How to Eat Like a Local in Koh Samui – Tips for a great dining experience

Every culture has its own customs and norms when it comes to dining, and Thai culture is no different. Thailand is a highly traditional country with a culture that’s been simmering to perfection for thousands of years. So, it’s no surprise that the country has a set of rules that concerns dining. Whether you are in Thailand for business or leisure, it’s important that you understand these rules.  

Thai Foods - Image by Edar from Pixabay  

Wait for the clue

In Western culture, the most senior person of the family or the host of the dinner would sit at the head of the table, but it’s not so in Thai culture. The most senior person here sits in the middle.Whether you are at one of the restaurants in Koh Samui or the private home of a local, you are supposed to wait until the most senior person is seated before you take your seat. If you are, however, not sure where to sit, you can wait until someone directs you to your seat.Some restaurants, hotels, and cafes in Thailand have a different type of seating: cushions on the floor. If you find yourself at a restaurant with floor cushions and low tables, there’s one thing you need to remember: you should sit in a way that hides your feet.There’s also a concept similar to communal dining here. Depending on the restaurant, you might find yourself sitting next to a complete stranger. This is completely normal, and don’t worry; you are not expected to make conversation.

Dishes are shared

Dishes served at restaurants are usually meant for a group of people. This is because the locals like to share their food with others. This is not to say that you cannot order whatever you like.  You can order what you want, but you’ll have to share it with the group. You might also come across situations where the senior ladies of the group order all the dishes.This is not something you have to worry about if you want to enjoy a private romantic dinner with your loved one at a place like Santiburi Koh Samui.

Be careful

Most Thai dishes are spicy, so be careful if you are not used to spicy dishes. If you are with a group of locals, they’ll most likely order all the food, but you don’t have to eat everything they order. Don’t serve yourself food you can’t handle, and if someone offers you something you cannot eat, you should politely decline.

Don’t take too much

A typical Thai meal consists of curry, soup, rice, and a salad. All these dishes make their way to your table in portions enough for everyone – rice may be served separately in individual portions, though.Don’t pile your plate of rice with too many things. It’s customary to take a bit of everything and leave the rest for the others to enjoy.  Also, keep in mind that if rice is served in one big bowl, the last bit of rice left in the bowl is meant for the host.

Chopsticks aren’t a usual addition

Most people think chopsticks are a traditional utensil in Thailand, but they are not.When dining at Japanese or Chinese restaurants, you may be given chopsticks, but typical Thai dishes aren’t eaten with chopsticks. You’ll be given a fork and a spoon, but you won’t get a knife because everything is made into bite-size chunks.

Don’t use your left hand

Thai people consider the left hand to be unsanitary, so avoid using your left hand to touch food or eat food; always use your right hand when eating dishes like sticky rice.

Help yourself to condiments

If you feel like your food is not salty enough or spicy enough for you, you can always help yourself to all the condiments that come with the meal. Thai dishes are usually served with extra chilli flakes, salt, vinegar, and sauce.