Thai cuisine is distinctive thanks to liberal use of spices subtly combined with herbs and market-fresh ingredients. Moreover, Thai cuisine also combines the best of Chinese and Indian culinary traditions while retaining its own special character.

Chinese food in Thailand, which is normally quite bland, is second to none. Major European, Levantine, Asian, and Oriental cuisine are represented in gourmet restaurants. American and English breakfasts are served in most hotels whilst numerous ubiquitous coffee-shops specialize in European dishes. Western fast food chains, snack bars, and ice-cream parlors have gained increasing popularity with the Thais.