Thai food is usually hot & spicy although it can be tempered for the western palate. The basic seasonings include basil, cardamon, coconut milk, coriander, fresh curry, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, lime leaves & galangal with chilli to spice the hotter dishes.

Chilli's are an integral part of Thailand's cuisine and can become addictive. They lower the cholesterol in the blood and also act as painkillers by promoting the production of natural endomorphines. If a dish is too hot for your palate the best remedy is to eat lots of plain rice or even better gallons of cool beer!