The Great Pleasure of eating Thai food is the great variety of taste, the exotic aromas, spices and herbs that go into even simple dish. All of these make Thai food a fascinating treat, but do you really know how to eat Thai food?

Eating food the "Thai way" is differrent to eating food in many Western countries where you choose and eat your appetizer and main course dish. In practice this has some shortcomings in that you only get to try one dish and tend to stick to the same old favourite-just to be safe

Firstly, forget about ordering yourself a whopping great steak. The "Thai way" is to eat with a number of people, order a number of dishes and share them. It means you get to try a many of dishes and if you don't like a dish, there are others to choose from. The result is a more balanced and satisfying meal and all above, enjoyable social occasion.

So, that bring us to the next point, don't tuck in like you've never had food for a month. Thais eat slowly and enjoy the foods, conversations, laughter and company. Each of you will be given a plate of rice and soup bowl.

Now for the next problem, Where are the knives? There are no knives on the table. There aren't any because all the food has been diced before cooking, pretty smart, eh? Today, Thai food is eaten using a spoon and fork. Everyone uses the fork to push the food onto the spoon which then goes in your mouth. The fork, however, never does.

Other than that, there's no need to worry about Thai dinner. Sit back, relax and enjoy the friendship and conversation at the table. Thai food is something to be shared and, all above, enjoyed.