I absolutely love Thai food and grew up eating it all the time. It’s one of my favorite cuisines and it is full of bold flavors. From rich curries to spicy noodles and tangy salads, every dish brings something unique to the table. I never tire of it, whether it’s a cozy bowl of tom kha or a fiery green papaya salad, Thai food always hits the spot.
Jet Tila (@jettila), celebrity chef, author and restaurateur renowned for his expertise in Thai and pan-Asian cuisine, loves it too, and his parents established some of the first Thai markets and restaurants in the U.S.
In recognition of his contributions to Thai cuisine, Tila was appointed as the inaugural Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles. If Jet Tila tells you something about Thai food, listen! And that doesn’t just mean how to cook it. Sometimes, enjoying a culture’s cuisine also means knowing how to eat it.
Tila recently shared the proper way to eat Thai food and we’re taking his recommendations to heart. Here’s what you need to know.
Related:Cutthroat Kitchen Chef Jet Tila Shares His Favorite Recipe for Classic Pad Thai
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔
View this post on Instagram
What’s the Best Way to Eat Thai Food?
Understanding the proper way to enjoy Thai food enhances the dining experience and shows respect for its rich cultural traditions. Chef Tila emphasizes that, contrary to common belief, chopsticks are not the primary utensils for most Thai dishes. Instead, the conventional method involves using a fork and spoon. In this setup, the spoon is held in the dominant hand and serves as the main utensil for conveying food to the mouth, while the fork, held in the non-dominant hand, is used to push food onto the spoon.
This technique allows for the efficient handling of the diverse components of Thai cuisine, including rice, vegetables and proteins. One way you can tell if the dish requires a spoon and fork and not chopsticks is by checking your table setting. Most Thai restaurants will set out the utensils you need for the dish you are eating. Of course, you can also ask your server to get clarification on what utensil is best for which dish.
Chopsticks are primarily reserved for noodle dishes in Thai culture. When enjoying dishes like Pad Thai, chopsticks are used to pick up the noodles, while a spoon may be used to help with broth or additional ingredients.
And don’t forget the utensil you always have, um, handy: your hands! In certain regions of Thailand, it’s customary to eat sticky rice with your hands. Diners form the sticky rice into small balls and use them to scoop up accompanying dishes, like chicken or dips. This method is practical, given the texture of sticky rice, and also creates a more intimate connection with the food. It’s a practice deeply rooted in tradition and reflects the communal nature of Thai dining.
Adhering to these practices not only enhances the authenticity of the dining experience but also shows respect for the culture. By embracing these customs, diners can fully appreciate the rich culinary traditions of Thailand and enjoy its diverse dishes as they are intended to be experienced.
Related: The One Surprising Travel Destination in Thailand Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to a Local
