Why you should NEVER return an empty food bowl in Thailand | Thai Etiquette #1
I walked over to my neighbor Pinky with two bowls of excess food from a family dinner a while back. That evening I had intentionally made more food than I needed because I knew my neighbors would appreciate not having to cook for once. Pinky rang my doorbell a week later, bringing my two serving bowls back, filled with delicious freshly made southern fish curry and seafood stir fry with parkia speciosa. The food was terrific, and this kind and unexpected gesture reminded me that this would be a good topic for my food blog
I heard the doorbell ring and opened the gate; I saw my food bowls returned brimming with freshly made Thai food.
Hospitality and generosity with food are considered virtuous in Thailand and closely linked to our Buddhist faith. In parts of Thailand, it is even regarded as impolite to return an empty bowl to its owner unless it is within the close family.
The same principle of sharing applies when we, for example, harvest fruits. What we don't need we give away to family and friends. Sharing builds relations, prevents jealousy and the temptation for someone to come inside your property to help themselves to your chickens, fruits, and vegetables.
My bowls were returned to be accompanied by a surprise sour southern fish curry and seafood stir-fry with parkia speciosa.
Giving, sharing, and offering are integral to Thai culture. Still, it is also based on the principles of diplomacy and maintaining good relations with your neighbors - since a strong sense of community is in everyone's best interest. I know that Pinky and her husband keep an eye on my property and assets when I'm away.
So the next time you bake an apple pie or cook one of my authentic Thai recipes, make an extra bowl to give to your next-door neighbor. Who knows what that may lead to down the line.
I need to open the gate for a visitor, so you have to be a good boy. Deal?
