| Thailand is a country which has several different regions, each with its own characteristic types of food. There are, however, certain things in common, the most important being that, whatever the region, rice forms a major part of a Thai person's diet. This is not the kind of rice common in the West, but 'sticky rice', known in Thailand as 'kao neow'. Sticky rice would not be served to Westerners in hotels or restaurants in Thailand unless it is specifically requested. |
| Also, Thais prefer their food somewhat 'hot' by Western standards (they refer to their food as 'spicy'). Thai chefs are usually well aware of this, so Westerners would normally be served food 'mai phet', that is, 'not spicy' (not hot). |
| When meat forms part of a meal, it is always cut into small pieces before it is prepared. A spoon and fork are therefore the commonly-used eating utensils, knives being largely unnecessary. |