smells minty and tastes similar to lemon, the thick, woody base of each leaf has long been a key ingredient in Thai cooking. You can easily grow your own by putting a few stems in one inch of water, set in a sunny area, then transfer to your garden after roots start to grow.

they sometimes eat them as a snack. Chiles come in different types and sizes. Phrik Khee Noo is the smallest kind, about a centimetre long, but also the hottest. Chopped up in fish sauce, it makes a sauce Thais add to almost any dish.

produces rice that's considered the very highest quality in the world. Indeed, much of the rice exported around the world is from Thailand.

A type of ginger, but it's milder and looks different than the usual form of ginger found in supermarkets.

which is usually a powder of five or more dried spices, commonly comprised of cardamom, cinnamon, and clove.

is a popular spice mix in Maharashtra. Leaves like tejpat, coriander leaf, fenugreek and mint leaf are used.is a popular spice mix in Maharashtra. Leaves like tejpat, coriander leaf, fenugreek and mint leaf are used.

Red curry paste

Roasted chili paste

spicy shrimp soup

fried noodles of Thai style

spicy beef salad

roast pork or chicken coated with turmeric

This is a green curry paste made of green, unripe chilies and herbs. This is often used for poultry dishes.

This is a yellow curry paste that contains turmeric and is often used with poultry.

This is a massaman curry. Influenced by India, this paste contains coriander and cumin as part of the blend and typically adds lemongrass, garlic or shallots, and some chilies.

This is a panang curry paste with roasted ground peanuts.

This is a red curry paste made with dried or fresh red, ripe chilies used in a variety of coconut milk-based dishes.

This is an orange curry paste made with shrimp and is often used in seafood dishes.

These are thought to be harmful to both the mind and the body, so the followers of the faith avoid this kind of food. Examples are meats, non-scaly fish, alcohol, tobacco, strongly fermented food items, vinegar, stale or overripe food products, heavy use of onions or garlic, and overeating in general.

These are thought to excite the body and make the mind restless. Examples are the heavy use of spices, chilies, coffee, tea, eggs, chocolates, dried cheeses, sour cream, aged yogurt, unripe fruits, garlic, and jaggary, a raw form of sugar

These are thought to help promote health and calmness of the mind. Examples are cereal grains, legumes, soft cheeses, nuts, seeds, milk, ghee, honey, herbal tea, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and bread.