Thailand, the mere mention of this land is sure to conjure up images of beautiful beaches, friendly people, great nightlife and other touristy things. After all, Thailand is amongst one of India’s most well-frequented tourist destinations. Even Thai food is clearly a firm favourite among Indians. Ever wondered why Thai food is popular in India? A 2019 survey revealed that around 65% of respondents in India enjoy Thai cuisine. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this culinary love affair.
Cultural Ties: A Pillar in Why Thai Food is Popular in India.
From time immemorial Indian and Thai cuisines have been flavoured, tempered and made lip-smacking by their shared love of spices. Both South Asian and Thai cuisines favor common herbs and spices like cilantro, ginger, and cardamom, among others. In the Middle Ages, spice traders journeyed to both regions for coveted spices to trade with the West. After Constantinople fell, European traders braved long voyages to major Indian and Thai ports, seeking their fortune in the spice trade.
The perennial quest for balance
Both Thai and Indian cuisines are a delicate balance of the six tastes – sweet, sour, spicy, salty, bitter and umami. Both cuisines employ techniques like using whole spices and tempering oils to achieve this balance. Therefore the Indian palate is much more receptive to the familiar flavours and balance of Thai cuisine than many others.
A shared cultural history
Thailand and India’s relations date back thousands of years. Under the seafaring Chola dynasty of erstwhile Southern India, Thailand was one of the countries that established trade, cultural and religious links with India. Little wonder then that Hindu temples, ethos and even cultural and cooking traditions between the two countries flourished. Further evidence of this can be seen in the fact that many Buddhist traditions in Thailand have distinct Hindu roots, such as the adoption of the Mandala. The presence of several Hindu temples in Thailand also testify to this shared cultural heritage.
Tourism and Globalisation
According to the Thai Ministry of Tourism, in a single month of June 2019, nearly 180,000 Indian tourists visited the country. This is in part because of a favourable exchange rate, the familiarity of the countries shared heritage, the beautiful Thai archipelago and of course the food. There’s an old adage, that travel opens up the mind, and nowhere is this truer than the popularity of Thai food in India.
The inclusivity and versatility of Thai cuisine
Calling Thai cuisine inclusive is an understatement. Whatever be your preference, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian or non-vegetarian, Thai cuisine has something for everyone. The versatility of Thai curries is legendary. For instance, the same Thai curry paste can be used to cook both vegetarian, vegan, non-vegetarian and pescatarian options. With a few minor tweaks in condiments (like whether or not you want to add fish sauce to a preparation) and substitutions in protein from chicken to fish or tofu… and anyone can enjoy the deliciousness of the same curry in their own way!
So, these are the key factors that explain why Thai food is popular in India. Whether it’s the shared love for spices or the versatility of the dishes, Thai cuisine has won the hearts of Indian foodies. Embark on a journey of discovery of world cuisine with us. Shop for all your world cuisine staples with us. At www.chenabgourmet.com we have an amazing selection of any and all your culinary hankerings!