[NEronchik]

On my first visit to Thailand, to restaurant with Thai friends there, we each ordered what we wanted from the menu and we were served our orders...but I was surprised when my friends started "raiding" my plate..each of them taking piece from my plate...and in turn giving me piece of foods from their plates,...so I ended up eating more of what I did not order then of what I did order....Later my Noochie explained to me that that is the custom in Thailand when dining out with friends...i.e. to share your food with others, and eat some of their food....Well maybe it is custom,...but I `m not sure if it is such good custom.....I mean if we each order what we like, then that`s what we should each eat, or we may end up eat food we really don`t like...but I guess on few more trips I`ll get used more to this "All for one & one for all" dining custom

nice i liked it.

[cinggooft]

It is always good manners to offer food to others before adding it to your own plate.
As far as wiping the utensils goes, there is usually someone in the "gang" who seems to be the designated wiper.

The wiper will usually be the youngest or the 'lowest' in the hierarchy. The same thing happens when we are having some drinks. That same person will pour the drinks and add the ice. Everyone knows his/her role according to his/her status in daily interactions. That is the way Thai society operates.

[draigenia]

We also ate at KFC, on several occassions, ..and at my wife`s suggestion ( I guess chicken is something that Thais can`t get enough)..But those orders were signifacantly smaller than similar orders would be in U.S...So not to be cought short I generaly ordered those heftier orders for 400+ Bhts....and there was enough for me and those who were not quite satisfied with their smaller orders...But I have not seen mashed potatoes & gravy in Bkk. KFC...for me mashed potatoes & gravy is a must with fried chicken.

[aideriimibion]

You should try "MK" restaurant where you cook everything yourself at your table and share it out.

David

[draigenia]

I have to agree with Mr. Curt...I have Mexican neighbors here in Chicago,...and had for last 30 years,...so from my experience I would agree that they can be loud especially in summer time when they can open their windows, and have weekend garage parties..way till wee hours on Sundays....(and I did have to call police on them because of overly loud music on more than one occassion)

[dafodilkemmy]

My only problem is the one person, usually a matriach, who insists on using her spoon to rummage through the offerings to find her favorite pieces!