Lonely Planet ranks Thailand as the number one Best Country for Food in its Top 10 list. Thai is so popular in the United States and Europe that these countries have seen an explosion in the popularity of Thai food and the number of restaurants that serve it. But why this global passion for Thai food?
To understand this global sensation, you must first try Thai cuisine. There has never been a better time for South Africans who want to try Thai and those who already love Thai cuisine to indulge their palates, than during Thailand Restaurant Week, from 4 to 10 August 2014.
Thai food is characterised by diverse flavours, the use of fresh herbs and other healthy ingredients and food combinations. Indeed, many of the herbs, spices and ingredients in Thai cooking have proven health benefits, as do the methods of preparing most popular Thai dishes.
“If your affair with Thai Food is going to be an enduring one, you want to be certain that the restaurant you choose is providing authentic Thai cuisine,” said Dr. Chakarin Komolsiri, Trade Commissioner of the Royal Thai Embassy, Office of Commercial Affairs.
“The Department of International Trade Promotion Thailand (DITP) is proud to share the diversity of taste in Thai food with South Africa, via Thailand Restaurant Week. To ensure that South Africans from all walks of life enjoy an authentic Thai culinary experience, the DITP endorses the Thai Select restaurant certification that guarantees the authenticity of the Thai food being served,” he added.
Thai Premium and Thai Select certificates are awarded to qualifying restaurants after evaluation of their applications and taste testing of the cuisine on offer.
“Thai Select Premium is the highest certification in this programme, and is awarded to establishments whose degree of excellence is of 5-star or higher quality. This is proof of the authenticity and quality of the foods being served, the Thai décor, and the level of service,” explained Dr. Komolsiri. “Restaurants in the 3 to 4-star category are awarded Thai Select status, which certifies that they serve fine, authentic Thai foods.”
If you’re looking for a restaurant or fast food outlet that serves genuine Thai food, a Thai Select certificate is your guarantee that you are dining truly Thai.
So what can you expect from authentic Thai food? Thai chefs expertly blend subtle combinations of fresh herbs, vegetables and other fresh protein ingredients to achieve the perfect balance in flavour, aroma, texture, and the health properties of each dish.
Among the flavours of Thai food, you might pick out the delicate, lemony flavour of lemongrass, a delicious ingredient in everything from soups to salads. Galangal, a type of ginger, is another popular Thai condiment and like lemongrass has remarkable health benefits in addition to superb flavour.
If you love Thai, or it’s time to try Thai, why not treat yourself or the women in your life to a Thai meal and experience they’ll never forget on Woman’s Day, on Saturday 9 August, or anytime during Thailand Restaurant Week.
When you dine at any Thai Select restaurant from 4-10 August, you and a partner could win a holiday to Thailand. Thailand’s DITP, Thai Airways, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thompsons Holidays are the sponsors of this vacation to one of the planet’s most beautiful destinations.
Look for the Thai Select symbol of certification when you dine Thai and be assured of an authentic experience with aromatic, flavorsome and healthy Thai cuisine. Check out #ThaiSelectSA on Twitter.
