Thailand is known across the globe for a whole host of things, including its intricately designed temples, beautiful beaches, and most notably, its rich and flavorful cuisine. Thai flavors are like no other, making their dishes a popular choice for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Southern California. However, when you eat takeout from your favorite Thai place at home, you don’t get the full story or experience connected to the dish. In Thailand, even before you indulge in your first bite, you’re greeted with a warm welcome. No matter where you are – a street stall at a night market, a food court at the mall, or a fine-dining restaurant - you are greeted by the same warm welcome each time. After visiting Thailand, I can confirm that it has rightfully earned the nickname “The Land of Smiles”. In this essay, I’ll be going into depth about my dining experience in Thailand, how it differs/compares to my dining experience at home, and how every dish you eat there is served with a moment of genuineness that really drives home the fact that true hospitality isn’t just about great quality; it’s about connection.
I’ll close by remarking upon one of the most discussed topics when it comes to food in Thailand – its famous street and night markets. These markets are where you’ll find the most bustling communities that truly embody what it means to live in Thailand. In the United States, you’ll often pick up food from your favorite fast food place if you want something quick and easy for lunch. In Bangkok, you might have a favorite local street vendor you visit often and truly foster a connection with. Street markets are made up of multitudes of small businesses run by locals who are essentially the lifeblood of Thailand’s vibrant atmosphere and economy. Compared to a strip mall in Los Angeles County, street markets offer a significantly greater diversity of food options, greater affordability, and greater sustainability, plus the added bonus of a true connection to the local community and support for small businesses. Many shop owners spend years perfecting their craft, and you can really taste the passion in the food.
In an article published by Citylife Chiang Mai in 2022, the author Edward Shinapat Kitlertsirivatana takes the time to fondly highlight one specific street food vendor whom he appreciates: “In Chiang Mai, there is my favorite fried chicken vendor I go to often. Without a doubt, it tastes infinitely better than KFC for a fraction of the price. The owner – a couple – has been in this business for 15 years. One of her secrets is that she uses chicken oil to fry her chicken, in addition to her guarded recipe of overnight marination, which makes her chicken tender and flavourful. She tops her fried chicken with fried chopped onions and sticky rice. All for 50 baht for a hearty meal.” (Shinapat Kitlertsirivatana, Edward “Street food vendors are Thailand’s economic lifeblood” Citylife Chiang Mai, 17 August 2022). This just goes to show that street food vendors truly care about the food they make. It isn’t just a means to get by– it’s also a passion that truly makes them happy. The feeling you get when you present something you’ve worked really hard on is incomparable to anything else, and that’s where you get that famous Southeast Asian hospitality from. Smiles stem from an inner sense of accomplishment and pride that your work is being appreciated by people, even just an unassuming American tourist who’s never tried your food before.
Being in the moment, watching an Auntie who knows that she’s the best at making what she cooks, is amazing. I specifically remember being mesmerized by watching an old lady make mini khanom buang. She was an expert at it – carefully piping the meringue so that it wouldn’t spill, gently using her heat-conditioned hands to place the yolk strands onto each crepe, and folding up and flicking each finished crepe off of the grill so fast that I thought one of them would end up flying over the stall’s divider and directly into my face. She worked with such skill that it amazed me, and the scent of the finished desserts practically begged me to try them. I bought 10 of each kind, coconut and yolk, and they ended up being so good that I ended up returning to her and buying 40 more! The smile on her face when I returned made my own light up with joy as well, and she was so generous as to sneak 10 extra crepes into my order. She reminded me of my Lola, so happy that I liked what she prepared for me. For me, this kind of care truly embodies the spirit of hospitality.
If you have a true passion for serving, making others happy makes you happy. These small but significant connections make up what is regarded as truly remarkable service. A single moment can make a whole trip worth it! So here’s something to reflect on– what can we learn from a culture where joy, passion, and generosity are just as important as the ingredients on your plate?
Sources
https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/clg/living/community/street-food-vendors-are-thailands-economic-lifeblood/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Bangkok%20Post,A%20huge%20amount%20indeed.
About the Author:
Note: Angelina Tesoros submitted this essay as an assignment for the Food and Wellness in Sustainable Tourism class, which is a co-requisite for the Thailand Study Abroad Program at the Collins College of Hospitality Management, Cal Poly Pomona.
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