76 replies to this topic

[Wino]

Thaimo, on 26 September 2009 - 12:21 AM, said:

In Thailand both are regularly used. I have been to places where only chopsticks are used. Many restaurants provide both western utensils and chopsticks. The Thais do use spoons, both western types and oriental types. Also, Thai food is almost never served with a knife. They use the side of the spoon instead of a knife to cut food.

I like the Thai way of eating with a spoon instead of with a fork. I am a fast eater and can really shovel the food in with the spoon.

[lvdkeyes]

A spoon is really more efficient and less messy than a fork for most foods.

[Wino]

lvdkeyes, on 01 October 2009 - 05:08 PM, said:

A spoon is really more efficient and less messy than a fork for most foods.

Why do you think they feed babies with a spoon?

[lvdkeyes]

So we don't stab their lips with a fork. LOL

[WannaGo]

lvdkeyes, on 02 October 2009 - 02:00 AM, said:

So we don't stab their lips with a fork. LOL

ROFLMAO


My stepmother was Japanese and spoons and chopsticks were the predominant eating utensils in our house when I was a kid. I still rarely use forks.

[prigas]

Bob, on 18 September 2009 - 01:57 AM, said:

What's sad, at least to me, is the increasing number of chubby Thai kids over the last decade. Ten years ago, I almost never saw anything other than your typical skinny Thai kid but I've remarked more and more the last 5-6 years that there are "little buddhas" popping up all over the place. And some of them are actually rather huge at 10-12 years of age.

Why? My guess is it parallels the growth of the burger joints, Dunkin Donuts, Pizza Hut, KFC, and all the crap food of the west. Over the years, you see more and more Thai kids and teenagers frequenting these places.

I totally agree with your post. Not only the above-mentioned restaurants, but also the number of bakeries has increased exponentially. And Thais are buying more and more bread these days - more specifically Thais in Bangkok. If you're looking to start a business in Bangkok, I suggest a Thai Bakery.

[lvdkeyes]

Speaking of chopsticks - In the US I once saw a woman feeding her husband (presumed) with chopsticks while he was driving. Scary! One bump and he would have gotten a chopstick up his nose or in his eye.

[Wino]

prigas, on 03 October 2009 - 08:09 AM, said:

I totally agree with your post. Not only the above-mentioned restaurants, but also the number of bakeries has increased exponentially. And Thais are buying more and more bread these days - more specifically Thais in Bangkok. If you're looking to start a business in Bangkok, I suggest a Thai Bakery.

I agree with the post, too. Seems like Western influence in Thailand is changing the way some people eat. Look at the many 7-11's and family marts and all the processed foods they sell.

[prigas]

I must add Issan (North East) food is wonderful as well. I've always enjoyed Kwaichap (Issan noodles) and Lap Ped (minced duck with chilli, green onions, mint, and fish sauce).

[Wino]

prigas, on 04 October 2009 - 03:43 PM, said:

I must add Issan (North East) food is wonderful as well. I've always enjoyed Kwaichap (Issan noodles) and Lap Ped (minced duck with chilli, green onions, mint, and fish sauce).

I like Issan food as well, although some is a little bit hot. In Issan don't they eat mostly with their hands, or do they use utensils?

[Thaimo]

Wino, on 05 October 2009 - 11:53 AM, said:

In Issan don't they eat mostly with their hands, or do they use utensils?

They use utensils.

[lvdkeyes]

My bf who is from CM, but lived in Udon Thani for 10 years told me Thais there eat with fingers when they have sticky rice and sometimes even with regular steamed rice.

[Bob]

lvdkeyes, on 05 October 2009 - 02:13 PM, said:

My bf who is from CM, but lived in Udon Thani for 10 years told me Thais there eat with fingers when they have sticky rice and sometimes even with regular steamed rice.

Whoops, I must be a slob. I and everybody I've ever seen eat sticky rice up north eats it with their fingers.

[Thaimo]

Yes, sticky rice is eaten with fingers. It almost has to be. Sticky rice is balled up and eaten, which would be difficult to do with utensils. We eat certain food with fingers too. If I eat a sandwich, a piece of fried chicken, spare ribs, etc. I pick it up. I don't use utensils. Pizza seems to be optional. Some people use utensils and some pick it up. We sometimes even refer to some foods as finger food and finger sandwiches.

[eleothegreat]

Wino, on 01 October 2009 - 09:28 PM, said:

Why do you think they feed babies with a spoon?

I've visited families in the Philippines who eat dinner using only spoons. I've never been a fan of just using the spoon - gives me a hard time, especially if the plate's shallow, but I think a lot of people find it easier.

And oh, we also use our hands from time to time. I saw a mom feeding her six month old baby with using her bare hands. I have a year old child and I've been very particular about cleanliness and food - so I never feed her using my hands except when I'm holding finger foods (which means that I only hold a part of the food and not necessarily stuff my fingers into her mouth), and I've always been particular about cleanliness when it comes to feeding her - so that sight really freaked me out.

[lvdkeyes]

If you wash your hands thoroughly there is no reason to keep fingers out of a baby's mouth.

[Bob]

Sometimes we all get a bit hung up about perceived cleanliness. I'm no slob (keep a very clean house, shower, etc.) but, having been raised with 10 other siblings, the notion of sanitizing (or thinking you are) everything in the house or everything that comes in contact with your kids is a pipe dream. I'd be willing to bet that there isn't a single thing that's within 3 feet of the floor of your house that your one-year-old hasn't slobbered all over (and that includes the toilet bowl...hehe). We're obviously born with marvelous immune systems.
My guess is you'd be aghast if somebody showed you on a microscope what's on your kitchen or bathroom counter, on any floor or in any carpet in your home, on any bed linen or pillow at this very moment. But, don't worry, no problem for anybody with a normal immune system.

[lvdkeyes]

Actually, it is not a good idea to COMPLETELY protect a child from bacteria. Being exposed helps to build the immune system. I am not suggesting to let a child get into anything he/she wants, but don't get paranoid about bacteria either.

[Wino]

Babies and kids are going to put things in their mouth. Try and keep things clean but the toddlers will find something to chew on, especially when they are cutting new teeth. It is just the way things are. I don't know how some of the nation's poor kids survive, with dirt floors and dirt streets. It must be that strong immune system.

[eleothegreat]

Yes, I do believe in letting the child "get dirty". I let my daughter crawl on the floor and put stuff in her mouth and all that - but using your fingers to feed the baby without washing first is a no no for me