, herbs, and pungent garlic and pepper [5]. Encounters with outside cultures also helped shape Thai cuisine. Chinese immigrants were instrumental in bringing several culinary influences, including stir frying, Cantonese style barbecued meats, Chinese spices like star anise, and street food culture [6]. There is also Indian influences, noticeable primarily through the range of spices that are used. As The Spruce Eats notes, “other influences on Thai cooking come from neighboring countries, like Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, and Malaysia” – creating a unique selection of cuisine and “… the complex taste of present-day Thai cooking…” [7]. When it comes to cuisine unique to a particular region, Thailand is comprised of four main regional groups, each offering their own unique specialties. Dishes consisting primarily of jasmine rice are typical of Central Thailand and Chinese influence is prominently featured. Meanwhile, the Northeastern region is known for a heavier use of spices and seafood. Northern Thailand cuisine is known for its staple of sticky rice and maintains a “strong influence from neighboring Burma with popular dishes like Kaeng Hang Le, a pork curry flavored with ginger, turmeric, and tamarind” [8]. Seafood, coconuts, and a heavier use of spices are common in Southern Thailand.
Traditional Dishes
Some traditional dishes include Larb (laab), Tom Yum soup, satay and peanut sauce (common street food), Khao Man Gai, and Som Tum (green papaya salad). Another is Pad Thai, a stir-fry noodle dish that is arguably one of the most popular Thai foods worldwide. For more information on staples of Thai cuisine and recipes, check out the website eatingthaifood or this student blog, and consider adding them to your meal schedule.
 Pad Kra Pao Gai (Thai Basil Chicken) |
 Gaeng Massaman |
 Mango Sticky Rice |
| Pad Kra Pao Gai is a stir-fry dish commonly served with a fried egg. It tends to be on the more savory flavor-wise. A recipe for this dish from The Manual, adopted from eatingthaifood can be found here. | Gaeng Massaman is a type of curry dish with a rich and spicy taste. Variations of this dish include the use of chicken or beef as the meat. A recipe from Favorite Family Recipes can be found here. | Sticky rice is a glutinous rice that becomes more sticky when cooked (hence its name) and has a sweet flavor. Mango sticky rice is typically considered a treat or dessert. A recipe for mango sticky rice from The Spruce Eats can be found here. |
The table above illustrates several staple dishes of Thai Cuisine.
Article written by Alexa Rose
Endnotes
[1] Lush, Emily. “UNESCO Food Culture: 25 Amazing Culinary Traditions Around the World.” Wander, Wander-Lush, 28 Aug. 2022, https://wander-lush.org/food-culture-unesco/.
[2] Sibal, Vatika. “Food: Identity of Culture and Religion.” Food and Culture, vol. 6, July-Aug 2018, pp. 10908-10915, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327621871_FOOD_IDENTITY_OF_CULTURE_AND_RELIGION. PDF file.
[3] Lush, Emily. “UNESCO Food Culture: 25 Amazing Culinary Traditions Around the World.” Wander, Wander-Lush, 28 Aug. 2022, https://wander-lush.org/food-culture-unesco/.
[4] Lush, Emily. “UNESCO Food Culture: 25 Amazing Culinary Traditions Around the World.” Wander, Wander-Lush, 28 Aug. 2022, https://wander-lush.org/food-culture-unesco/.
[5] Schmidt, Darlene. “A Guide to Thai Food and Culture.” The Spruce Eats, 29 May 2021, https://www.thespruceeats.com/thai-food-and-culture-3217393.
[6] Lu, Hunter. “The Ultimate Guide To Thai Food, One of the World’s Most Dynamic Cuisines.” The Manual, 5 Feb. 2021, https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/thai-food-guide/.
[7] Schmidt, Darlene. “A Guide to Thai Food and Culture.” The Spruce Eats, 29 May 2021, https://www.thespruceeats.com/thai-food-and-culture-3217393.
[8] Explorer, Khao Lak. “Thai Cuisine History and Different Thai Cuisine in Thailand: Khao Lak Thai Cuisine.” Khao Lak Liveaboard to Similan Islands, 5 July 2021, https://www.khaolakexplorer.com/thailand-guide/thai-cuisine/.
