ABOUT THAI TABLE ETIQUETTE


Dining is, above all else, the most important social event in Thai life. Using the correct utensils ( a fork and spoon) and proper eating gestures will garner much respect from the Thais.

The fork is used to push small amounts of food onto the spoon. The spoon is the only instrument to put food into ones mouth. To Thais, using a fork to put food into ones mouth is as uncouth as using a knife in Western countries to put food into the mouth. Noodles are eaten with chopsticks.

Normally, several food platters and a large bowl of rice are set on the table. When serving yourself, put no more than one or two spoonfuls on your plate at a time. Never fill your plate at one times as in Western countries. It is customary at the start of a meal to have a spoonful of plain rice first. If Thais are housing you, they’ll undoubtedly encourage you to eat more of the nonrice dishes as a gesture of their hospitality.

When eating with Thais, always try to finish the food on your plate. Thai will please the host, communicating the message that the food was delicious.

Related Dining Articles:

  Eating Thai Food in Thailand
  Thailand Restaurant and Dining Guide