How to Follow Thai Table Manners

The sophisticated and perfectly balanced flavours of Thai cuisine are becoming increasingly popular. If you are going out for an evening at a Thai restaurant, or if you are lucky enough to travel to Thailand itself, you will want to bone up on your Thai table manners.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Thai food is usually served family style. Dishes are placed in the middle of the table and are shared by everyone dining.

2. It is poor etiquette to lift any of the serving dishes off the table. It is more appropriate to pass your plate to someone closer to the dish and have them serve you.

3. Do not ask for chopsticks if they are not provided. Chopsticks are not used in Thailand unless the dish is based in Chinese tradition.

4. Thai food is usually eaten with a fork and spoon. Meat will be cut into bite sized pieces during the preparation process, so there is no need for a knife. The fork is only used to push food onto the spoon. You should eat only from the spoon as eating from the fork is considered crass and would be the equivalent of eating from your knife.

5. Delicious as the food is, it is polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate. This indicates that you have been satisfied and that your host has provided you with enough food.

6. Be friendly and respectful and you will never go wrong. Thai food is one of life’s great pleasures and the experience should be a relaxed and enjoyable one.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that when dining in touristy areas of Thailand, your server may not receive compensation from their employer and may rely solely on tips from patrons.