Traditionally, Thai food is eaten with a fork and spoon. Even single-dish meals, such as steamed rice with chicken, are served in bite-sized slices or chunks obviating the need for a knife. It is considered rude in Thai culture to put a fork in ones mouth, therefore the spoon is used to convey food to the mouth.

Ideally, eating Thai food is a communal affair involving two or more people, principally because the greater the number of diners, the greater the number of dishes ordered. Generally speaking, two diners order three dishes in addition to their own individual plates of steamed rice. Three diners order four dishes, and so on. Diners then choose whatever they require from shared dishes and add it to their own rice. Soups are enjoyed concurrently with rice and other dishes, not independently, and spicy dishes are "balanced" by bland dishes to avoid discomfort.

The ideal Thai meal is a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and palate. A typical meal might include a clear soup, a steamed dish, a fried dish, a hot salad, and a variety of sauces into which food is dipped. This would be followed by sweet desserts or fruits.

WHAT COMPRISES A THAI MEAL

Starters
These can be hors d'oeuvres, accompaniments, side dishes and/or snacks. They can include spring rolls, satay, puffed corn cakes with sweet chilli sauce, and represent the playful and creative nature of the Thais.

General Fare
A sweet and sour dish, a fluffy omelette, and a stir-fried dish help make a meal more complete.

Soups
A good meal for an average person may consist simply of a soup and rice. Traditional Thai soups are unique because they embody more flavours and textures than can be found in other types of food.

Curries
Most non-Thai curries consist of powdered or ground dried spices, whereas the major ingredients of Thai curry are fresh herbs. A simple Thai curry paste consists of dried chillies, shallots and shrimp paste. More complex curries include garlic, galangal, coriander roots, lemon grass, kaffir lime peel and peppercorns.

Single Dishes
Complete meals in themselves, they include rice and noodle dishes such as Khao Phat and Phad Thai.

Desserts
No good meal is complete without a Thai dessert. Uniformly sweet, they are particularly welcome after a strongly spiced and herbed meal.