Thai cuisine ranks high on most foodies' favorites list. But to truly savor its contrasting flavors, whether it’s the beef massaman curry, tom yum gung (hot and sour prawn soup) or som tam (spicy green papaya salad), it needs to be prepared with authentic ingredients by chefs who know the cuisine inside out.
To this end Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce had introduced the Thai SELECT certification back in 2006 as restaurants popped up around the world to cater to the increasing demand.
“Thai SELECT is a mark of certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce to guarantee the authenticity of Thai restaurants,” says Panot Punyahotra, Director, Thai Trade Centre – Dubai. It’s an assurance that the food being served at a restaurant with the Thai SELECT certification is made in traditional Thai style using proper ingredients.
“The objective is to increase the recognition of quality Thai restaurants as well as encourage Thai restaurant owners to raise the quality of their foods and services while maintaining the authenticity of Thai cuisine,” he adds.
In order to receive the Thai SELECT certification, restaurants need to adhere to stringent guidelines. In addition to the use of authentic ingredients, chefs need to be trained in the preparation of bona fide Thai meals and should have at least two years of experience.
“Thai SELECT certifies not only the food but also the hospitality and the atmosphere of the restaurant,” explains Mr Punyahotra. Based on the level of excellence, the certification is divided into three tiers – Thai SELECT Signature, Thai SELECT Classic, and Thai SELECT Casual.
In the UAE, Thai Trade Centre – Dubai conducts unannounced inspections to decide whether a restaurant is eligible for the Thai SELECT certification, which is valid for two years.
Mr Punyahotra says that receiving this prestigious mark of recognition isn’t easy: “The bar is set high, and the guidelines are strict.”
That explains why for the time being there are only 14 restaurants in the UAE that have received the stamp of approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
So, next time you feel like trying Thai food, make sure you head to one of these restaurants scattered across the Emirates for an authentic experience.
