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Cultural Background



Thai Cuisine



Nutrition Analysis



My Experience

Cultural Background of Thai Food


With their Buddhist background, Thais avoided the use of large animals in big chunks. Therefore, big cuts of meat were shredded and laced with herbs and spices. Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling. Chinese influences introduced frying, stir frying and deep-frying.

Thai food is internationally famous. Thai cuisine is a harmonious combination of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences into something unique. Based on ots waterborne lifestyle, their major ingredients are aquatic animals, plants and herbs. A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.


Cuisine of Thailand


Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)



Ingredients
(6 servings)

1 (16 ounce) package rice noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup chopped onions
1 stalk lemongrass, flattened with cleaver and finely chopped
1 1/2 lbs boneless pork loin, julienned
1/2 cup dried shrimps, soaked in 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes (or 1/2 cup salad shrimp plus salt to taste)
6 Thai red chili peppers, minced
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons ketchup
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
6 cups bean sprouts
1/4 cup chinese chives, chopped (or 1/4 cup chopped green onion plus minced garlic to taste)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped peanuts
Method

  1. Cook noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes or until softened, stirring constantly; drain and plunge into cold water; drain again.

  2. Stir-fry onion and garlic in wok until tender; add pork, shrimp, lemongrass, and chilies, cooking 5 minutes further, or until pork is done.

  3. Add sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, ketchup, black pepper, eggs, noodles, bean sprouts and chives; cook, stirring well for 2-4 minutes, until egg is pretty much cooked and set.

  4. Serve on plates sprinkled with cilantro and peanuts; and optional hot sauces such as Nam Prik Dang or Sambal Oelek (chile paste) as table condiments, if desired.







Nutrition Analysis of Pad Thai


1 serving size
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving                              %RDA
Calories 475 kcal
    Calories from Fat 242 kcal     51 %
Total Fat 27.0 g     41 %
    Saturated Fat 7.7 g     38 %
Cholesterol 155 mg     51 %
Sodium 908 mg     37 %
Potassium 986 mg     28 %
Total Carbohydrate 20.7 g     6 %
    Dietary Fiber 04.0 g     16 %
Protein 39.8 g     79 %
Key vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A 5195 mcg     103 %
Vitamin B6 1.0 mg     47 %
Vitamin B12 1.0 mcg     16 %
Vitamin C 130 mg     217 %
Vitamin E 2 mcg     9 %
Calcium 75 mg     7 %
Magnesium 100 mg     25 %
Iron 3 mg     19 %


My Experience with Thai Food


Before I went to New York last year, I had never experienced Thai food. New York was such a great place for a person like me who would love to try new different foods. The city provided me with many opportunities to experience different cuisines and cultures. Especially the Thai food was the most fascinating cuisine of all. I visited several different Thai restaurants, from the cheapest place to the most fanciest one. The ingredients used were varied at each restaurant, but its unique flavors were the same. Enjoyning a wide range of spices and seasonings of Thai cuisine was such a pleasure while I was staying in New York. I would really want to visit Thailand someday and try their local foods!



For the Thai food lovers, I would like to introduce a really good restaurant in New York. The restaurant RAIN is located at 100 W 82nd St (Btwn Amsterdam & Columbus Ave). Beside these amazing Thai foods, you can also try Malaysian, Vietamese, and other Asian cuisines. Of course, Pad Thai was my favorite. Good ethnic food, Great service at a decent price!

Visit the homepage if you want further information about this restaurant!
www.rainrestaurant.com


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