สำนักงานราชบัณทิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume IV - 2012 154  Findings Thai food as explained by Thai food experts Thai food culture has always been related to Thai homes, Buddhist temples, and the royal palace. Its invention, adaptation, and meanings emerge from those in fl uential factors. Buddhist Thais offer well-prepared food to monks on various occasions and rituals, as this signi fi es a merit making. At the height of the royal Thai courts, the courtiers competitively modi fi ed many recipes, presentations, and names as the innovative delicacies were for the interest and well-being of the kings and the royal families. They applied new recipes, ingredients, and techniques brought in by Asian and Western traders and travellers, as well as missionaries. The royal cuisines later entered Thai homes via the courtier families. Today, though the palace role in Thai food culture is not as active, it still is seen, however, as a reference for superior standards. Thais are very proud of their cuisine. They believe that Thai food is fl avourful and good for health. Yet, medicinal herbs are the key to its reputation. Basically, Thai food comes from a local abundance of produce and knowledge. Foreign foods were brought in to increase variety, but they must be adapted to fi t Thai palates. Unavailable or unfavourable ingredients will be substituted. Regarding spiciness and sweetness, Thai food experts con fi rm that Thai food is neither spicy nor sweet. It is consumers’ choice to add spiciness or sweetness into their food. Thai food in the United States markets For Americans, Thai food and Thailand are exotic. I think people think it’s exotic. Like the new lead thing. You’re urban. You’re college. You don’t eat hamburger. Exotic is a preferable word to label Thai culture since it is still “foreign.” Exotic holds a symbolic power that entices consumers to seek out new cuisines and cultural exchanges. Regarding functional aspects, American respondents were impressed with the unique fl avours and valued herbal ingredients. Spiciness and sweetness were prominent characteristics of Thai food since they contrasted well with the bland and plain fl avours of basic American food. Yet, too spicy or too sweet food was negatively perceived. Though Thai food is labelled as a hot cuisine, social preference encouraged Thai Food: A Gateway to Cultural Understanding