Eating is a huge part of Thai culture and an even bigger part of my life. I am well known for my greediness and ability to put away more grub than the average growing lad. 

Eating in Thailand is a communal activity and the more the merrier. Numerous dishes are ordered and then brought to the table in no particular order, just as and when they are ready. I was recently out to lunch with some Thai friends and I had no idea that I was expected to order something to share. The concept of sharing my dinner is alien to me, and quite frankly the idea of not feeling full after my meal is quite scary. You see Thai's eat considerably less than I do and the portions are often laughable, if I was to join in the communal feast I am sure an auto-pilot ‘grab what I can’ instinct would take over. 

To avoid this nonsensical sharing business I have a great back up
plan - I am allergic to some chillies.  Some time ago I had to vacate two taxis in one journey to make a dash for shopping mall toilets. I abandoned one on a freeway and on the second dash I went into the ladies by accident, it was only when I had already checked in my luggage so to speak that I heard the ‘click click’ of high heels entering the cubicle next to me. Anyway, the point is, I don’t need to share because I can just say I am allergic to chilli, I wouldn’t want my friends to go without their hot food just because of little old me.

 In Bangkok people will set up restaurants or food stalls literally anywhere, the abundance of food and range of pricing ensures everyone gets a good much. My favourite steak BBQ restaurant is set up on wasteland under a freeway. I couldn’t imagine eating outdoors under the M25 motorway back home, but somehow it just seems normal here. Eating in the street is not every expats cup of tea - dishes washed in cold water, the odd friendly cockroach scurrying past and the fresh taste of diesel on your rice can put some food purists off. 

If you cannot handle the street cuisine then I suggest the traditional Thai Buffet. Every table has its own mini BBQ - below the grill is a moat where you pour in water to cook your noodles and veggies. Eat as much as you want for £2, but be careful not to leave any uneaten meat because you will be charged extra. I made this mistake the first time around, so, I cooked the remainder and dropped it into the moat full of water disguising it amongst the noodles and veggies – sneaky eh? 

If you’re looking for health and safety standards then you might be disappointed, if you’re looking for taste bud ticklers and variety Thailand is the food heaven, just don’t forget to carry Imodium!

Alfred James is a freelance writer, web marketer & life coach currently residing in SE Asia – www.writetherightway.com