A LITTLE
ABOUT THAI FOOD
The preparation of food plays a central role in
Thai life and culture. There are different dishes for every occasion
and each region boasts its own specialties. At CHA’BA
THAI, we are pleased to offer you a wide range of authentic
dishes to reflect the diversity of Thai cuisine, which is often
referred to as the French cuisine of the East. A typical Thai meal
consists of three or more dishes which are always eaten with rice. A
well balanced meal will consist of meat, fish, a curry and vegetables.
The possible combinations are limitless and depend very much on
personal preference. The herbs and spices which permeate Thai cooking
include lemon grass, coriander, galingale, garlic and chilies.
Narm pla’ (dried fish
sauce), lime and coconut milk are other commonly used ingredients which
help to achieve that very special Thai taste. Our á la carte menu
contains many established favourites, together with a number of
innovative dishes introduced this year. To help our customers, we have
designed a variety of combinations to achieve that balance of tastes
and textures which make eating Thai food such an experience. These are
listed in this special menu.
In modern day Thailand, a spoon and fork are
used for eating. The edge of the spoon is used for cutting or breaking
up food, while the fork is used to push food onto the spoon or to pick
up pieces of meat or sliced fruit. Chopsticks are a Chinese influence,
and only used with noodles. Sticky rice and its accompaniments are
eaten with a clean hand. All the dishes of the main course are served
together with diners helping themselves to a little of this or that
depending on individual taste; generally, the more people, the greater
the variety of dishes to tempt the appetite. Small portions are taken
from the serving dish so that there is enough for everyone to taste and
return for more when a favourite is discovered. The plain rice, which
accompanies all dishes, is kept separate on the plate and combined with
each portion of food as it is tried. In this way, all the different
flavours and aromas can be savoured individually. Thai food is rarely
served piping hot as it does not depend on heat for taste or
appearance. The main course should therefore be eaten in a leisurely
fashion.
Eating Thai style means looking after your companions and
offering them the choicest morsels. It should be a relaxed, communal
meal which everyone shares and enjoys. CHA’BA THAI staff are at
hand to tell you about the different dishes or assist you in any way
they can. Our aim is to provide fresh and healthy food with friendly
and unobtrusive service which makes you feel at home.
We sincerely
hope that you will enjoy the CHA’BA THAI experience and join the
many others who have been our regular customers since 2000. It will
always be our pleasure to welcome you
back.
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