Do’s and Don’ts…. how to eat…
Nov 15th, 2005 by Lillian
At most meals, you will be given a spoon and fork to use. Don’t put the fork in your mouth as this is like putting the knife in your mouth in the West. You use the fork to scoop food into the spoon. At most meals, all food is put in the centre of the table and you share with everyone. Don’t pile your plate high with food. Just take a couple of spoonfuls and put this on your plate. Each dish should have its own serving spoon so use that and not your own. If you have a piece of meat between your teeth, make sure you cover your mouth with one hand as you pick away at it!
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Wow, really important cultural differences there. I had no idea about the fork thing. But I suppose the natives are forgiving if a farang (is that correct?) makes a mistake now and then?
Thai people are very forgiving.. but you might get some strange looks if you eat with a folk in a rural area… much the same as you would in Europe if you ate with your knife
Its quite similar here in Malaysia too. Most eating places won’t give you a knife unless you were eating steak. However, most people just tuck in with their bare hands.
The food tastes better too.
Knowing local culture is important. When I lived in Hong Kong (many years ago) I took a photo of a local farmer working in a field on one of the islands. He chased me for a couple of miles. I didn’t know that the rural folks believed that taking pictures was akin to stealing part of their soul.
But now if I ever visit Thailand I will know how to eat without offending anyone!