Traveling to Thailand for a vacation offers a wealth of diverse fun and exciting experiences. In addition to the endless attractions and activities, not to mention the feast of delicious Thai cuisine—especially now that Thai food has become one of the world’s most popular dishes. Therefore, by scheduling a cooking class during your Thai holiday, you can learn how to make a few of your favorite Thai dishes. It only takes a day or two to master them, and when you return home after your vacation, you can cook them for your loved ones—a perfect way to extend the joys of your trip. Today, there are many qualified cooking schools across Thailand that cater to foreign tourists, offering courses ranging from half a day to several months. Travelers can learn authentic Thai cooking or substitute ingredients with local ones from their home countries—no matter what, the results are equally amazing.
![](\"/pic/20200306/a649f3928207c6a9df7e99625d08579a.jpg\")
Thai cooking schools are all the rage, allowing visitors to experience and learn Thai cuisine. (Image provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Some may find Thai food easy to prepare, while others may think it’s difficult. But those familiar with Southeast Asian cooking will understand and agree on one thing: Thai cuisine uses many exotic ingredients and layered flavors, making the taste and texture truly stand out. Especially in Western countries, Chinese and Japanese cuisines were the first Asian cuisines to gain popularity, becoming everyday staples on Western dining tables. The general public is already accustomed to soy-sauce-flavored dishes, which are comforting but relatively lack the freshness and excitement. In contrast, Thai food, which blends different flavors and aromas—using invigorating lime juice, fish sauce, and chili as a base—such as green papaya salad or Thai beef salad, carries unique herbal and spicy scents. Or take curry-based dishes like green curry (Gaeng Kieow Waan), which are rich and intense yet balanced with coconut milk and chili paste, resulting in a smooth, surprising dish.
![](\"/pic/20200306/3e0d28e34ebf13828050ec84d14b253e.jpg\")
Thai cuisine emphasizes the use of spices and sauces, delivering a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate. (Image provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Those who enjoy stir-fried or deep-fried dishes will definitely love Thai dishes like spicy pork stir-fry, Pad Thai, or fried spring rolls. There’s also a long list of other mouthwatering Thai dishes waiting for travelers to explore. Another great reason to enjoy Thai food is that, unlike Western cuisine, it involves fewer formal dining etiquettes and individualized courses. The best way to eat Thai food is to sit around a table and share with family and friends. Each person has their own plate of jasmine rice (Khao), and then uses shared serving spoons and forks to take meat and vegetables from the communal dishes to eat with the rice. The dining atmosphere is especially relaxed and casual. Typically, a Thai meal includes three to five dishes—such as a soup, a stir-fried dish, some chili dips and vegetables, a curry fish, and perhaps a salad—all enjoyed together. Thais usually pair different dishes so that a single meal offers a variety of flavors to satisfy the palate.
![](\"/pic/20200306/d435168f2b2a99f7d059a5197506e1e0.jpg\")
Learn while getting to know authentic Thai dishes, and gain a deeper understanding of Thai food culture through cooking classes. (Image provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Discover the World of Thai Cuisine:
10 Most Beloved Thai Dishes Around the World
![](\"/pic/20200306/aeb3a9d30318270c9964ee16ff31b467.jpg\")
Delicious Pad Thai with its bold flavors is simply irresistible. (Image provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)
10 Essential Tools for Cooking Thai Food
10 most commonly used ingredients when cooking Thai food
1. Coconut milk
![](\"/pic/20200306/8a2a21466e7fe6c25ea0a4fe8b6a5e50.jpg\")
Cooking Thai cuisine with travelers from around the world is a fun and enriching cultural exchange experience. (Photo provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
- 1
- 2
- 3