Why Do Thais Love Their Rice?
Rice, in whatever shape or form, color or cooking technique, is Thailand’s most important staple food. Rice is an integral part of Thailand’s culture and its history, even more so than what bread is to western countries.
Thai people simply love rice – they can’t get enough of it! Thais will eat rice with almost every meal they take, be it salad, curry, soup, grilled chicken, even ice cream!
We, Thais simply love rice
The importance of rice in Thai cooking and indeed, Thai culture can be put down to its incredible nutritious value – rice is a wonderful source of nourishment and it can be grown in huge quantities, which is why so many Asian countries are able to sustain such large populations when compared to similar sized countries in other parts of the world.
Thailand’s Homegrown Pride – Its Rice Produce
Believe it or not, rice has been ingrained in Thai culture for thousands of years, so long that it even pre-dates Buddhism. Thai people believe that rice even has its own soul, in the form of Mae Posop, the “Rice Mother” or “Rice Goddess”. We believe that Mae Posop is born from rice, and when the rice flowers, she falls pregnant, before giving birth to more rice. Our culture, our beliefs and our values are forever entwined with rice.
Did you know that virtually every Thai food uses rice? You might be surprised, but it’s true.
Sure, Thai people love to eat a bowl of noodles at lunchtime, but where do those noodles come from? Rice of course!
Noodles are made from three different types of rice: Guay Tiew Zen Yai (thick), Guay Tiew Zen Lek (narrow) or Guay Tiew Zen Mee (thin).
Even popular desserts come from rice. You might have tried the delicious Khanom Jeen on your travels in Thailand. This is made from rice flour, which can be made from either Khao Niew (sticky rice) or Paeng Khao Jao (a non-glutinous rice).
Quite simply, without rice, Thailand would be a very different place indeed!
Related articles:
- Khanom Jeen (bangkokbeyond.com)
