Behind those tongue tingling flavours is a key culinary philosophy: a well-made Thai dish is a perfect balance of hot, sour, salty and sweet elements. No wonder it makes the mouth water just thinking about it. If you want to entrance friends and family with the exotic flavours of this vibrant, healthy cuisine, read on.

General origins

Thailand's geographical position between India, China and, to the south, Malaysia is something of a metaphor for its cuisine. The people known today as Thai are not a homogenous group, but long-term descendents of various different tribes.

Over several centuries this large sprawling country with diverse terrain and ethnic groups has absorbed influences from its neighbours through migration and trade. Portuguese mariners of the 16th century also had a key impact on the country's eating habits, most importantly bringing chillies and other ingredients from the Americas.

Main influences

In each geographic region of Thailand, a distinct culinary style has evolved based on the local ingredients, climate and society. However, a few factors are common.

Rice is the staple food but not a low status one. Thais consider it essential to their wellbeing and other dishes are made to accompany it, rather than rice being cooked to accompany the other dishes. It's also considered poor form, especially in villages, to waste this precious grain, and consequently there are several Thai dishes that involve the use of cooked or leftover rice.

Nahm prik is another unifying factor of Thai cuisine. This is a family of spicy relishes made with a pestle and mortar and served in a small bowl alongside vegetables and dishes such as omelettes and deep-fried foods. Nahm prik typically includes garlic, shrimp paste, chillies, lime juice and palm sugar, though there are many variations designed to suit particular dishes and regions.

Thais consider it normal to eat several times a day - little and often. A well-balanced main meal will include rice, a hot curry, a salad, a vegetable dish, condiments and a soup. This will be supplemented throughout the day with snacks, often purchased freshly cooked from roadside and market vendors.

You may wonder how Thais stay so slim and healthy eating all this food, but the diet is on the whole a very nutritious one based on fresh produce. And with most of the country employed in agriculture, a day's work typically involves a good amount of physical activity.