How to Create a Traditional Thai Menu

A traditional Thai menu for a group of family members or friends typically consists of three or more main dishes that balance each other out. Steamed rice always accompanies the meal as it is considered a Thai staple. Consider these steps when designing a Thai menu.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Writing paper
• Pen

1. Consider your guests. Are there any vegetarians in the group? If so, make sure that at least one main dish is vegetarian.

2. Are any guests kosher? If so, make sure at least one main dish does not contain pork. If your guests are very devout Jews, pork dishes must be eliminated from the whole menu as they cannot share a tabletop with kosher foods.

3. Are any guests allergic to soy? If so, make sure at least one main dish does not contain soy sauce or tofu.

4. Are any guests vegan? If so, make sure at least one main dish does not contain any kind of meat, butter, fish sauce or shrimp paste.

5. Plan for three main dishes and consider the balance necessary for a successful menu. Plan for one hot and sour dish, one sweet dish, one salty dish, one neutral dish, or any combination of the above tastes. Thai food is distinctive because it combines sweet and salty with tangy and spicy. Mix it up.

6. Plan for only one rich curry-style dish, if any, and two meat and vegetable stir-fry dishes, or noodles. Two curries can be overwhelming and upset the balance of the menu.

7. One or two fried or grilled appetizers make a savory choice for starters. Choose one seafood and one meat, or one meat and one vegetable.

8. One light soup and/or one light salad will also ensure a balance.

9. Plan for enough steamed rice to go around (about 1/4 cup of uncooked rice makes 3/4 cup cooked rice).

10. If sweets are a definite on your menu, fresh tropical fruit or a traditional Thai dessert made with coconut or banana or mango is a guaranteed pleaser.

11. Use spoons, knives and forks for cutlery; chopsticks are not a part of Thai custom.

12. When serving, place all main dishes out at once. First and second and third courses do not exist in Thai cooking.

13. Keep extra hot sauce or pickled chili peppers nearby for truly adventurous guests; that way, the main dishes themselves won't have to alienate less tolerant palates.

[jebskee]

on 8/24/2009 Actually, chopsticks are used in Thailand - for certain dishes. Dinner knives are never used. Thais eat most things with their spoon, using a fork to help scoop if needed.