In the Rose Garden, tea is prepared the traditional way aboard a boat in the river.
On a recent visit to Thailand, Food made the following observations:
1. Most meals start with several cups of tea; this is a ritual that everyone follows.
2. Rice is served with every meal, starting with a hearty bowl of rice porridge at breakfast. There are usually two other rice dishes on the menu along with the staples preferred by westerners.
3.There is an abundance of fresh fruits and this is served for dessert on many occasions.
4. It is laughingly observed that Thais are always cooking and eating, yet there is not an obese person in sight.
5. At restaurants and the many miles of sidewalk cook shops, there is a wide variety of tempting offerings and a meal can cost as little as 30 Baht (that is less than US$1).
6. Thais eat what they grow and grow what they eat.
7. The food is spicy, but you can request the mild variety.
8. There are also Chinese, Japanese and other restaurants in Thailand.
9. It is all very delicious!
- Barbara Ellington
