In the past few decades, Thai cuisine has become an international favourite, enjoyed in countries around the world. The exposure of the foreign palate to Thai food began in the 1960s, coinciding with the development of the international tourism industry in Thailand. The globalization of a cuisine generally results in a blending of cultural forms as traditional dishes are adapted to local tastes. However, what is thought of as authenticity is not lost in translation, as Thai cuisine has been affected by international influences for centuries.
Blending Traditions
What we know as Thai food is actually a blending of indigenous foods with Chinese and Indian influences. Khmer traditions, including curries, were introduced in the 15th century, and fish sauce, which is crucial to Thai cooking, came from China. Contact with the Portuguese in the 16th century developed a taste for chilies, which are combined with fish sauce, lime and galangal, a type of ginger.
The traditional style of Thai dining sees the non-dessert dishes served all at once. A typical Thai meal may include several dishes of soup or curry plus stir-fried or deep-fried dishes, served to allow everyone to take their own portion, with rice served in individual portions. Dishes that are served together combine and harmonize various flavours. Some Thai restaurants in Canada, to suit the local clientele, follow the Western practice of serving a meal in courses.
Cuisine Promotes Culture
Food is an integral part of culture and community. From the time of Marco Polo and the advent of trade along the Silk Road, traditional cooking has been influenced by other cultures through trade, colonization and conquest. The movement of peoples around the world affects the development of every type of cuisine. National cuisine, like culture and identity, represents a complicated blending of social and economic dynamics. The enjoyment of Thai cuisine in other countries promotes Thai national culture.
There are many examples in Canada and other Western countries of imitation Thai restaurants; that is, restaurant owners who are not Thai create their own interpretation of Thai cuisine. While such commodification of Thai culture may promote cultural nationalism among Thai people, does it mislead people who may think they are experiencing “authentic” Thai cuisine?
Learn more: Globalization of Thai Cuisine