| I'm not sure about where you live but here in | | | | this would be lovely for background sound - or at |
| Sydney, Thai food is so popular that most | | | | else some other oriental-inspired music. |
| suburbs have at least one Thai restaurant if not | | | | Thais don't generally use chop sticks to eat - |
| 20! This may be a bit of an exaggeration but you | | | | rather a fork and a dessert-like spoon but if you |
| get the drift - it's capital "P" for popular! | | | | want the Asian touch (Thailand is in South-East |
| So, when you're planning a dinner party at home | | | | Asia) feel free to provide each guest with a pair |
| it makes sense to serve your guests a type of | | | | of chopsticks. Consider a wooden or bamboo |
| food that people seem to love. Thai food is your | | | | place mat at each guest's place. |
| perfect option. It's exotic, clean and light and best | | | | As a centerpiece to your table you could fill a long |
| of all, delicious! | | | | shallow bowl with water and place floating candles |
| Thai cuisine is known for its balance of five | | | | atop. You could also try to purchase some exotic |
| fundamental flavors. Most Thai dishes tend to | | | | looking flowers. On my trips to Thailand, orchids |
| incorporate all of these flavors if not most. These | | | | and the like have adorned the table settings. The |
| flavors are: | | | | whole experience of eating is pure pleasure. |
| - hot (spicy - chili) | | | | For starters you could serve one of their delicious |
| - sour (vinegar, lime juice, tamarind) | | | | soups like a hot and spicy Tom Yum Goong |
| - sweet (soft brown sugar, fruits, sweet peppers) | | | | (spicy and sour prawn soup) or a Tom Yum Kai |
| - salty (soy sauce, fish sauce) | | | | which is similar but with chicken. |
| - bitter (which is optional) | | | | You could also serve Thai fish cakes, spring rolls in |
| The great thing with Thai food is that instead of | | | | rice paper, curry puffs, satay chicken or deep |
| dried herbs they use a lot of fresh herbs and | | | | fried chicken wings - with dipping sauce of course. |
| spices and fish sauce. The aromas are sensational. | | | | For main - stir fries, whole fish, Thai curries |
| Since 95% of Thais are Buddhists, they leave | | | | (green, red, yellow, Masaman, etc) or the ever |
| religious offerings of fruit at the base of a Buddha | | | | popular noodle dishes like Pad Thai or Pad See Yu. |
| statue with burning candles, incense and the like in | | | | Don't forget the steamed rice served in a |
| restaurants. There is a peacefulness that this | | | | covered rice bowl in a central position on your |
| brings as you lay witness to the scene. You will | | | | table, so people can help themselves. |
| also often find photos of their much loved and | | | | A platter of fresh exotic fruit or a mango sticky |
| long serving King. | | | | rice dish is wonderful for dessert. |
| You could re-create a Thai space in your dining | | | | You see, there are just so many recipe choices |
| room by adding the smell of a subtle incense and | | | | for your Thai meal. I would suggest checking the |
| making the lighting softer than usual. If you don't | | | | Internet for free recipes or getting hold of an |
| have a light dimmer try lighting the dining room | | | | easy Thai recipe book. |
| with some candles or lamps to create a lovely | | | | Most of the ingredients you will need are easily |
| ambiance. | | | | available at your local Asian specialty food store. |
| If you can get hold of some Thai classical music | | | | |