Ever been to a foreign country or heard missionaries talk of other cultures? Often times, in addition to the local people, the thing that impresses missionaries and most people when they travel abroad is the quality of the food and that it is ‘authentic.’
If you’ve heard these same missionaries return from countries like Thailand and speak of how difficult it is to find that authentic taste in the U.S. you are not alone. Many of us have had similar experiences. The great food you often find in Mexico is not what you’ll find at your local Mexican restaurant. Often times, it’s smothered in cheese or other American favorites. Same with Chinese food. General Tao chicken was actually invented by an American!
Now, the government of Thailand has created a special seal to help you find real and ‘unAmericanized’ food made in the USA. Thai SELECT is the official seal of approval for true Thai cuisine, a certification granted by the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government to restaurants around the world.
For a restaurant to qualify, at least 60 percent of their menu must offer authentic Thai dishes, prepared using the same or similar cooking methods as those used in Thailand. About 400 restaurants in the United States have been certified.
The Thai government launched the program to promote real Thai cuisine across the globe.
Check out this short video on real Thai food!
Through September, an online and social media campaign, “Check for Thai SELECT,” will further encourage U.S. customers to seek out certified restaurants with a chance to win a trip for two to Thailand.
Find sweepstakes details HERE plus a full list of certified restaurants in the U.S. at ThaiSelectUSA.info.
Hungry and can’t wait to check online for authentic Thai food in KC? We’ve done the work for you:
Thai Place Westport
4130 Pennsylvania Ave. Kansas City MO 64111 816-753-8424 816-753-5595 www.kcthaiplace.com
Thai House Restaurant
9938 Holmes Road Kansas City MO 64131 816-943-1388 816-943-1385 www.kcthaicuisine.com
Hot Basil Thai Cuisine
7528 W.119th Street Overland Park KS 66213 913-451-3713 913-451-3714 www.hotbasilkc.com
If you life in another city, just check out their website and put in your city’s name.