Is Thai food the same as Indian food?

No, Thai food and Indian food are very different cuisines, even though they are both from Asia. Here's a breakdown of their key differences:

Ingredients:

* Thai: Emphasizes fresh herbs and spices like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and cilantro. Often uses coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice.

* Indian: Relies on a wide range of spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Uses yogurt, ghee (clarified butter), and various lentils and beans.

Cooking Techniques:

* Thai: Often uses stir-frying, grilling, and steaming.

* Indian: Employs a variety of techniques including roasting, simmering, deep-frying, and slow cooking.

Flavor Profiles:

* Thai: Known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Dishes often have a fresh, bright taste.

* Indian: Offers a wider range of flavor profiles, from very spicy to mild and creamy. Often uses complex spice blends and rich sauces.

Dishes:

* Thai: Popular dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice.

* Indian: Famous dishes include Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Samosas, Naan bread, and various curries.

In short, Thai food is known for its bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and use of fragrant herbs, while Indian food is renowned for its complex spice blends, diverse cooking techniques, and rich sauces.