Thailand : What to eat ? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Thailand : Enjoying yourself

Timetable Thailand

Restaurant opening times are very varied. Traditional restaurants are open as in France, for lunch and dinner, often with a weekly closing day (or two). Small local restaurants are open for a single service eight hours a day. If the restaurant opens early in the morning, they close around 2pm. Those that open late in the morning provide service until around 7pm. And then there are those that open around 5pm and close late in the evening. Present in every Thai city, night markets are open from 5pm to 10pm . On the islands and in seaside resorts, beach restaurants and bars are generally open non-stop from morning to night.

Budget & Tips Thailand

Found in every city in the country, the night markets offer cheap evening meals, often with a wide choice of dishes. Small restaurants frequented by locals are also often inexpensive, but you'll have to choose a dish "blind" or by showing a photo of the menu, as the latter is very rarely translated into English. Payment is made in cash in the smaller establishments, and by credit card in the more upscale ones.

Don't forget to check out the "Where to stay" sections to find a good place to eat, as most hotels and guesthouses have their own restaurant, and some are well worth a visit.

What costs extra Thailand

Prices are generally inclusive of all taxes. Sometimes, however, the 7% tax is added to the total amount of the bill, as is the case in some top restaurants. Taxes are often indicated at the bottom of menus. Look carefully, as the bill can sometimes climb surprisingly high!

In some restaurants, it's a good idea to leave a small tip for the staff. It's not compulsory, but it's much appreciated.

In some local establishments, you will be charged for glasses and ice cubes. Please note that in these establishments the price of drinks is often very low.

The local way Thailand

In Thailand, you eat with a soup spoon and a fork, the latter being used to push the food. Of course, in restaurants serving foreign cuisine, you'll also be given a knife. Some establishments, particularly those specializing in noodle soups, make chopsticks available to customers. This is not a Thai tradition, however, but an import from Chinese culture.

Thais, when they're with friends or family, like to share lots of different dishes laid out in the center of a table. If you're a guest, you should know that you never take a portion from a communal dish and eat it straight away, but arrange it on a small plate of your own before eating it.

To be avoided Thailand

In the south of the country, some establishments run by Muslims don't serve alcohol (or pork, of course). There's no need to ask and offend your interlocutors!

Kids Thailand

In all tourist towns, restaurants offer menus or specialities for children. This is even more common in seaside resorts.

Smokers Thailand

Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. However, many establishments tolerate cigarette smoking on their terraces, particularly in tourist resorts and even in Bangkok. Just be careful not to disturb your neighbors.

Tourist traps Thailand

In some resorts, such as Ao Nang (Krabi), barkers wave their menus under customers' noses and desperately try to seat them on their terraces. Take the time to look at the prices and make sure you're happy with the menu before you sit down.

Thailand : Take a break

Timetable Thailand

Cafés are open during the day, closing in the late afternoon in small towns and in the late evening in large cities. Bars generally open in the early afternoon and close between 1 and 5 a.m., depending on the authorization they have. Beach bars are open from morning to night.

Budget & Tips Thailand

Prices for an espresso or cappuccino in the big city chains are much the same as in France. Prices are considerably lower in street stalls and some small shops.

Prices for alcoholic beverages vary according to the type of establishment and the location. A large local-brand beer costs less than 50 baht in a store, and between 70 and 120 baht in bars and restaurants.

Age restrictions Thailand

Alcohol is prohibited for sale and consumption up to the age of 20. Access to bars and pubs is theoretically forbidden to young people under the legal drinking age. However, it is not uncommon to see people under that age in bars and clubs..

What's very local Thailand

Thais are crazy about bubble tea. Originally from Taiwan, this beverage has conquered the hearts of the Thais, and you'll find it just about everywhere in the country. There are several varieties: the tea is flavored, with or without milk, ice cubes, sugar (lots of sugar!) and the drink is sprinkled with little tapioca pearls.

Smokers Thailand

It's worth pointing out once again that smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. However, many establishments tolerate cigarette smoking on their terraces, particularly in tourist resorts and even in Bangkok. While some foreign tourists and expatriates are flexible, the same cannot be said of Thais. Note that tolerance is not the same in Night Markets, where you'll have to leave the market to light up. Watch out for the fine!