Garlic

Cloves, smashed garlic and garlic oil are used in almost every Thai dish. Garlic (which was also popular during the Middle Ages in Europe) is said to have powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Basil

The Thai "horapha", "kaphrao" & "maenglak" are varieties of sweet basil. They are used as a vegetable and for flavoring and act as an aid to digestion.

Turmeric

Used for coloring in yellow curries, soups and other dishes. White turmeric, a different type, is used as a raw vegetable and resembles ginger. This is an old Thai treatment for cobra venom.

Galangal

A member of the ginger family with a subtle citrus flavor, it is usually added in large pieces to impart flavor to fish or chicken stock, or used in making curry pastes. It has many medical uses in Asia.

Ginger

Eaten raw or cooked and it is used widely in many Asian cuisines including Thai. Ginger is acknowledged to improve digestion and to counteract nausea.

Lemongrass

A favorite in Thailand, only the base of this hard grass is used, with the green leafy part discarded. Added as a flavoring agent, it is indispensable for tom yam. Lemongrass oil will, among other things, sooth an upset stomach and indigestion.

Coriander, Cilantro, Chinese Parsley

The stem and roots are for seasoning. It is said to be good for the digestive system, reducing flatulence, stimulating the appetite and aiding the secretion of gastric juices.

Thai Chilies

When thinking about Thai food, one often thinks about chili. True, the Thai people annually consume more hot peppers than anyone in the world. Originally from South America, chilies came to Thailand about 400 years ago. They stimulate blood circulation and are believed to have many positive attributes.

Kaffir Lime, Leech Lime

The leaves can be finely shredded and added to salads, or torn and added to soups and curries. They are aromatic and have a fragrance similar to lemongrass.

Pea Eggplant

Look similar to green peas but pop in your mouth, releasing a strong yet delicious taste. A

Shallot

Small Thai red onions that are sweet and aromatic and an essential ingredient in many Thai dishes. Used as an antiseptic and diuretic, the juice is known to be good for coughs and colds.

Crispy Spring Rolls Por pia pak

Deep fried vegetarian spring rolls of glass noodles, shredded cabbage, carrots and onions, served with a sweet chili sauce or Sriracha sauce.

Fish patties Tod mun pla

Deep fried fish patties of red curry, herbs and green beans, served with spicy Sriracha sauce.

Beef Salad Yam Nua

Beef served on a bed of mixed lettuce with cucumber, celery, tomato and spring onion served with a zesty Thai dressing.

Som Tum

A Thai Favorite. Green Papaya, Carrot and Tomato with a zesty garlic dressing.

Som Tum with Prawn

A Thai Favorite. Green Papaya, Carrot, Tomato and Prawn with a zesty garlic dressing.

Tom Yum with Prawns Tom yam koong

Hot and sour Thai prawn soup, with prawns, mushrooms, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chili and lime juice.

Cashew Nut Chicken

Stir fried chicken with cashew nuts, onion and dried chili

Ginger Chicken Phad king gai

Chicken stir fried with ginger, mushrooms, onion, tomato and chili.

Mixed Vegetables Phad pak

Stir fried mixed vegetables with a vegetarian mushroom sauce.

Pork Fried Rice

Stir fried jasmine rice with pork, onion and mixed vegetables.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Stir fried jasmine rice with onion and mixed vegetables.

Chicken Rice Noodles Phad see iew gai

Rice noodles with chicken breast, green kale and egg.

Pad Thai with Prawns Phad Thai koong

Rice noodles with prawns, bean sprouts, dried shrimp, bean curd, egg, Chinese chives and green onion.

Pad Thai with Chicken

Rice noodles with chicken, with bean sprouts, dried shrimp, bean curd, egg, Chinese chives and green onion.

Green Curry with Chicken Kaeng kiew wan gai

A chicken curry of mixed vegetables, coconut milk, sweet basil, kaffir lime leaves, and spices.

Red Curry with Beef Panaeng gai

Beef in a rich red 'panaeng' curry of coconut milk and enhanced with herbs and basil.

Yellow Curry with Chicken Kaeng garee gai

Chicken curry with a cumin and coconut milk base, cooked with potato cubes, onions and blended with herbs and spices.

Beef Matsaman Curry

Beef in matsaman curry in cream of coconut, potato and onion.

Papaya Smoothie

A papaya and yoghurt blend with a surprising dash of chili.