Thai food has become one of the best loved ethnic cuisines in the world. From the growing number of Thai restaurants that have sprung up all over the world, to the increasing availability of Thai ingredients in western supermarkets and groceries, this sensation has never become more evident. Why so popular? Well, Thai food IS delicious - period. The secret of deliciousness lies in the pleasant balance of flavors and textures: pungent, salty, sweet, sour, crisp, soft, crunchy, chewy, gritty, etc. A dish of well-made Pad Thai has a little bit of everything in varying degree: tender noodles, tamarind and lime sour, sugary sweet, fish sauce salty, ground chilies spicy, and crispy ground peanuts and bean sprout. Tom Yam Kung is a just-right blend of sour-spicy-salty flavors, with refreshing aroma from at least five fresh herbs (galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and lime). The king of Thai curries, Massaman, is rich and deliciously sweet & sour from coconut cream, tamarind and palm sugar. Selected menus are considered "everyday food" for Thai people of today's generation and frequently seen in Thai restaurants worldwide. Substitutions and cooking tips are provided. The recipes categories are arranged based on the composition of a Thai meal. Everybody is served a plate of steamed rice and shares savory dishes placed in the middle of the table: a salad, a soup, a curry or curried dish, a stir-fry, an egg dish, etc. Thai noodles are usually served as a one-dish meal. But since they are gaining more popularity in the West, we have included eight delicious recipes that are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Content - Introduction Ingredients and Basic Preparations - Spicy Salads - Thai Soups - Curries - Vegetables - Eggs - Meat & Poultry - Fish & Shellfish - Noodles