Suan Sunandha Royal Cuisine Tray

By The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

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Royal Thai Cuisine, the Food for the Upper Class

The Royal Thai Cuisine is the food served to the King and the royal family at the Grand Palace or other residing palaces; therefore, the cooking must be more meticulous and elaborated than ordinary food. It reflects beliefs about divine Kings in the monarchy.

Folding and Sewing the Container Jar 1 (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Inner Court, the Center of Royal Thai Cuisine

Early in the Rattanakosin Era, Royal Thai Cuisine was centered in the Grand Palace. Ladies in waiting were in charge of the royal kitchen. During the reign of King Rama VI, this custom was changed. Saisavali Bhiromya was responsible for the royal kitchen.

Crafting Utensils from Leaves (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

H.H. Princess Saisavali Bhiromya Hall in Suan Sunandha

When Saisavali Bhiromya, the Royal Consort to King Rama V and many inner-court upper female officers came to live in Suan Sunandha, there was a new inner-court center. It could be said that Suan Sunandha was the center of Royal Thai Cuisine at that time.  

Dessert Wrapping (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Model of a Kitchen of H.H. Princess Saisavali Bhiromya

The cuisine preparation of Saisavali Bhiromya, the Royal Consort to King Rama V, was very important. It could be seen that there were always requests to hold royal banquets, a large kitchen and a tunnel for keeping kitchenware.

Forming the Container Jar Body with Banana Leaves (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Preparing a Thai Cuisine Set

The Royal Thai cuisine is a combination of various cultures. For example, breakfast was served with western food. Lunch and dinner were Thai food that was set for one person.

Crafting Banana-leaf Container (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Main Course, the Thai Savory Dishes

The main course was Thai savory food served with Thai soup/curry, a stir-fried dish and Thai-style salad. Occasionally, there might be western or Chinese food served with. 

Weaving the Outer Base of the Container Jar 1 (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Side Dishes as Subsidiary to the Main Course

The side dishes were served as subsidiary to the main dishes to have different tastes or enhance flavors to be more delicious. The chili paste with fresh vegetables had to be served every time no matter if it was not consumed.

Banana-Leaf Food Container (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Tup Tim Loy Kaew, a Pomegranate-liked Thai Dessert in Syrup

The dessert was served at last. Seasonal fruits were the favorite one. The ladies in waiting would peel the fruits while eating.

Weaving the Outer Base of the Casket 3 (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Meticulousness and Charm of Royal Thai Cuisine

The flavors of the Royal Thai Cuisine were various. They depended on the person who was eating. The most important concerns were hygiene and safety. It could be seen that there were 5 steps of cleaning Saisavali Bhiromya’s hands in order to garnish food decoration for the King.

The Fine Crafts of Banana Leaves (2021-08-25) by The Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Science and Art of Royal Thai Cuisine

The Royal Thai Cuisine is one of the sciences which art is also a part of cooking. It is food for both taste and sight. It inherits from a generation to a generation. After the Siamese Revolution of 1932, all activities in the court and cooking the Royal Thai Cuisine were ended.

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