Thai restaurants are everywhere, but how are you supposed to know which ones serve authentic Thai food?
Thai food has become a popular favorite here in America for quite some time. From Pad Thai to Thai-fried rice and red curry, these cultural dishes have been emulated all over the Western world. Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, salty, or sour, Thai food restaurants will have something for you to choose from.
Are you in the Seattle area and itching for some real, authentic Thai food? Here, we’re going to teach you how to tell if a Seattle Thai restaurant is authentic or not. Just keep on reading to learn more!
Balance
Thai food is one of the most unique cuisines on Earth because it’s known for its intricate balance of flavors. Authentic Thai restaurants will serve dishes that carefully blend sweet, salty, spicy, and sour effortlessly into a delicious flavor.
Oftentimes, Thai restaurants that are not authentic will rely way too much on coconut milk in their dishes. As a result, the food will taste bland and indistinct, which is the opposite of what you’re looking for if you’re craving real, authentic Thai food. Check out some of the most popular Thai dishes here!
Herbage and Seasonings
Authentic Thai food relies on the generous use of herbs and seasonings in each of its dishes. Some prolific herbs often included in Thai dishes are:
- Cilantro
- Galangal
- Lime leaf
- Sweet basil
- Holy basil
- Cha-om
Often, in Western kitchens, chefs will add salt and pepper before serving a Thai dish to patrons. Authentic Thai requires seasoning that’s much more complex than that; it would be hard to find a dish without Thai chilis, lime juice, lemongrass, citrus, or fish sauce!
You can tell if Thai food is authentic by assessing the richness of the flavors in each bite. If your meal is spicy and rich, chances are you’re eating authentic Thai food.
Restaurant Culture
The culture of a restaurant is also a huge indicator of if a place is authentic or not.
When it comes to Thai food, the general rule of thumb is that the food will be better if the menu is smaller. An overcrowded menu may mean that a restaurant does not serve authentic Thai. An authentic Thai restaurant will most likely only serve Thai food as well and will not boast other types of Asian cuisine on their menu.
Also, in Thailand, chopsticks are not used when eating. If a Thai restaurant gives you chopsticks, it may mean that the place is not authentic.
Enjoy Authentic Thai Food in Seattle
If you live in the Seattle area or you’re planning a visit soon, definitely check out the authentic Thai food restaurants that the area has to offer. Now that you know how to tell if a Thai restaurant is authentic or not, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a true dining experience. Want to try out the best Thai food in Seattle for yourself? Place an order for delivery now or stop in one of our family-friendly locations for a flavorful meal!