Throughout the different regions of Thailand, there are different traditional foods based on the conditions of the environment. This can be observed in which foods are offered in more urban environments in comparison to more rural environments. Although there are slight differences, one thing that remains consistent is the Thai love for rice.
In the city, you find more fried foods that are often found on Thai menus in the United States, such as fried eggs, pad thai, fried rice, curries and things of similar association. On the other hand, in rural communities, you find more extremely fresh things... so fresh that they may even be alive! As I walked through a rural market, I was able to see foods for sale such as fresh crickets, live crabs, and even wasp hives that were full of larvae. This experience was unique and interesting, but I also felt a little bit creeped out, because I am not used to seeing my food sources while they are still living.
Another thing that is common throughout Thai culture is the use of sticky rice. Sticky rice is a side dish that is often eaten with both main meals and desserts. Two delicious desserts that are commonly eaten here are mango sticky rice and sticky rice with a sweet custard sauce.
