Spicy, sour, salty and sweet. Balancing these four flavors is the magic behind Thai food. At every Thai table, you will see a quartet of condiments—chili powder, vinegar (usually with chilies), fish sauce (sometimes also with chilies) and sugar—so each person can adjust the flavors to their own taste. Getting the balance right takes some practice and a whole lot of tasting, so here are a few recipes to start you on your way.
Spicy, sour, salty and sweet. Balancing these four flavors is the magic behind Thai food. At every Thai table, you will see a quartet of condiments—chili powder, vinegar (usually with chilies), fish sauce (sometimes also with chilies) and sugar—so each person can adjust the flavors to their own taste. Getting the balance right takes some practice and a whole lot of tasting, so here are a few recipes to start you on your way.