Have a typical meal at any Thai restaurant, and you'll soon find yourself tucking into a plate of hot, sweet-smelling Jasmine rice, along with some sumptuously creamy, green curry and a bowl of spicy shrimp soup. A plate of spicy papaya salad with fresh vegetables and a delectable plate of Pad Thai are likely to be served, as well.

There's nothing quite like Thai cuisine, and its distinct roots have created the unique hybrid of tastes that people love today. The cuisine is a simple but inspired amalgamation of Western and Eastern influences that perfectly mixed the five tastes: bitter, salty, sour, spicy, and sweet.

Thailand's location contributed largely to its mixed cuisine. Being situated at a crossroads of sorts that opened it to Eastern and Western traders that came from the sea, it was inevitable that the country's culture and cuisine became infused with Arabian, Persian, Indian, Chinese, and Portuguese influences.

The bustling foreign trade saw Thailand being introduced to Portuguese sweets, while India's Buddhist monks reportedly brought curry to the country. It’s been said that Muslim cuisine and Indian curry even had a place of honor at a feast given for King Rama I. Some of the dishes introduced then, like yellow curry and Massaman curry, are still prevalent in any Thai restaurant today. The former uses spices like cumin, ground coriander seeds, powdered red chilies, and turmeric, while the latter utilizes dried spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

Meanwhile, China's influence can be clearly seen in dishes that involve stir-frying and deep-frying, as baking, grilling, and stewing are the traditional Thai methods of cooking. Thai cuisine largely consisted of fish and seafood, with herbs and vegetables as key ingredients. Buddhism's influence meant that using large chunks of animal meat was eschewed. Instead, they were shredded and laced with herbs and spices.
 

Do you want a taste of authentic Thai cuisine? If so, visit Mamasan's in Rochester, NY, to satisfy your craving. This renowned Thai restaurant offers a heady mix of Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Indulge with a bowl of spicy noodles or crispy salads for lunch or dinner. Call (507) 526-3033 or check out their website for more information about their delectable dishes today.