Every cuisine has its individual traits specific for a particular culture. And these are exactly what sets different traditions apart, giving them that specific and unique aspect.



When it comes to eating Thai cuisine, you rarely stop to think about how it’s prepared. But if you are ready to undertake a new culinary project and start cooking Thai food, there are some things you should know before you start.

1. Always go fresh

Fresh ingredients are a must in most cuisines and Thai is no exception. Believe it or not, many Thais still today do not own a fridge so for them everything is about buying fresh produce on a daily basis.

Thai have their local markets while for us who live in the West, it’s not really a given to have an Asian shop on their doorstep. However, going to your nearest supplier twice a year will keep you in fresh Thai flavors.

When you buy your ingredients, give them a good rinse when you get home, let them air-dry for a bit, and then freeze them the same day. They should be placed in an air-tight container. Know that 90% of basic Thai ingredients can be frozen with good results, just check with the shop which ones.



2. Get a nutrient boost

Serving raw sides will do wonders for your health! Since you are now looking to learn to prepare and serve Thai food you should know that they always have a plate of assorted fresh raw herbs and vegetables on the side of their main dish.

They use ice cubes to keep the vegetables extra crispy. These sides provide extra nutrients and vitamins which you can’t really get from cooked dishes. Often served on the side are; long beans, apple, cucumber (skin off), bean sprouts, sweet Thai basil, chives and spring onions.

3. Natural healing

These are some of the favorite Thai ingredients and an overview of what they can do for you:

• Fresh chilies – These are a pretty great source of vitamins A, C and K. Said to have pain relief potential.
• Lemongrass - Source of iron and potassium. Said to be an effective alternative treatment for yeast infections.
• Lime - Good source of vitamin C and potassium.
• Coriander: Packed with vitamins and minerals. Good source of dietary fiber.
• Galangal (Thai ginger) - Often used to help treat the common cold. Aids with digestion.
• Turmeric - Used as an effective antioxidant. It is anti-inflammatory.
• Kaffir lime – Good for digestion and promotes gum health.
• Garlic - Antioxidant, aids with digestion. Said to have effect on blood pressure and cholesterol.

Thai food is so healthy because very little oil is used in the cooking. A little oil is added at the beginning to soften the garlic. After that, all the heat goes up and it's over to the broth.



4. Fish sauce

The salt of Thailand Fish sauce is used for fish sauce which is one of the best things you’ll get to eat when it comes to Thai food. By adding fish sauce you get a deeper and rounder taste as well. Fish sauce is too full of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Most often it's made from sardines and anchovies, which contain omega-3.

Without good ingredients, there’s no good food for either your body or the taste. When buying it, check the ingredient information on the bottle - fish, salt and sugar are the only ingredients a fish sauce should contain.

5. No dairy

Dairy is not a commonly consumed food group, despite a recent movement in Thailand to increase diary farming.

Since people in Thailand aren’t used to dairy products (they get hard on digestion), dishes don’t have much hidden fats from ingredients like butter and cream.



6. Cook quick

Since you are interested in Thai cooking, it wouldn’t harm for you to learn thai customs, their culture and overall food “rituals”.

Know that Thai cuisine is all about balanced meals. Thailand’s cuisine is known for quick food cooking, keeping in much of the goodness and natural flavor.

“If you're having something that is heavy (e.g. something deep-fried or with coconut milk) Thais would then consume foods that will help their digestion and lighten the load. Say, a curry made with coconut milk will often be served with a side of fresh herbs & vegetables” says Thai food expert Intira Aromdee.

We hope we have helped and given you a good insight into what to expect. Good luck with your Thai cooking experiences!